Last Updated on February 12, 2024 by Travelationship
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a tradition dating back to 1924, making it the second oldest Thanksgiving parade in the U.S. It was first televised in 1952, which allowed the event to be shared with the entire nation. Seeing the parade live is one of those lifetime checklist events; the info below will help you get the most out of it.
Bucket List: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Pre-Ballooning:
This spectacle has become almost as famous as the parade itself. The night before the parade, the balloons are inflated ahead of time on the roads surrounding the American Museum of Natural History. This is your chance to get close to all your favorite characters and see them at your own pace. Inflation begins at 3 pm, but the characters take a little while to take shape. Therefore this is one of those events you want to attend late. You have until 10 pm, but showing up at 6:30 or 7 should put you in a good position. This event is crowded, and the police keep things running, so don’t expect to wander in and out wherever. Just stick with the crowds and follow the instructions from the on-scene officers, and you should have no issues.
The Stakeout: Looking for a Good Spot
This step demands prep; you must review the parade route and strategically plan your spot. The parade kicks off at nine, so arrival time can be staggered a little, depending on how far down the route you are. For example, I would say just before six if you are lining up at the beginning and as late as seven if you are shooting for the 6th Ave stretch. You want to ensure your vantage point is unobstructed by obstacles because, unlike other parades with just floats and bands, this one also has balloons over 100 feet in the air.
Next, you will probably be thinking about coffee because it is early and, most likely, a little chilly. While not every place will be open, remember it is Thanksgiving. Pick a place with a restroom because inevitable; well, you know. Build a rapport with your new friend and lifeline to services because pickings will be slim, and it’s better to know where to go ahead, especially before the police start restricting movement.
Last thing to contemplate before you finalize your spot from a photography standpoint, if it is possible, try to pick a side of the street that won’t put the balloons between you and the sun. For some stretches of the parade route, this won’t even come into play as the buildings will be too tall for this to be a factor; but it’s good to have in the back of your head anyways. Dress appropriately for the weather because you are just going to be standing for at least 2 hours. Do yourself a favor and use the subway to get around.
Pro Tip:
To see the parade from the beginning, you must line up streetside as Central Park is reserved seating. The shops at Columbus Circle in Time Warner Center open at 9 am, with views of the parade on the second and third floors.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Time
You have secured yourself a good spot. You know where the nearest restrooms are, and your camera is ready. All that remains is to enjoy the parade!
Recommendable: YES! It takes a little planning and might be a little on the chilly side, but it is an experience you will remember forever.
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