All About the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade: Where to Watch and What to Expect

Cue the music and The Muppets — it's time to countdown to a parade!

What better way to jump-start your Thanksgiving morning than pairing breakfast (or brunch!) with the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade? That's right! It's time to grab a plate of crowd-pleasing sweet treats and savory dishes before the big feast and join your family and friends around the TV on Turkey Day.

On Nov. 23, 2023, the beloved tradition celebrates its 97th year of gigantic 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 the sights and sounds of merriment no matter where you are.

Here's everything to know about where to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade and what you can expect to see during the live broadcast, all from the comfort of your home.

When and where can I watch?

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 2023 National Dog Show.

As in years past, Today hosts Hoda Kotb, Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker are anchoring the event.

Who is performing?

Along with the spectacle of marching bands, viewers can expect a star-studded lineup of performances, including a headlining set by singer and actress Cher. The Oscar- and Grammy-winning legend will close the show just as Santa's sleigh arrives.

Jon Batiste, Bell Biv DeVoe, Brandy, Chicago, En Vogue, ENHYPEN, David Foster and Katharine 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 2023 Grace Stanke, U.S. Olympic silver medalist Jordan Chiles, U.S. Paralympian Ezra Frech and U.S. Paralympic Gold Medalist Jessica Long will join the fun and festivities in N.Y.C.

Audiences will also be entertained by Broadway showcases, represented by & Juliet, Back to the Future: The Musical, How to Dance in Ohio, Shucked and Spamalot, with Gutenberg! The Musical! stars Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells serving as special correspondents.

The iconic Radio City Rockettes will make their anticipated return, rounding out the day's theatrics.

What about the floats and balloons?

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 SquarePants and pet snail Gary, Ronald McDonald and the mighty pups from Paw 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 and Kung Fu Panda's Po.