By CBS New York Team

November 22, 2023 / 5:05 AM EST

/ CBS New York

The 97th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City is just around the corner, and preparations are in full swing. With new balloons, floats, and performances lined up, here's everything you need to know before the big event.

The parade will kick off at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 23, and is expected to end around noon. The route starts at West 77th Street & Central Park West, goes down Central Park West to Columbus Circle, turns onto Central Park South toward Sixth Avenue, and continues down Sixth Avenue to Macy's Herald Square. The total parade route spans 2.5 miles.

If you want to catch the action in person, there are several spots along the route where spectators can watch. Arrive early to secure a good spot. You can watch the beginning of the parade on Central Park West between West 75th and West 61st streets, or catch the rest on Sixth Avenue between West 59th and West 38th streets.

This year's parade will feature 25 balloons, including seven new characters like Beagle Scout Snoopy and the Pillsbury Doughboy. There will also be 31 floats, with six new additions like Camp Snoopy and the Good Burger Mobile. A range of performers will entertain the crowd, including Cher, Jon Batiste, and Pentatonix.

For those unable to attend in person, the parade will be broadcasted on NBC, or you can stream it live on Peacock. Make sure to mark your calendars and join in the holiday festivities!