Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
November 23, 2023, 8:30 am –12:00 pm
Suggested Ages: All, Adult Friendly
See the signature giant balloons, elaborate floats and marching bands of this iconic parade anywhere along the traditional 2.5-mile route from the Upper West Side to Midtown (we like Central Park West around W 66th Street). Bundle up and come early (like 6am-ish) and camp out on the sidewalks for the best views. Usually the crowds are thinner the farther you get from Herald Square. Don’t bring large bags, umbrellas, backpacks or strollers.
New balloons for 2023 include Blue Cat and Chugs, Leo, from the upcoming Netflix film, Monkey D. Luffy, and Uncle Dan from Illumination’s Migration. Also see updated versions of Snoopy, Kung Fu Panda’s Po, and the Pillsbury Doughboy take flight among the 16 total giant characters, plus 26 floats, six balloonicles, more than 700 clowns and 12 marching bands.
On TV, see floats up close along with musical performances and guest stars (on NBC at 9am in all time zones). See performances from Broadway shows including & Juliet and Back to the Future: The Musical, plus the Radio City Rockettes.
The parade always ends with Santa, on his way to his annual residency at Macy’s Santaland.
📚 Learn about the invention of the giant parade balloons by a self-taught immigrant in lovely picture book Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade.
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