Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2023: A Spectacle of Balloons, Floats, and Performances

The 97th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade marched through the streets of New York City on Thursday, November 23, 2023, bringing with it a dazzling display of balloons, floats, and performances. The parade, which is broadcast live on NBC, is a cherished tradition that has been delighting audiences for generations.

Balloons

This year’s parade featured 16 giant balloons, including Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Garfield, and Olaf. The balloons were made of a special lightweight material that allows them to be filled with helium and float. Each balloon is piloted by a team of handlers who work to keep the balloon aloft and away from power lines and other obstacles.

Floats

In addition to the balloons, the parade also featured dozens of elaborate floats. The floats were designed by a team of artists and engineers and were filled with animatronic characters, music, and lights. Some of the most popular floats included the Macy’s signature float, the Herald Square float, and the Santa Claus float.

Performances

The parade also featured a variety of live performances from some of the biggest names in music and entertainment. This year’s lineup included Cher, Brandy, Chicago, and David Foster and Katharine McPhee.

The Parade Route

The parade began at 9:00 am EST at Central Park West and 72nd Street and traveled down Central Park South to Columbus Circle. From there, the parade turned east on 57th Street and continued to 7th Avenue. The parade then turned south on 7th Avenue to 34th Street, where it ended at Macy’s Herald Square department store.

The Crowd

An estimated 3.5 million people attended the parade this year, making it one of the most popular events in New York City history. The crowd was made up of people from all over the world, including tourists, locals, and families.

The Tradition

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a beloved tradition that has been bringing joy to families for generations. The parade is a reminder of the importance of family, community, and the spirit of the holiday season.

Here are some additional details about the parade:

• The parade is 3.5 miles long.
• The balloons take up to 12 hours to inflate.
• The floats take up to a year to build.
• The parade costs over $10 million to produce.
• The parade is broadcast in over 150 countries.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a must-see event for anyone who visits New York City during the holiday season. The parade is a magical experience that is sure to create lasting memories.