Get ready to kick off the holiday season with the spectacle of the year: The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! This iconic event, filled with massive balloons, fabulous floats, and sensational performances, is more than just a parade; it's a beloved tradition that brings joy and holiday spirit to millions.

And to help you celebrate the season of giving, we've crafted the ultimate guide to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, from the floats to the performances and everything else in between. Let's dive in, shall we?

How to Watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

The parade will be broadcast live from New York City on NBC and on the Peacock streaming app on Thursday, November 23. The parade will be held from 8:30–noon (ET).

Parade Route

Spanning 2.5 miles, this year's parade route will kick off at West 77th Street and Central Park West and come to an end in front of Macy's Herald Square.

macy's thanksgiving day parade route map

Parade Floats and Balloons

There will be 25 balloons, 6 balloonicles, and 31 floats featured in Macy's 2023 Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Notable favorites like Bluey, Grogu, SpongeBob SquarePants, Stuart the Minion, and so many more. New additions to the balloons this year include Beagle Scout Snoopy, Blue Cat & Chugs (Cool Cats), Kung Fu Panda's Po, Leo (LEO), Monkey D. Luffy (One Piece), The Pillsbury Doughbough, and Uncle Dan (Migration).

We'll see all sorts of floats along the route, including 1-2-3 Sesame Street, Tom Turkey, and, of course, Santa's Sleigh. Like the balloons, several new floats will be making their debut this year: Camp Snoopy, Good Burger Mobile, Igniting Memories, Mutant Mayhem, Palace of Sweets, and The Deliciously Delectable World of Wonka.

Musical Guests and Performances

Every year, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade features a multitude of talented performers and special guests, and this year's parade is no different. We've got the full list of performers below, from special guests to marching bands and performance groups.

  • Special Guests:
    • Alex Smith
    • Amanda Shaw
    • Ashley Park
    • Bell Biv Devoe
    • Brandy
    • Cher
    • Chicago
    • David Foster and Katherine McPhee
    • Dew Holcomb and the Neighbors
    • Enhypen
    • En Vogue
    • Jax
    • Jessie James Decker
    • Jon Batiste
    • Manuel Turizo
    • Miss America Grace Stanke
    • Paul Russell
    • Pentatonix

  • Marching Bands:
    • Alabama A&M University Marching Maroon & White Band
    • Fishers High School Marching Tiger Band
    • Greendale High School Marching Band
    • Jenison High School Marching Band
    • Macy's Great American Marching Band
    • Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Eagle Regiment Marching Band
    • Mercer Island High School Marching Band
    • O'Fallon Township High School Marching Panthers
    • Rutgers University Marching Scarlet Knights
    • Texas Tech University Goin' Band From Raiderland
    • The Band Directors Marching Band
  • Performance Groups:
    • Big Apple Circus
    • Cornell Bhangra
    • MVSA Studios
    • Phantom Limb Company
    • Spirit of America
    • The Tap Dancing Christmas Trees
    • Tiptoe Winter Guard