Thanksgiving is less than 24 hours away, which means so is the annual Macy’s Parade! If you are a fan of these types of celebrations, then Thanksgiving Day is your day to relish, as several major cities across the US will be lining up to celebrate the biggest holiday of the fall season - Thanksgiving! Yes, well before this day was known for NFL football, annual celebratory festivities honoring our freedom were marching through streets all across our great land.

Macy’s not alone in tradition

While millions of Americans know about the world-famous Macy’s Day Parade in New York, which was made even more popular by the hit movie, “Miracle on 34th Street,” there are several other big Thanksgiving Day parades that take place as well.

Two great examples are the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Chicago and America’s Parade in Detroit.

Detroit, Tradition City

Quick trivia. What is the longest-running Thanksgiving Day parade? If you guessed The Macy’s Day Parade, you would be incorrect! The America’s Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit will be celebrating its 91st year of existence in 2017. 91-years of tradition this year makes it one of the longest-running gathering of floats in American history.

The parade has been a holiday tradition in Motown since 1924 and has become bigger and better each year. Now, while many historians will tell you that the Macy’s annual festivities also began in 1924, they would be correct. However, the parade in Detroit was on Thanksgiving, while Macy’s first extravaganza 91 years ago was held on Christmas Day, technically beating out Macy’s by one month!

McDonald’s tradition turns 83

Another great Thanksgiving Day tradition is turning 83-years old this Turkey Day when parade-goers take to State Street in Chicago, Illinois for the annual McDonald’s Parade.

The annual Chicago tradition got its humble beginnings back in 1934 when it was known as “The Christmas Caravan.” While the name has changed several times since then, the traditions have not.

It is still all about the holidays, family and fun - and of course Santa Claus! The balloons are bigger, the stars are brighter and crowds are festive and really, that is what the holiday season is about.

How to watch live online, TV

No matter where you are this Thanksgiving, you can watch every parade as they unfold live. If you are from Detroit but live in Florida, or you were raised in New York, but now live in Alaska, don't worry, modern technology has you covered.

Below is the start time for each parade, and how you can see every minute live on television or streaming live online. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Macy's Parade

  • Start time: 9 a.m. ET
  • TV: NBC
  • Live stream: Verizon 360 YouTube or NBC.com/live

America's Parade in Detroit

  • Start time: 8:50 a.m. ET
  • TV: WDIV NBC Detroit
  • Live stream: ClickonDetroit.com/parade

McDonald's Parade

  • Start time: 8 a.m. CST
  • TV: WGN
  • Live stream: WGNTV.com
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