Thanksgiving Watch Guide: NFL Games, Macy’s Parade & More
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There’s plenty to be grateful for this Thanksgiving – from family and friends to the lineup of exciting events airing on TV throughout Turkey Day.
Whether you’re most looking forward to cheering on your team playing in one of three NFL games or watching the extravagant floats and giant balloons parading through NYC, we’ve got the information you need to be able to watch live with your family.
Check out our Thanksgiving Day watch guide right here so you can spend more time enjoying the start of the holiday season and less time channel surfing for something to watch during the post-turkey slump.
How to Watch the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
First up on Thanksgiving Day morning is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. You can watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade live from NYC on NBC (find your local NBC channel) or on Peacock starting at 8:30 a.m. ET. The parade will last until 12 p.m. ET, making it the perfect accompaniment as you chef up in the kitchen.
What to Watch for During the Parade
Make sure to look out for these brand-new balloons and installations in the 2025 parade. You could even make it a game to give the kids something to do to keep them out of the kitchen!
New Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloons
Buzz Lightyear to commemorate 30 years of Toy Story
Derpy Tiger from KPop Demon Hunters
Mario™ from Nintendo
PAC-MAN from Bandai Namco
Shrek’s Onion Carriage from the Shrek franchise
New Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Floats
Brick-Tastic Winter Mountain from The Lego Group
Friends-Giving in POPCITY from POP MART, featuring LABUBU and MOKOKO
Master Chocolatier Ballroom from Lindt
The Counting Sheep’s Dream Generator from Serta
The Land of Ice and Wonder from Holland America Line
The Littlest Float from Goldfish®
Upside Down Invasion: Stranger Things from Netflix
How to Watch the 24th Annual National Dog Show
Right after the Macy’s Day Parade ends, the excitement continues on with the 24th annual National Dog Show Presented by Purina!
Watch as nearly 2000 dogs take to the stage in hopes of being crowned Best in Show.
You can catch it on NBC from 12-2 p.m. ET.
How to Watch Thanksgiving Football Games
For those family and friends more interested in football than floats and furry friends, don’t worry, there’s plenty of TV time for everyone.
For the 20th year in a row, fans will get the chance to see three Thanksgiving NFL games live on TV Thanksgiving Day. Let’s check out the game lineup below to find out when – and what channel – to tune in.
The Green Bay Packers (7–3, W1) enter with one of the league’s most balanced profiles, sporting a +61-point differential and a stingy defense. The Detroit Lions (7–4, W1) counter with a strong offense – top four in total yards and top three in rushing – and an impressive +83-point differential. With both teams sitting above .500 and coming off wins, this matchup could have major NFC playoff implications.
The Kansas City Chiefs (6–5, W1) come in trying to steady themselves in what has been a rollercoaster of a season, but they still boast the second strongest passing offense and a +76-point differential. The Dallas Cowboys (5–5–1, W2) counter with the league’s No. 1 offense in total yards and No. 1 passing attack, looking to extend a two-game surge. With both offenses capable of exploding, this matchup has the makings of a Thanksgiving shootout.
The Cincinnati Bengals (3–8, W1) look to build momentum after a much-needed win, but their -112-point differential highlights their struggles on both sides of the ball. The Baltimore Ravens (6–5, W5) ride a five-game win streak and a positive point differential, giving them a major edge against a Bengals team that has been inconsistent offensively. With Baltimore heating up and Cincinnati battling uphill, the Ravens enter Thanksgiving with the momentum advantage.
Where to Watch ‘A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving’
Due to an exclusivity agreement with Apple TV+, Peanuts specials – including A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving – are only available to those with an Apple TV+ subscription.
What network airs the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade?
Watch the Macy's Day Parade live on NBC or stream it on Peacock.
Which NFL games are being played this Thanksgiving?
The NFL Thanksgiving Day Game lineup is: Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions @ 1 p.m. ET on FOX
What time is the National Dog Show airing on Thanksgiving?
The National Dog Show airs after the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade at 12 p.m. ET on NBC.
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