Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - NYC
If you’re visiting New York during Thanksgiving, you won’t want to miss seeing the annual world-famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The fun 3-hour event starts at 9am (EST) on Thanksgiving Day, rain or shine. The Thanksgiving Day tradition draws thousands of people from around the world. The Parade (and its 10,000+ participants), include giant inflated balloon characters, festive floats, marching bands, cheerleaders, celebrities, performers, Santa and his reindeer – and New York City’s one-and-only fabulous Radio City Rockettes.
TIP: Make sure you arrive very early to get a prime viewing spot along the route. Spectators arrive as early as 6:30am. You’ll be sharing your viewing along with millions of people who come to see the annual parade in person. It is recommended that you do not bring folding chairs.
NOTE: Remember, it’s Winter and New York can get very cold, so dress appropriately. Wear layers to keep warm. The event is FREE to the public. No tickets are sold for the parade. Check your local listings to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV.
Thanksgiving Day Parade Route
Route offers spectators over 2 1/2 miles of Parade viewing:
- Parade starts at 77th Street and Central Park West at 9am
- Parade marches down to Columbus Circle, turning onto Central Park South
- At 6th Avenue, Parade veers south, marching from 59th Street to 34th Street. (Best views at 59th to 38th Streets; restricted viewing 34th to 38th Streets and Herald Square)
- Parade makes its final turn, stopping in front of Macy’s Herald Square
Thanksgiving Day Parade Public Viewing Locations
Central Park West
West side of the street from 70th Street to Columbus Circle and on the east side of the street from 70th to 65th Street.
Columbus Circle
West side of the street.
7th Avenue
Between 58th & 42nd Streets.
42nd Street
From 7th to 6th Avenues.
6th Avenue
Best views 59th to 38th Streets; restricted viewing 34th to 38th Streets.
34th Street
Limited viewing on South side of street, between Broadway and 7th Avenue. Restricted viewing 34th to 38th Streets and Herald Square.
Thanksgiving Eve – Parade Balloons Inflated
Join the locals and see the giant Macy’s Thanksgiving Day balloons being inflated on Thanksgiving Eve (Wednesday) on both sides of the American Museum of Natural History, at Central Park West and Columbus Avenue (on 77th and 81st Streets) from approximately 3-10pm. Fun for kids and “big kids” too!
Book New York Sightseeing Tours, Day Trips and Fun Things To Do
Take a fun Double-Decker Bus Sightseeing Tour of New York City. It’s a great way to see all of NY’s top attractions. Hop-on-and-off at your leisure, then go back to the places you want to spend more time visiting. Visit the top of the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center to get a birds-eye view of Manhattan. Book a ferry to Liberty Island and see the Statue of Liberty. Hang out in Times Square and enjoy some of the best people-watching on the planet.
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