Cher is headlining the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, kicking off the festive season. The parade, in its 97th edition, promises an extraordinary spectacle with 26 elaborately designed floats, 16 massive character balloons, 32 novelty and heritage inflatables, 12 dynamic marching bands, 700 cheerful clowns, and eight impressive performance groups.

This year, the parade will begin at 8:30 a.m. ET, half an hour earlier than usual, led by musician and Grammy-winner Jon Batiste.

The star-studded lineup includes Bell Biv DeVoe, Brandy, Chicago, En Vogue, ENHYPEN, David Foster, Katharine McPhee, Drew Holcomb, The Neighbors, Jessie James Decker, Ashley Park, Pentatonix, Paul Russell, Amanda Shaw, and Alex Smith. Accomplished athletes, including U.S. Olympic gymnastics silver medalist Jordan Chiles, U.S. track and field Paralympian Ezra Frech, U.S. Paralympic swimming gold medalist Jessica Long, and Miss America 2023 Grace Stanke, will also be in attendance.

The parade’s balloons are captivating, with seven new giant additions and beloved returning characters like “Beagle Scout Snoopy,” “Blue Cat & Chugs,” “Kung Fu Panda’s Po,” “Leo,” “Monkey D. Luffy,” “Pillsbury Doughboy,” and “Uncle Dan.”

Broadway fans can look forward to performances from hit productions such as “& Juliet,” “Back to the Future: The Musical,” “How To Dance In Ohio,” “Shucked,” and “Spamalot,” with appearances by Broadway figures like Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells.

The parade pays homage to its storied past by welcoming back cherished oversized balloons.

 like “Bluey,” “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” “Paw Patrol,” “Ryan’s World,” “Pikachu,” “Ronald McDonald,” “Stuart the Minion,” and “SpongeBob SquarePants.”

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, an unforgettable tradition, features iconic figures as the last guests before Santa’s arrival. Cher follows in the footsteps of Mariah Carey, who had the honor last year.

The parade will be broadcast on NBC and available for streaming on Peacock. “Today” show anchors Hoda Kotb, Savannah Guthrie, and Al Roker will guide viewers through the experience, with a Spanish language simulcast on Telemundo hosted by Carlos Adyan and Andrea Meza.

In summary, the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade promises to be a sensational event, with Cher as the opening act, a diverse lineup of performers, and an array of stunning balloons and floats. Families have the chance to unite, either in person along the parade route or from the warmth of their homes, to commence the holiday season with happiness and enthusiasm. Cher’s participation will unquestionably infuse this cherished tradition with a dash of celebrity allure.