Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2023: How to watch, Florida ties, what to know before Thursday

Samantha Neely, USA TODAY NETWORK - Florida
·4 min read
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The Macy's Thanksgiving Parade is returning for its 97th edition this year, complete with celebrities, Santa Claus and Cher.

The parade will have a total of 25 balloons, 6 balloonicles (balloon-based vehicles), 30 floats, 9 marching bands, 29 clown crews, and 5 performance groups.

"For nearly 100 years, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been synonymous with the beginning of the holiday season, celebration and togetherness,” Will Coss, executive producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, said in a statement. “Our talented team of Macy’s Studios artisans and production specialists work year-round to deliver the nation’s most beloved holiday event, live on Thanksgiving morning.

See all the parade performers: Cher to headline Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Where and when is the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade?

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade takes place Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023, on West 77th Street and Central Park West in New York City. The parade route is 2.5 miles and ends at Macy’s Herald Square.

Who is hosting the 2023 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade?

Al Roker, Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Carson Daly accepted the Peabody institutional award on behalf of the "Today" show on April 5.
Al Roker, Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Carson Daly accepted the Peabody institutional award on behalf of the "Today" show on April 5.

Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker of NBC's "Today" show are returning to host the parade.

Where can I watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade?

You'll have to rise a little earlier this year to watch the parade. The Macy's Thanksgiving Parade is scheduled to air on NBC, a half hour earlier than in the past, from 8:30 a.m. to noon in all time zones.

The parade will run until noon in all time zones.

Where can I watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade in Spanish?

A Spanish simulcast of the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade will be available on Telemundo 47 New York the same day. TV personalities Carlos Adyan and Andrea Meza are set to host the simulcast.

Where can I watch Macy's Thanksgiving Parade if I don't have cable?

Those without cable can stream the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Peacock.

Will any Florida schools be marching in Macy's Thanksgiving Parade 2023?

Marjory Stoneman Douglas Eagle Regiment High School Marching Band from Parkland will be performing at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York.

"We're gearing up to do the biggest thing this school has ever seen," band director Steve Rivero told CBS News. "This is considered the biggest marching band stage to ever play on."

Additionally, three band directors from Southwest Florida have been selected to join 400 band directors nationwide to participate in the parade. NBC 2 wrote that Jose Lopez, Kay Dubbert, and Thomas Dubbert will represent music instructors from all around Southwest Florida.

Maria Verdeja Schools of the Arts, a dance studio in Kendall, will also perform during the parade, telling NBC 6 South Florida that the dance will feature dancers of all ages.

"I've been dreaming of doing this since I was a little girl," dancer Sophia Deleon said. "No matter how long it takes to accomplish your dream, you will always get there."

Who are the celebrities on top of Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade floats in 2023?

October 24, 2023: Cher attends Cher's Gelato Truck "Cherlato" Hosts Christmas Came Early Event coinciding with the release of Cher's Holiday Album "Christmas" at The Bungalow in Santa Monica, California.
October 24, 2023: Cher attends Cher's Gelato Truck "Cherlato" Hosts Christmas Came Early Event coinciding with the release of Cher's Holiday Album "Christmas" at The Bungalow in Santa Monica, California.

Oscar, Emmy and Grammy Award winner Cher will headline the parade this year, making her appearance just before the parade’s end with the arrival of Santa’s sleigh. As for the rest of the celebrities and performers joining the parade, here's the lineup of as of Nov. 3:

  • Jon Batiste

  • Bell Biv DeVoe

  • Brandy, R&B singer and '90s icon

  • U.S. Olympic silver medalist Jordan Chiles

  • En Vogue

  • ENHYPEN

  • Chicago

  • U.S. Paralympian Ezra Frech

  • David Foster and Katharine McPhee

  • Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors

  • Jessie James Decker

  • U.S. Paralympic Gold Medalist Jessica Long

  • Ashley Park from "Emily in Paris" and "Joy Ride"

  • Pentatonix, a longtime a capella group

  • Paul Russell

  • Amanda Shaw and Alex Smith

  • Miss America 2023 Grace Stanke

  • Manuel Turizo

Andrew Rannells, left, and Josh Gad in "Gutenberg! The Musical!"
Andrew Rannells, left, and Josh Gad in "Gutenberg! The Musical!"

TV viewers will enjoy performances from Broadway shows, such as:

  • "& Juliet"

  • "Back to the Future: The Musical"

  • "How to Dance In Ohio"

  • "Shucked," which has a Treasure Coast, Florida, tie

  • "Spamalot"

  • Performance from "Gutenberg! The Musical!" featuring Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells

Are the Rockettes performing in 2023 Thanksgiving Day parade?

Members of the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes entertain crowds in front of rain-streaked Macy's department store, Nov. 25, 1971. The Rockettes were one of the many attractions of the 44th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Members of the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes entertain crowds in front of rain-streaked Macy's department store, Nov. 25, 1971. The Rockettes were one of the many attractions of the 44th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Yes, the Radio City Rockettes will also be performing.

What is the balloon lineup for the Thanksgiving Parade 2023?

Fan favorites are returning to the parade, such as:

  • Acorn

  • Bluey

  • Diary of a Wimpy Kid

  • Goku

  • Grogu or "Baby Yoda" from Disney+ series "The Mandalorian"

  • Ice Cream Cone

  • Opening Macy's Stars

  • Paw Patrol

  • Pikachu and Eevee

  • Pumpkins

  • Red Titan from Ryan's World

  • Ronald McDonald

  • Sinclair's Dino

  • Smokey Bear

  • Snow Crystal Ornaments

  • Spongebob and Gary

  • Stuart the Minion

  • Tip Toe

Stuart the Minion from Illumination balloon is taking a test flight during 96th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - Balloonfest at MetLife Stadium on November 5, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Stuart the Minion from Illumination balloon is taking a test flight during 96th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - Balloonfest at MetLife Stadium on November 5, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Additionally, seven new character balloons will make their parade debut, including:

  • Beagle Scout Snoopy

  • Blue Cat & Chugs

  • "Kung Fu Panda's" Po (the martial arts-loving panda voiced by Jack Black)

  • Netflix's "Leo

  • Monkey D. Luffy

  • the Pillsbury Doughboy

  • Uncle Dan

Will there be any new floats for 2023 Thanksgiving Day Parade?

This year's parade includes 30 floats, with five new additions:

  • Igniting Memories float

  • Palace of Sweets float

  • The Deliciously Delectable World of Wonka float

  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem

  • Campy Snoopy

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Macy's Thanksgiving Parade starts earlier, Hoda Kotb, Al Roker to host