Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade: Where to watch and who will perform
'14.11.2023'
Alina Prikhodko
The holiday season is officially open as the city prepares for one of the largest holiday parades - the Parade Macy's on Thanksgiving Day. The 97th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off on Thursday, November 23rd at 8:30 a.m., earlier than ever (it previously started at 9:00 a.m.).
The parade will feature 25 balloons, 31 floats, 700 clowns, 11 marching bands and seven performing groups, as well as Santa Claus. The parade will be broadcast from 8:30 a.m. to noon on NBC, Telemundo and on Peacock.
Where to Watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City
The parade will begin at 77th Street and Central Park West at 8:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day. The parade will follow a 4-mile route from Central Park West to Columbus Circle, turn east to Central Park South and head south on Sixth Avenue, then turn onto 34th Street and end at 7th Avenue in front of the Macy's flagship department store on the Herald Square.
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Spectator areas will be set up at specially designated sections of the route, and the New York Police Department will monitor order there. Spectators should arrive early, around 6 a.m., and are encouraged to secure a seat along Central Park West between West 75th and West 61st Streets. You can also choose a location along 6th Avenue between West 59th and West 38th Streets.
Locations where viewing is prohibited or restricted due to national television coverage:
- Central Park West and West 77th Street;
- Central Park West between West 60th and West 59th streets;
- Central Park South between Columbus Circle and 6th Avenue;
- 6th Avenue between West 38th and West 34th Streets;
- West 34th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues.
Spectators are asked not to bring large bags, umbrellas, backpacks or baby strollers. Guests will be screened upon entering the viewing areas.
Iconic parade balloons
From noon to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 22, Macy's signature parade balloons will be inflated at 77th and 81st Streets, between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue on the Upper West Side.
Several new character balloons will debut this year, including Snoopy the Beagle Scout, Kung Fu Panda's Po and the legendary Pillsbury. Other new items include Leo from the upcoming movie “Leo,” Monkey D. Luffy from the anime “One Piece,” Blue Cat and Chugs from NFT Cool Cats, and Uncle Dan from the upcoming movie “The Migration.”
The balloons will also include SpongeBob SquarePants and Gary, Bluey, Ronald McDonald, Pikachu and Eevee, as well as The Mandalorian star Grogu - better known as Baby Yoda.
Star-studded performances and performances
Turkey Day in Manhattan always features a star-studded parade. Musical guests scheduled to perform include Cher, Jon Bautista, Paul Russell, Jesse James Decker and Pentatonix. Miss America 2023 Grace Stahnke, Olympian Jordan Chiles and Paralympian Jessica Long will also perform at the celebration.
The parade will feature performers from the Broadway shows “Back to the Future: The Musical,” “How to Dance in Ohio” and “& Juliet.” The Big Apple Circus, Harlem Globetrotters and Radio City Rockettes will also entertain guests.
