The iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, now in its 97th year, has once again graced the streets of New York City. As a cherished tradition, it marks the official start of the holiday season, bringing joy and excitement to thousands of onlookers. This year, there are some notable changes and additions that promise to make the parade an unforgettable experience.
Parade Route and Spectator Information
The 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will kick off from Central Park West and 77th Street, a departure from the usual starting point. The procession will journey south to Columbus Circle, make a turn east onto Central Park South, and proceed down 6th Avenue until it reaches West 34th Street. The grand finale will be in front of Macy’s Herald Square on 7th Avenue.
While planning your visit to the parade, keep in mind that there are certain sections along the route where spectators will not be able to view the festivities. These areas include Central Park West between 59th and 60th Street, the telecast area on 6th Avenue from 34th to 38th streets, and 34th Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue.
Enhanced Security Measures
Safety is a top priority at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. To ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for all, several items are prohibited, including large backpacks, lawn chairs, umbrellas, large coolers, and alcoholic beverages. If you spot any suspicious activity, do not hesitate to inform a police officer or call 911. The NYPD’s terrorism hotline, 888-NYC-SAFE, is also available for reporting concerns.
While there are no specific threats to this year’s parade, the NYPD remains vigilant and acknowledges that mass gatherings and high-profile events are attractive targets for foreign terrorist organizations. As a result, various security measures, such as blocker cars, barriers, and bollards, will be in place to safeguard parade attendees.
Balloons and Floats Galore
One of the most anticipated aspects of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the stunning array of balloons and floats. In 2023, the parade will feature 16 giant character balloons, 26 magnificent floats, 32 novelty and heritage inflatables, 12 marching bands, 700 cheerful clowns, and eight performance groups.
Adding to the excitement, seven new balloon giants 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.” Meanwhile, beloved favorites such as “Bluey,” “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” “Paw Patrol,” “Ryan’s World,” “Pikachu,” “Ronald McDonald,” “Stuart the Minion,” and “SpongeBob SquarePants” will return to delight the crowd.
The floats are no less impressive, with contributions from renowned brands like Lego, “Peanuts,” “Baby Shark,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” and “Sesame Street.” If you want to get up close and personal with these magnificent creations, consider attending the balloon inflation event, which typically takes place the day before the parade.
Star-Studded Celebrity Performances
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is not only about the balloons and floats; it’s also a showcase for top-notch performances. This year, Grammy-winner and multi-instrumentalist Jon Batiste will kick off the festivities, setting the stage for a day filled with musical delights.
One of the highlights of the parade will be the appearance of music legend Cher, who will usher in the arrival of Santa’s sleigh. Cher, an Oscar, Emmy, and Grammy Award-winner, is celebrating the 25th anniversary of her Grammy-winning album “Believe” and recently released her first album in five years, “Christmas.”
In addition to Cher, there will be performances by Bell Biv DeVoe, Brandy, Chicago, En Vogue, ENHYPEN, David Foster and Katharine McPhee, Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors, Jessie James Decker, Ashley Park, and some Muppets from “Sesame Street,” Pentatonix, Paul Russell, Amanda Shaw, and Alex Smith, and Manuel Turizo.
Broadway enthusiasts will be treated to performances from “& Juliet,” “Back to the Future: The Musical,” “How To Dance In Ohio,” “Shucked,” and “Spamalot,” with appearances by Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells of “Gutenberg! The Musical!”
Road Closures: Plan Your Route
As the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade winds its way through the heart of New York City, it’s essential to be aware of the road closures that will be in effect. These closures are necessary to ensure the safety and smooth flow of the parade.
Formation for the parade will begin at 8 a.m. at various locations, including West 77th Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue, West 81st Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue, and Central Park West between West 77th and 86th Streets.
The parade itself will commence at 9 a.m. from Central Park West and West 77th Street, following a route that includes Central Park West to Columbus Circle, south through Columbus Circle to West 59th Street, east on West 59th Street to 6th Avenue, south on 6th Avenue to West 34th Street, and finally, west on West 34th Street to the dispersal area on 7th Avenue.
Additional road closures are scheduled, affecting streets such as Broadway, 6th Avenue, 7th Avenue, West 34th Street, West 59th Street, and others. It’s advisable to plan your travel accordingly and consider using public transportation to avoid traffic disruptions.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a beloved tradition that brings communities together to celebrate the holiday season with joy and excitement. With a revised parade route, enhanced security measures, an array of captivating balloons and floats, and a star-studded lineup of celebrity performers, this year’s parade promises to be a memorable and heartwarming experience for all. As you prepare to join the festivities, make sure to stay informed about road closures and enjoy the magic of the parade while creating lasting memories with your loved ones.