NYC Holiday Events: Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade

I’m dropping another thing into your bucket. Of course, I mean your travel and adventure bucket list. I know its customary for you to visit relatives, eat turkey and watch football on Thanksgiving Day. It is for me too. Matter of fact, I’m going to be eating and watching football with 50+ family members (with a big family, it comes with the territory). Anyway, for the last two years I added a little spice to my holiday tradition…that’s by going to the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade. It has to be added to your “holiday attraction bucket list.” Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade is filled with fun and loads of excitement. Just take a sneak peek of what the parade looks like…it’ll really get you into the holiday spirit.

If you want to head out to the parade this year, then I would suggest doing it up! The day before Thanksgiving you can watch the balloons in the parade inflate from 3pm-10pm on the Upper West side along W. 77th & 81th (around the grounds of the American Museum of Natural History). It’ll be better to show up after 3pm because it takes a few hours for the balloons to inflate and take shape. And, the best viewing is on the south side of 81th street….keep that in mind.

The route for the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade will start at 77th Street and Central Park West, head down Central Park West to Columbus Circle. The parade will then turn onto Central Park South and move south on 6th Avenue until hitting 34th Street and turning west. The parade will finish up in front of Macy’s Herald Square.

I went to the parade twice and had the same excitement but two different experiences. The 1st time I went, I woke up really early and got to NYC at 6am. I got a great spot right on 42nd street. I saw the parade up close and personal. Plus, I was standing close to a lot of restaurants and coffeehouses so I could take a bathroom break. Now the 2nd time I went to see the parade, I was dealing with more people. I got to NYC after 7am and I got a spot on 38th street in the quiet zone. Thankfully, I had a decent viewing spot but I did miss out on hearing some of the music and bands by being in the quiet zone.

So from my experience, I would say to arrive early because you want to get a good viewing spot to see everything. The Upper West side and Columbus Circle are awesome viewing spots. It’s not a good idea to watch the parade near Macys. It’s just too many people and you have to deal with the media. Also, you should be prepare for the weather. The 1st time I went the weather was a bit chilly. My toes were really cold when the parade was over. However, the 2nd time, it was nearly 50 degrees. You never know what the weather is going to be like in NYC. So, it’s best to dress in layers because you may be standing outside for a few hours. And, you should always try to pick a spot near businesses. After standing around for some time, you’ll want to be near bathrooms. If time is a factor, then you can have your cake and eat it too. All you have to do is watch the parade on the Upper West side (near 77th street) to see everything in a 1 1/2  versus watching it near 34th street which will take 3 hours. If you want, you can watch the parade and still get home in time for dinner. The best of both worlds!

If you are going to the parade, then I want to hear all about your experience. Don’t leave any details out. But, if you can’t make it then you have to put it on your “holiday to do list.” Trust me, you will not be disappointed. I know you will love NYC around this time of the year! It’ll be a Thanksgiving you will never forget. Take care and Happy Thanksgiving.

Hugs,