The 97th Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade recently took place November 23, 2023. It was a great morning to celebrate the start of Thanksgiving! From 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., floats, performers, and balloons traveled from the Upper West Side of Manhattan to 34th Street as the crowds cheered. 

The day started with spectators lining up on the streets of New York City as early as 5:00 a.m. The parade began at 8:30 a.m. with a giant turkey float being led down Central Park West by parade performers. It was followed by twenty-five balloons, six balloonists, thirty-one floats, eleven marching bands, twenty-nine clown crews, and seven performance groups. The parade ended around 12:30 p.m. with the arrival of Santa Claus.

Some of the highlights from the parade were that the Radio City Rockettes returned and put on a fantastic performance with their high-kicking, synchronized dancers. Beyonce shared her ‘Renaissance’ movie trailer and Beagle Scout Snoopy made his debut at the parade. There were a handful of performers including Miss America 2023 and the tap dancing Christmas trees. 

It seemed to be a great day as the NBC 4 New York News said, “From balloons to bands to celebrity sightings, the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade had all the fun for the whole family to enjoy.” This tradition will continue for years to come and bring joy to everyone in America! Happy holidays!