How to Watch Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade
Twenty-twenty hasn’t taken everything from us: The historic annual Macy’s Thanksgiving parade has somehow not been canceled this year. Subject to precautions, the event, which will be televised, will run on schedule, as it has been for nearly a century. Things may look a little different this year.
Big changes bring a new viewing experience
For the parade this year, the parade organizers have made a number of changes to the work of the event . To limit the time parade participants will spend in large groups, the parade route has been shortened and split into staged performances in and around New York’s Herald Square. The number of participants will be reduced by 75% and will be limited to participants from three New York states. All participants will be wearing face masks and will be required to remain socially distanced. School and student orchestras from all over the country, which usually perform, were moved to the next year’s parade and replaced by local orchestras.
The biggest change will be the iconic hot air balloon march. The giant holiday balloons, which are usually held by hundreds of handlers, will instead be attached to special vehicles and shipped on a shortcut route. The physical changes will be obvious, but shouldn’t greatly diminish the magic of the event – at least not as seen on TV.
How to Watch Macy’s 2020 Thanksgiving Parade
Private spectators are not allowed this year, but there are several ways to watch the holiday from home. The parade takes place on Thanksgiving morning from 9 am to noon ET and is hosted by Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker of Today .
Through the Internet
If you have at least a basic cable TV subscription, you can watch the parade on NBC.com . Click on the ‘live tv’ option and log in with your cable TV provider credentials.
Watch the online broadcast of the parade
If you don’t have a cable TV subscription, you can still catch the full program. Macy’s is partnering with Verizon this year to stream the Thanksgiving event on YouTube. You can visit the Verizon YouTube channel to follow all of the performances and celebrations live.
View the event on social media
From your phone or tablet, you can tune in to show the talk on Verizon’s @verizon Twitter page . The live Twitter will be hosted by actor and TV journalist Mario Lopez . You can also access Verizon’s “ front door ” where you can see all 360-degree views. Look at the Racquette like never before – and not just because they will all be wearing masks.