Macy's 2023 Parade Starts a Half-Hour Earlier
At a Glance
- What
The 97th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
- When
- November 23, 2023, 8:30 a.m.-noon
- Where
Manhattan, from West 77th Street and Central Park West to Herald Square
- Admission
Public streetside viewing was free; NBC broadcast the event and Peacock streamed it.
- Coverage
- Explore coverage
- Details
- What to Know
TheNakedNYC coverage
TheNakedNYC documented the balloons, floats, performers, and crowds along the 2023 parade route.
What to Know
The Route Through Manhattan
The 2.5-mile procession followed Central Park West, Columbus Circle, Central Park South, and Sixth Avenue before finishing at Macy's Herald Square. The earlier start applied to both the parade and its national broadcast.
Seven New Character Balloons
Macy's announced 16 featured character balloons and 32 heritage and novelty balloons. Seven featured balloons were new, including Beagle Scout Snoopy, Po, Leo, Monkey D. Luffy, and Uncle Dan.
Four New Floats
The 26-float lineup included four additions: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, Palace of Sweets, Igniting Memories, and The Deliciously Delectable World of Wonka. Santa Claus closed the procession.
Performers on the Street and Stage
The announced program included 12 marching bands, nine performance groups, and more than 700 clowns. Cher, Jon Batiste, Brandy, Bell Biv DeVoe, Pentatonix, Broadway casts, and the Radio City Rockettes were among the featured performers.
The Work Behind the Procession
Macy's listed 5,000 volunteers. Its year-round Parade Studio brings together carpenters, engineers, electricians, painters, animators, balloon technicians, sculptors, metalworkers, costume teams, and scenic designers to prepare the event.
