Happy Thanksgiving! It's officially that time of the year once again where the streets begin to be filled with holiday cheer, and there's no better way to start the season off than with the annual "Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!" Whether you plan to watch the 2014 parade in person on the snowy streets of Manhattan or catch the show on television, its sure to be as festive and joyous as ever!
As always, there are two major networks broadcasting the 2014 parade: NBC and CBS. While NBC is the official sponsor of the "Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade," CBS also airs the show annually under the simple title of "Thanksgiving Day Parade." While both channels will cover the balloons, floats, and performers, each offers a unique perspective on the morning's events. In addition, both channels coverage lasts from 9 AM until 12 PM on Thanksgiving day, covering the full length of the parade.
What should you expect to see at the parade? According to NBC, "More than 8,000 participants, some donning clown costumes, handling balloon giants or striking up the band, will set off down the streets of Manhattan at the sound of the time-honored catchphrase "Let's Have a Parade."
From its humble beginnings in 1924 to the breathtaking spectacular of today, the Macy's Parade lineup unfolds each year in grand fashion. It's not just a parade marching down an avenue; it is a march through tradition, history and popular culture. The magic Parade's famed lineup this year features 16 giant character balloons; 33 novelty/ornament balloons, balloonicles, balloonheads and trycaloons; 27 floats; 1,300 cheerleaders and dancers; 1,000 clowns; 12 marching bands; and a host of celebrity performers."
...So It's obviously worth watching! So which channel should you tune into? We're here to help you decide.
On NBC, "Matt Lauer, Al Roker and Savannah Guthrie anchor coverage of the 88th annual procession in Manhattan, featuring slated appearances by Hilary Duff, Renee Fleming, Becky G, Lucy Hale, Nick Jonas, KISS, Sandra Lee, the Madden Brothers and Romeo Santos. The gala includes character balloons, floats and marching bands," according to the official TV Guide synopsis.
On CBS, "The 54th annual holiday telecast from New York City, anchored by Kevin Frazier and Thea Andrews. Taylor Swift performs. Also: performances from Broadway's 'Matilda' and 'Pippin,' explains TV Guide.
While NBC certainly has the stronger all-star line up, it's certainly hard to beat Taylor Swift!
If you're one of the 3.5 million brave souls expected to catch the parade in person, head to Central Park West from 75th to 59th Streets for a great viewpoint. "The parade will travel down Central Park West and turn at Columbus Circle before travelling down 6th Avenue from 59th to 34th Streets before making its final turn to stop in front of Macy's Herald Square. Great views of the parade (...for early birds) can be had on 6th Avenue from 59th to 38th Streets but viewing is restricted on 6th Avenue from 38th to 34th Streets because of TV cameras," suggest iDigital Times. For a route map and more in depth vantage point details, click here (includes map, parade route, parade formation, dispersal, closures, etc.)
If you're like most of America though, you'll probably be too busy getting the Turkey in the oven to make it out to the streets of Manhattan. Instead, tune into the NBC or CBS coverage of the "Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!"
Not convenient to get to a TV in time? No problem, we've got you covered! You can access the full "Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade" 2014 show via a free NBC live stream - click here, here or here (one link may work over another due to region restrictions) to watch the entire show!
Or if you'd prefer to catch Taylor Swift and company over at CBS, you can access the full "Thanksgiving Day Parade" 2014 coverage via a free CBS live stream - click here, here, or here (one link may work over another due to region restrictions) to watch the entire show!
Rather avoid the commentary all together and get a voyeuristic vantage point as if you were really there (with an awesome spot)? Check out the free EarthCam live stream by clicking here, which offers a live feed with sound from Columbus Circle (the parade starting point).
Did we give you enough options? I think you should be covered!
We hope you enjoy the "Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade" 2014 festivities! Happy Turkey Day!
