Summary
- Join the millions of Americans at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a beloved holiday tradition that brings nostalgia and holiday cheer.
- Catch performances by Jon Batiste, Ashley Park, Pentatonix, and the cast of Back to the Future: The Musical at the parade.
- Experience the parade from different perspectives, whether it’s from a VIP viewing area, an ice skating rink in Central Park, or exploring the Winter Village at Bryant Park.
For 97 years, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been one of the most popular holiday traditions in the U.S. With over 3.5 million in-person visitors every year and 27.4 million online viewers, the parade is a beloved event that brings millions of Americans together to kick off the holidays and feel the collective nostalgia as the performers, bands, Broadway actors, and balloons walk down the New York City streets.
There are many must-do fall activities in New York City, and the Thanksgiving Day Parade will always leave visitors with unforgettable memories, both online and in-person. For those braving the New York City cold and watching the parade in person this year, here are the best performances, old favorites, and fun things to do at (and around) the Macy’s Parade on November 23rd, 2023.
“5, 4, 3, 2, 1… Let’s Have A Parade™”
10
Live Performance By Jon Batiste
American singer, songwriter, and “crowned Prince of Jazz” Jon Batiste opens the parade in 2023
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City
First performing his hit song “I Need You” back in 2021 at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Jon Batiste is returning again this year to open the parade! Jon Batiste was a bandleader on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and recently won an Oscar for “Best Original Score” for the Pixar film Soul.
- Cost: Free
- When to get there: Visitors should claim their spot around 6 a.m.
- Location: West 77th Street and Central Park West
The Macy’s parade is starting 30 minutes earlier this year, so visitors should snag a good spot at West 77th Street and Central Park West to see Jon Batiste open the parade at 8:30 a.m. EST.
9
Ashley Park And The Muppets Of Sesame Street
Actress and singer Ashley Park joins the Sesame Street ensemble
Kermit balloon at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade
As seen in Emily in Paris, Joy Ride, and Only Murders in the Building, American actress and singer Ashley Park is making her Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade debut this year alongside the beloved Muppets of Sesame Street. The Muppets have been featured in the parade every year since 1974!
Kermit and The Muppets first debuted in the parade via balloon in 1977 and has been a beloved part of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade ever since. However, in 1985, an unfortunate incident occurred during the parade when the Kermit balloon was pierced by a tree and collapsed to the ground.
- Cost: Free
- Location: 34th Street, New York, NY
8
Pentatonix – The Fantastic PTX Is Back For Its 4th Appearance
All-star a cappella group Pentatonix is returning for another round of Thanksgiving fun
Macy’s holiday lights at Herald Square
Making their first appearance at the parade in 2014, a cappella group Pentatonix is seasoned when it comes to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Known for its countless Christmas albums, Pentatonix will no doubt share a new Christmas song at this year’s parade.
Parade-goers can catch the Pentatonix group aboard Kinder’s Fantasy Chocolate Factory float this year as they celebrate the group’s 4th year participating in the Macy’s Parade.
- Cost: Free
- Location: Macy’s Department Store, 151 W 34th St., New York
7
Marea Restaurant – Enjoy The Parade From Above
Experience fine dining and incredible views from Columbus Circle
Columbus Circle, New York, United States
Looking to escape the cold and enjoy the parade away from the crowds? Marea Restaurant above the parade route is the perfect place to be! Every year for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Marea offers VIP tickets for a private viewing area above the parade route to watch the parade, have delicious food and cocktails, and enjoy the Thanksgiving atmosphere.
Located just south of Columbus Circle, Marea’s private terrace offers spectacular views of New York and the parade down below while guests enjoy Michelin Star dining. This is an unforgettable experience for those who wish to splurge a little this holiday season.
6
Run The Turkey Trot – A Thanksgiving Tradition
Participate in the Turkey Trot throughout New York City
A view of fall foiage in Central Park in Manhattan and the New York City skyline in the fall, New York, USA
Taking place only two days after the Thanksgiving Parade, on November 25th is the annual Turkey Trot throughout New York City! This is the perfect Thanksgiving activity to participate in for visitors who want to see more than just the Thanksgiving parade.
Visitors can join over 50,000 runners and walkers in the half-marathon and 5K. All runners receive a commemorative shirt, a 2023 medal, and a delicious donut from Donut Plant at the finish line!
5
Performance From Broadway’s Back To The Future: The Musical
Step back into the ’80s with this musical rendition of Back to the Future
Macy’s Herald Square in Manhattan, New York City
Every year, new musicals on Broadway make their debut on the green carpet in front of Macy’s during the Thanksgiving Day Parade. This year, the new hit musical, Back to the Future: The Musical will be wowing audiences and bringing back a little nostalgia for those who grew up in the ’80s.
Broadway enthusiasts who want to see the eccentric singing and dancing should get to the parade early to claim a good spot in front of Macy’s Department Store. An unobstructed view of the performers on the green carpet is a bucket list experience!
- Cost: Free
- Location: Macy’s Department Store, 151 W 34th St., New York
Other Broadway shows such as & Juliet, Shucked, Spamalot, and How to Dance in Ohio will also appear at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
4
Beagle Scout Snoopy – A Beloved Fan Favorite
Snoopy returns as Beagle Scout Snoopy to promote the new series Camp Snoopy
Snoopy balloon at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Celebrating its 55th year of being in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the beloved Snoopy from Charles M. Schultz’s Peanuts is making his balloon appearance as Beagle Scout Snoopy this year. Snoopy is officially the longest-running character balloon to appear in the parade, having appeared 42 times so far.
This year, Snoopy takes on his 9th form as Beagle Scout Snoopy to promote the new Apple TV+ series, Camp Snoopy. In previous years, Snoopy’s traveled down the parade route as Astronaut Snoopy, Skater Snoopy, Millennium Snoopy, and more!
3
Ice Skating In Central Park To Escape The Parade Mayhem
Visitors can get the best of both worlds; watch the parade from a distance
Ice skaters having fun in New York Central Park
Ever dreamed of ice skating in Central Park during the holidays? Visitors who want to catch a glimpse of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade from a distance while enjoying their Central Park surroundings should head to Wollman Ice Rink for the day!
Visitors can skate from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., giving them enough time to catch the last two hours of the Macy’s Parade away from the crowded streets.
2
Bank Of America Winter Village At Bryant Park
Kick off the Christmas festivities in one of the most Christmasy spots in New York
Ice skating in the Bryant Park rink during the festive season in New York City
Open from October to March, visiting Bank of America’s Winter Village at Bryant Park is the perfect way to herald in the Christmas season after seeing the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Guests can explore the colorful holiday shops and food stalls, relax in one of the cozy igloos, and enjoy ice skating in Bryant Park’s 17,000-square-foot ice skating rink. Ice skating in the Winter Village is free for those who bring their own ice skates!
- Cost: Admission is free. Reservation prices for ice skating, cozy igloos, and Curling Café vary.
- Hours of Operation: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Location: 41st Street and 6th Ave, New York, NY
1
Live Performance By Cher – Closing Out Thanksgiving
Cher is promoting her new Christmas album and sharing a song to close out the parade
Spider Man character balloon passes Times Square at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Manhattan
Santa’s arrival in New York City and the closing of the 97th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will be heralded by iconic singer, Cher, promoting her new album, Christmas. Not only is this Cher’s debut in the parade, but this is also her first Christmas album.
Cher fans definitely won’t want to miss this moment in the parade when Santa arrives in front of Macy’s Department Store as Cher dazzles the audience with Christmas spirit!
- Cost: Free
- Location: Macy’s Department Store, 151 W 34th St., New York
With so many things to see both at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and around NYC, you might want to extend your trip past November!
