Although broadcast nationally, live coverage of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is not available outside the United States. However, with Proton VPN(new window), you can easily watch(new window) this fun annual extravaganza from wherever you are in the world.
Where to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
NBC is the official broadcaster for the event, so the easiest way to watch the parade (for free with ads) is on NBC. It’s also available (for free with ads) on CBS, using its own hosts.
In this guide, we’ll focus on using NBC and CBS to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. But it can also be streamed on the following platforms (possibly subject to specific location):
- Peacock(new window) (NBCUniversal’s streaming service)
- Sling TV(new window)
- Paramount+(new window) (CBS’s streaming service)
- Hulu + Live TV(new window)
- YouTube TV(new window)
How to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade using Proton VPN
To use streaming services via Proton VPN, you’ll need a paid Proton VPN plan. If you already have a Proton VPN Free plan, you can upgrade your account by logging in and selecting Plus (or another paid plan) from your account dashboard.
If you don’t have a Proton VPN account, you can sign up for a Plus plan here(new window).
From your browser
1. If you haven’t already, you’ll need to download and install Proton VPN for your device.
- Proton VPN for Windows(new window)
- Proton VPN for macOS(new window)
- Proton VPN for Linux(new window)
2. Log in to Proton VPN and connect to any Plus (not free) server located in the United States.
3. Visit either the NBC(new window) or CBS(new window) website and just start watching the parade.
On a mobile device
NBC apps are available for Android(new window), iOS and iPadOS(new window). CBS apps are also available for Android(new window), iOS and iPadOS(new window).
1. If you haven’t already, you’ll need to download and install Proton VPN for your device.
2. Log in to Proton VPN and connect to any Plus (not free) server located in the United States.
3. Download the NBC or CBS app and just start watching the parade.
On your smart TV
NBC and CBS apps are available for Android TV, Amazon Fire TV (“firestick”), and Apple TV.
1. Download Proton VPN for:
2. Log in to Proton VPN and connect to any plus (not-free) server located in the United States.
3. Install the NBC or CBS app on your Android TV, Fire TV, or Apple TV device and just start watching the parade.
Frequently asked questions
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is held each year in New York City on Thanksgiving Day, organized and sponsored by the department store Macy’s. Since 1924, this tradition has drawn large crowds and has become famous for its giant balloons, elaborate floats, musical performances, and celebrity appearances.
The Parade is held on Thursday, November 28. It starts at 9am EST and finishes at midday (12pm).
The parade lasts three hours. You can find the full route here(new window).
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade first took place in 1924, making it the joint second-oldest(new window) Thanksgiving parade in the United States (the 1920 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade(new window) in Philadelphia being the first).
NBC is the official broadcaster for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, but it’s also broadcast on CBS with its own presenters.
