‘Pikachu and Eevee’ balloon at the 2022 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 24, 2022 in New York City.Photo:Noam Galai/Getty
Noam Galai/Getty
Cue the music andThe Muppets— it’s time to countdown to a parade!
On Nov. 23, 2023, the beloved traditioncelebrates its 97th yearofgigantic balloons, festive floats, marching bands, live performances and so much more. Each year, the event brings together holiday revelers from near and far to witness the magic of the parade in New York City. Can’t watch the procession in person? You and your loved ones can conveniently take in all thesights and sounds of merrimentno matter where you are.
Here’s everything to know about where to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade andwhat you can expect to seeduring the live broadcast, all from the comfort of your home.
When and where can I watch?
Al Roker, Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb during the 2021 Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade.Eric Liebowitz/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty
Eric Liebowitz/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty
The 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade takes place on 77th Street and Central Park West in N.Y.C. Anyone can attend in person for free. However, for the first time ever, the event kicks off half an hour earlier than previous years.
For those watching from home, the parade airs Thursday, Nov. 23, on NBC from 8:30 a.m. to noon in all time zones. Cord-cutters, rejoice! You can also stream it live on Peacock. If you plan to sleep in on Thanksgiving morning, catch the replay at 2 p.m. ET on NBC after the 2023National Dog Show.
As in years past,TodayhostsHoda Kotb,Savannah GuthrieandAl Rokerare anchoring the event.
Who is performing?
Jon Batiste, Bell Biv DeVoe,Brandy, Chicago, En Vogue, ENHYPEN,David FosterandKatharine McPhee, Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors,Jessie James Decker, Ashley Park,Pentatonix, Paul Russell, Manuel Turizo and Amanda Shaw and Alex Smith are among the notable artists tapped to perform at the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Miss America 2023Grace Stanke, U.S. Olympic silver medalistJordan Chiles, U.S. ParalympianEzra Frechand U.S. Paralympic Gold MedalistJessica Longwill join the fun and festivities in N.Y.C.
The iconicRadio City Rocketteswill make their anticipated return, rounding out the day’s theatrics.
What about the floats and balloons?
Theo Wargo/Getty Images
There’ll be no shortage of balloons and floats at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Along with 11 marching bands, 29 clown crews and six “balloonicles” (hybrid balloon vehicles), the event will see 25 balloons, 31 floats and seven performance groups taking to the streets of N.Y.C. on the big day.
New floats for the 2023 celebration include the Good Burger Mobile, Igniting Memories, Mutant Mayhem, Camp Snoopy, Warner Bros. Pictures' Wondrously Delectable World of Wonka and Brach’s Palace of Sweets, just to name a few.
The inflatable characters soaring high above the Big Apple on Thanksgiving will be an exciting mix of familiar faces, including Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Pikachu and Eevee,SpongeBob SquarePantsand pet snail Gary, Ronald McDonald and the mighty pups fromPaw Patrol. The balloon giants making their grand debut are The Pillsbury Doughboy, Beagle Scout Snoopy, Uncle Dan, Blue Cat and Chugs, Leo, Monkey D. Luffy andKung Fu Panda’s Po.
source: people.com
