Chicago in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!

Chicago is thrilled to participate in The 97th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®! The Parade will officially welcome the holiday season on Thursday, November 23 at 8:30 A.M. For the first time in its long history, the iconic holiday tradition will begin 30 minutes early in New York and on the official national broadcast. Showcasing an exciting lineup of featured character balloons, magical floats, marching bands from across the country, dynamic performance groups, imaginative clowns, the nation’s biggest musical talents and the one-and-only Santa Claus, this is the nation’s premiere Thanksgiving celebration.

Chicago is proud to be boarding The Wondership on the Parade route, courtesy of Wonder Bread USA. The whimsical Wondership made a big splash when it debuted in the 2022 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and Chicago is delighted to continue the tradition alongside some of your favorite Chicago songs.

“For nearly 100 years, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been synonymous with the beginning of the holiday season, celebration and togetherness,” said Will Coss, Executive Producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “Our talented team of Macy’s Studios artisans and production specialists work year-round to deliver the nation’s most beloved holiday event, live on Thanksgiving morning. We are proud to hold this responsibility and look forward to sharing our unbelievable designs, larger-than-life character balloons and first-class entertainment, all sure to create lifelong memories for Parade fans nationwide.”

The 97th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will step off from its traditional starting line at 77th Street and Central Park West at 8:30 A.M. The procession will march down its signature 2.5-mile route taking it from Central Park West to Columbus Circle, turning onto Central Park South and then marching down 6th Avenue/Avenue of the Americas. At 34th Street, the Parade will make its final turn west and end at 7th Avenue in front of Macy’s iconic Herald Square flagship.

Public viewing will be set up along designated portions of the route and managed by the NYPD. Spectators should avoid bringing large bags, umbrellas, backpacks, and strollers. The public entering viewing streets may be subject to a security search. For additional viewing information, please visit macys.com/parade.