By Adam Guy
More than just a holiday tradition, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a cornucopia of spectacle, glitter, and gigantic balloon characters that will make you wonder if you’ve accidentally stepped into a cartoon.
It’s the annual event where New Yorkers embrace the cold, tourists flock in droves, and everyone collectively wonders why they didn’t think ahead to wear warmer clothes. If you intend to see the magical spectacle in-person or are plan on cozying up your couch to watch it on TV, here’s everything you need to know to make the most out of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade experience.
Brief History of the Parade
The first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was held on Christmas Day in 1924. Originally called the “Macy’s Christmas Parade,” it was a big deal even back then, featuring live animals from the Central Park Zoo and a merry band of Macy’s employees. The parade concluded with the unveiling of the store’s Christmas windows.
Three years later, the parade was moved to Thanksgiving Day with the hope that it would influence customers to shop for the coming Christmas holiday. (You mean the parade had/has commercial motives? Shocking!)
The first balloon wasn't used until 1927, when Felix the Cat made its debut. Also, a dragon and a toy soldier. In those days, balloons were simply cut loose once they had done their duty. There was a race to capture the free-floating balloons. The balloons were printed with a return address. From 1928 to 1932, if you found a balloon and returned it to Macy’s, you’d receive a $100 reward. The races ended after an airplane’s close call.
Today, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a high-flying spectacle with even more massive balloons, elaborate floats, Broadway performances, marching bands, and loads of celebrities. You can always expect to see one A-list celebrity in the Parade – the one and only Santa Claus!
Parade Route
The 2.5 mile Parade route typically begins at 77th Street and Central Park West and heads south along Central Park West until it reaches Columbus Circle. At Columbus Circle, the Parade turns east at 59th Street until it reaches 6th Avenue. From there, the parade heads down 6th Avenue until it reaches 34th St. It turns west onto 34th Street and ends right in front of Macy's flagship store in New York City!
The 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will take place on Thursday, November 28 from 8:00AM – Noon.
Where to View the Parade In-Person
You’ve decided to brave the cold and get up close and personal with the parade. A GREAT DECISION! But what are the best places to view the parade? Here’s some guidance:
Secure a Spot on the Street: It’s free! But spots are “first come, first served.” While the best spots are along the barrier rails, you can see the balloons and floats just fine from a bit farther back.There’s plenty of room up and down the entire 2.5 mile parade route, except where the VIP grandstands are on the Central Park side of Central Park West. Plan your spot ahead of time and arrive early.
Pro Tip: Stand along the east side of the route facing west to avoid staring into the sun rising in the east.
Pro Tip: Scout the route to get to your spot ahead of time. Many of the subway stations along the route close or do not allow you to use them as a cross-under to the opposite side of the street.
Sit in the VIP Grandstand: Tickets are NOT for sale to sit in the grandstand. (D'oh.) Grandstand tickets are reserved for friends and family of parade participants or Macy’s employees and volunteers, event sponsors, select charities, and special guests. Start asking around now!
Watch from a Hotel Along the Route: One way to get VIP access to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is to book a hotel room with a view or a VIP package at a hotel along the parade route. Some hotels that may have parade views include: Warwick, Hilton Garden Inn New York/West 35th Street, Residence Inn Times Square, JW Marriott Essex House, Luma Hotel Times Square, 1 Hotel Central Park, New York Hilton Midtown, Quin Central Park by Hilton Club, and Ritz-Carlton Central Park.
Be in the Parade: You need to either work for Macy’s and be invited to participate, know someone who knows someone who knows someone who can get you in as a volunteer, or become a fabulous celebrity with something to promote during the Parade! (I can’t help you with any of these. Sorry.)
Nine Tips, Tricks, and Survival Tactics
Dress for Freezing Temperatures: Wear layers. You’re going to be standing around for a long time, so channel your inner marshmallow with a parka, thermal socks, gloves, and perhaps a hat that’s questionable in fashion but necessary for warmth.
Be an Early Bird: The parade kicks off at 8:30AM. But to secure a good spot, aim to get there by the crack of dawn—or even earlier if you’re serious about that perfect view. Think Black Friday shopping lines but with fewer TVs and more crowds. The parade ends by noon.
Stay Hydrated and Nourished: You’ll be standing for hours, so pack some snacks and a thermos of hot cocoa. No one wants to deal with a hangry parade-goer.
Bring Entertainment: While you’re waiting, a deck of cards or a fully charged phone for games and social media will help pass the time.
Get Comfortable: Bring a Seat: If you’re a fan of sitting rather than standing, bring a portable seat or cushion. That said, once the Parade starts coming by, you’ll probably be standing up the whole time.
Toilets: A Mythical Land: Scout out public bathroom locations beforehand. Consider your bladder’s limits and the location of nearby cafes and stores with customer-only bathrooms. While there are some porta-potties along the parade route, they are not always convenient to get to. The last thing you want is to miss the giant Baby Yoda balloon because you’re stuck in a porta-potty line. And remember to use the facilities before you head out, maybe a few times!
Sunscreen is a MUST: Yes, it’s November, but the sun can still make an appearance. If you’re fortunate enough to have a sunny day, a little sunscreen can save you from looking like a lobster by lunchtime.
Don’t Be the Person Who Ruins Everyone’s View: If you’re standing, avoid hoisting small children onto your shoulders or creating a makeshift tripod out of your fellow parade-goers. Everyone deserves to see the giant balloons!
Remember to Have Fun: If you're braving the cold, don’t forget to take breaks, breathe, and remember why you’re there: to enjoy the spectacle and the shared joy of the holiday season. This may be a once-in-a-lifetime event for you. Soak it in!
Watching on Television in Your Pajamas
Not much of an early riser? Need your four cups of coffee before you can be a functioning person? The good thing is that that the Parade is broadcast on several channels including NBC, NBC.com, Peacock, and CBS. Broadcasts usually start at 8:30AM. Pick the one that works best for you and get watching!
The Night Before: Balloon Inflation Extravaganza
If you’re in NYC, don’t miss the chance to check out the Balloon Inflation event the night before. You will witness the incredible sight of balloons being inflated for their big parade debut. It’s like watching a giant, colorful science experiment unfold. And don’t be surprised if you find yourself oddly emotional about a balloon shaped like a giant Mr. Potatohead —strange things happen when you’re in the presence of inflating balloons.
The entrance line starts at 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue. The viewing location is outside of the Museum of Natural History between West 77th and 81st streets. Balloon inflation is open to the public from 12:00 PM to 6:00PM. Look for volunteers to help guide you along the way. Just be prepared that the line can be quite long.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re braving the crowds in person, lounging in your pajamas at home, or somewhere in between, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a spectacle worth experiencing. From the giant balloons to the joy of seeing Santa Claus, to the marching bands from around the country, the Parade is a highlight of the holiday season that’s sure to bring a smile to even the most cynical of Scrooges.
So, grab your thermos, put on your warmest socks, and get ready to enjoy one of the most dazzling, gobble-rific traditions of the year. Happy Thanksgiving!
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Viewing the Macy’s Parade is an incredible experience. But it’s just one of oh-so-many experiences you can have while visiting the Big Apple. There are skyscrapers to climb, city parks to explore, and Broadway shows to suit everyone’s tastes. Or how about taking a private tour with ME! I would love to show your family or group some of NYC’s iconic and off-the-beaten path neighborhoods. I Know A Guy NYC Tours offers private, personal, and fun adventures around the city. Lots of guests have enjoyed the experience See what they had to say!
Check out what tours are like by following I Know A Guy NYC Tours Facebook or Instagram. You’ll completely get the vibe.
Thanks for reading this blog! If you would like to chat about your upcoming trip and possible tour ideas, please contact me at aguy@iknowaguy.nyc or 404-915-9901 I'm quite friendly!
© All photos by Adam Guy
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