Watch 2016 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Live Online: Start Time, Streaming Video, Including A Live 360-Degree View Of The Parade
Viewers looking to watch the 2016 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade live online will have an awesome new option this year — a full 360-degree view of the storied parade down the heart of New York City.
Years ago, the parade branched into streaming technology, offering live online video of the parade along with the traditional telecast on NBC. But this year it’s going one step further, with the option to watch a live streaming video from Verizon that offers a full 360-degrees of New York City (instructions on how to find the video can be found below).
The new way to watch the 2016 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade live online also means more options for parade commentary. The NBC broadcast will follow its recent tradition of using Today show hosts Matt Lauer and Savannah Guthrie, while the #Verizon360 livestream will be hosted by Marlon Wayans and Olivia Culpo.
Don't forget to watch @HelloKitty in the @Macys Thanksgiving Parade! The 2016 #MacysParade will be live tomorrow on @NBC at 9 am ET! pic.twitter.com/7wJBVR2yNs
— Hello Kitty (@hellokitty) November 23, 2016
Coverage of the parade starts at 9 a.m. and runs through noon (which is the same in all time zones) on NBC, with the live online broadcasts running concurrently. The parade is expected to draw more than 3 million people to the streets of Manhattan, where they will see a number of giant balloons along with plenty of performances.
Al.com had a full list of the performers for the 2016 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
“Joining in the parade this year will be celebrities Kelsea Ballerini; Tony Bennett; Aloe Blacc; Chloe x Halle; Easton Corbin; Daya; De La Soul; Diamante Eléctrico; Brett Eldredge; Fitz & the Tantrums; Christopher Jackson; Johnnyswim; Sandra Lee; Maddie & Tae; Sarah McLachlan; NHL legends Adam Graves and Eric Lindros; Ben Rector; Regina Spektor; the cast and Muppets of Sesame Street; Sprout’s Chica; Timeflies; U.S. Olympic Gold Medalists Michelle Carter and Laurie Hernandez; U.S. Paralympic Gold Medalists Mikey Brannigan, Gianfranco Iannotta; Grace VanderWaal; and Jacob Whitesides, among others.”
Tomorrow! Tune in at 9 AM ET to catch me in the @Macys Day Parade!? pic.twitter.com/2d0KaeZz0U
— Kelsea Ballerini (@KelseaBallerini) November 23, 2016
There will also be plenty of favorite floats, including the Hello Kitty float, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Sesame Street, and Pokemon. And mixed in will be marching bands representing schools from across the country. A full list of all performers including all these local bands can be found here.
Those who watch the 2016 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade live online will see one of the most closely guarded events in the history of the storied parade. Officials have taken measures to beef up security, including trucks filled with sand that will be rolling along the parade to protect the crowd from potential terrorist attacks like the one in Nice, France, last summer.
“As the parade balloons begin to take shape so is the city’s security plan,” CBS News reported. “Metal barricades will line the nearly three mile long route, and canines will sniff for explosives as more than 3,000 uniformed officers watch the crowds.”
There had been rumors that the parade might become a target for a terrorist attack, which was boosted by the alleged chatter online from terrorist groups.
Local officials said the measures they took are necessary to protect against any possible attack. And as CBS News noted, ISIS had already noted in an online magazine that the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade could be a good target.
“NYPD is more than ready to handle anything that is going on around us and to work with everyone to make sure it’s a safe and fun day for everyone who attends,” said New York mayor Bill de Blasio.
Viewers who want to watch the 2016 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade live online can find the traditional broadcast on NBC’s website, though a cable subscription is required to watch. Those who want to check out the 360-degree live streaming video of the Macy’s parade can go to the Verizon’s YouTube channel.
[Featured Image by Diane Bondareff/AP Images for Ocean Spray]
