As the holiday season approaches, there's one event that stands out as the official kickoff, and that's none other than the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. This year, the iconic parade is returning for its 97th edition, and it promises to be bigger and better than ever. With an extended runtime of 30 minutes, the 2023 Macy's Parade aims to deliver more entertainment and spectacle to the nation. This beloved tradition is set to captivate audiences nationwide on Thursday, November 23, starting at 8:30 A.M. with the famous countdown, "5, 4, 3, 2, 1… Let’s Have A Parade™!"

A Star-Studded Lineup

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is renowned for featuring a star-studded lineup, and this year is no exception. Cher, the legendary music icon, will take the stage to perform and usher in the holiday season at 34th Street, adding a touch of glamour and magic to the event.

But Cher isn't the only star making an appearance. The parade will showcase a diverse array of talents from various fields, including:

• Jon Batiste:  Kicking off the broadcast with a showstopping performance.

• Bell Biv DeVoe, Brandy, and Chicago:  Bringing musical excellence to the streets of New York.

• En Vogue and ENHYPEN:  Offering unforgettable performances.

• Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells:  Stars of "Gutenberg! The Musical!" making a special appearance.

• Pentatonix:  The celebrated a capella group.

• The Radio City Rockettes:  Adding their iconic precision dance to the lineup.

• Miss America 2023 Grace Stanke:  Representing the pinnacle of beauty and talent.

• U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Athletes:  Including Jordan Chiles, Ezra Frech, and Jessica Long.

These are just a few of the notable names that will grace the parade route, creating a magical and memorable experience for viewers.

The Balloon Icons

The signature character balloons are a beloved part of the Macy's Parade, and this year, seven new featured balloons will make their debut, including Beagle Scout Snoopy, Blue Cat & Chugs, Kung Fu Panda’s Po, Leo, Monkey D. Luffy, Pillsbury Doughboy™, and Uncle Dan. These larger-than-life characters add a sense of wonder and nostalgia to the parade, delighting audiences of all ages.

In addition to the newcomers, some familiar favorites return to the skies. Bluey, Diary Of A Wimpy Kid®, DINO and Baby DINO, Goku, Grogu™, Chase from Paw Patrol®, Pikachu™ & Eevee™, Red Titan from “Ryan’s World,” Ronald McDonald®, SpongeBob SquarePants & Gary, and Stuart The Minion will continue to captivate parade-goers with their presence.

Floating Fantasy

The floats in the Macy's Parade are a sight to behold, and this year, four new floats are set to make their debut. These imaginative creations transport Parade fans across the country to fantastical places. The new floats include Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, Palace of Sweets, Igniting Memories, and The Deliciously Delectable World of Wonka.

Returning floats will also grace the streets, such as 1-2-3 Sesame Street®, Big City Cheer!, Big Turkey Spectacular, Birds Of A Feather Stream Together, The Brick-Changer, Camp Snoopy, Celebration Gator, Colossal Wave Of Wonder, Deck The Halls, Elf Pets®, Fantasy Chocolate Factory, Geoffrey’s Dazzling Dance Party, Harvest In The Valley, Heartwarming Holiday Countdown, Magic Meets The Sea, Pinkfong Baby Shark, People Of First Light, Santa’s Sleigh, Tom Turkey, Winter Wonderland in Central Park, and The Wondership.

Strike Up the Band

The Macy's Parade has a cherished tradition of showcasing the nation's finest marching bands. This year, talented musicians from various schools and universities will join the procession, including Alabama A&M University Marching Maroon and White, Fishers High School Marching Tiger Band, Greendale High School Marching Band, Rutgers University Marching Scarlet Knights, and many more.

Performance Spotlight

The Macy's Parade isn't just about balloons and floats; it's also a stage for dynamic performance groups to entertain the crowds. This year, audiences will be treated to acts by the Big Apple Circus, Cornell Bhangra, Tiptoe's Winter Guard, the Harlem Globetrotters, and more. These talented performers will deliver show-stopping performances on 34th Street, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.

Where to Watch

The 97th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will step off from its traditional starting line at 77th Street and Central Park West at 8:30 A.M. The procession will march down its signature 2.5-mile route, taking a turn onto 6th Avenue and eventually concluding at 34th Street in front of Macy's Herald Square.

For those who can't make it to the streets of New York City, NBC will broadcast the entire event, allowing viewers from coast to coast to join in the festivities from the comfort of their homes. The parade will also be available for streaming, so you won't miss a moment of the action.

Grand Finale...

As always, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will conclude with the grand arrival of Santa Claus, ushering in the holiday season with cheer, goodwill, and a sense of wonder. His appearance is a time-honored tradition and a heartwarming moment that signifies the start of the holiday season.

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a cherished annual event that brings joy to millions of people across the United States and beyond. Whether you're attending in person, watching on television, or following online, this spectacular showcase of creativity, talent, and holiday spirit is sure to be a delightful way to begin your Thanksgiving festivities. So, make sure to mark your calendar and tune in on November 23 for an unforgettable experience that will kick off the holiday season in grand style!