Now that Halloween has passed, it seems that everyone is ready for the winter holidays — but before you get into the Christmas or Hanukkah spirit, we first have to think about Thanksgiving. Whether you’re planning to listen to some music and go out with your friends on Thanksgiving Eve, reminisce on some of your past Thanksgivings around the table, or just eat turkey and spend time with your family, there’s one tradition that millions of Americans all partake in each Thanksgiving: the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade takes place every year in New York City, and 2023 marks its 97th annual return. According to History.com, the parade first took place back on Nov. 27, 1924. The parade takes place on Central Park West and 77th Street, and ends right in front of Macy’s Herald Square on 34th Street.
Here is all the information you need to know about 2023’s lineup, time, and route for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
What time is the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
This year’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will take place on Thursday, Nov. 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Eastern Time. It features 25 balloons with six new balloons for this year. It will also include 30 floats, nine marching bands, 17 performers, 29 clown crews, and five performance groups.
Who is performing at the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
This year, you’ll be able to enjoy performances from these musical guests:
- Cher
- Ashley Park
- Brandy
- David Foster & Katherine McPhee
- Chicago
- Paul Russell
- Jesse James Decker
- Pentatonix
And of course, last but not least, the annual parade will end featuring Santa Claus!
How to watch the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
To tune into the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, watch it live on NBC and Peacock on Thanksgiving Day from 8:30 a.m. to noon in all time zones.
You can tune in to NBC or CBS if you have cable to watch the parade live. To see the parade live streamed you can watch it on the NBC app or website. And in case you miss it, you can watch the parade again at 2 p.m. Eastern Time.
The 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade route
The parade starts at West 77th Street and Central Park West. You can check out the route on Google Maps, where there’s an official map to follow along.
If you’ll be in New York City and want to watch the parade in person, you’ll have to brave the crowds, but there are some good spots to. view the action. Check out these spots to watch the parade, recommended by Free Tours By Foot:
- West 59th Street and 6th Avenue
- 75th Street
- West 77th Street and Central Park West
So whether you’re spending time with family or not this Thanksgiving, make sure to tune into the parade! It’s an event you won’t want to miss.