The Parade has a new route!!! After 82 years the Parade will be moving from Broadway to a new route along 7th Ave. Note that the Parade will bypass Broadway from 58th to 34th including TImes Square.
The Parade begins at 77th Street & Central Park West at 9am. The Parade will march south on Central Park West.
At Columbus Circle, the Parade will then turn EAST onto Central Park South instead of heading down Broadway. When the Parade reaches 7th Avenue, it turns south at the corner of Central Park South and march to 42nd Street.
NOTE: There are no tickets available to the general public for seating.
The Parade will then travel east along 42nd Street from 7th to 6th Avenues. At 6th (Avenue of the Americas), it veers south to 34th Street. At 34th Street it heads west to Macy's Herald Square and ends at 34th Street and Seventh Avenue at around noon.
NOTE: Near the end of the Parade, many people converge plus the Official Viewing Area and media platform area make it inaccessible to the public. It is not recommended to try and see the parade from near the media platform.... Unless you like being a sardine.
Q: Hey Joe...We're coming this year to see the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Any suggestions as to where best to view it? Enough of watching it on TV, this time it's going to be in person.A: I recommend Central Park West between 61st and 72nd Streets if it is a sunny day (it'll keep you warm). Here is what Macy's recommends:
Between 61st and 72nd on Central Park West!!
To ensure a good viewing location, get there early. Spectators arrive as early as 6:30 a.m.
Q: Hey Joe...What is the recommended arrival time to get a decent viewing spot on the parade route?
A: You should really get there by 7am (even 6am or earlier along Central Park West). And yes, officials recommend you please leave folding chairs at home. They will become cumbersome when the crowds start filling up the sidewalk and will have to be folded up.
Dress in layers to keep warm. November in Manhattan can be quite cold. Come rain or shine.
Q: Hey Joe... I heard my favorite star is performing at the parade, where do I see them?
A: Any performers will be live for television. Celebrities ride on floats down the parade route and will perform at the Official Viewing Area (see above). You'll have to go to this area which is very crowded and well restricted in order to get a glimpse of the performers. It's best to get a good spot on the main route and tape the NBC broadcast.
Q: Hey Joe...Which hotels have rooms overlooking the parade?
A: The Park Central New York Hotel, Wellington Hotel and the Sheraton Hotel & Towers are on the route. Just remember to ask for a room with a view of the parade and, if possible, no higher than the 12th floor. Information can be found in the Midtown West and Uptown sections in our NYC Hotels section.
Q: Hey Joe...What's a good restaurant to have Thanksgiving dinner?
A: Most American & Continental restaurants have special fixed price dinners that day. See our listings for phone numbers because you will need reservations.
Q: Hey Joe...How do I get tickets for seating at the parade?
A: You don't. Seating is restricted to Macy's executives, corporate sponsors, NBC, politicians, charitable organizations, etc. You can bring your own seats if you get there early enough and get a spot at the curb.
Q: Hey Joe...I want to go to the Big Balloon Blow-Up the night before. What time should I show up?
A: The balloons start getting inflated the day before the Parade and public viewing is available between 3pm-10pm on 77th & 81st Streets between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue. You won't see too much earlier. The best time is around 5pm. It's most fun seeing them inflated. If you go too late, you'll miss most of the action.
Q: Yo Joe...I want to shop at Macy's the day of the Parade. Are there sales?
A: Macy's stores, including in NYC, are closed the day of the Parade. However, they are open the day before and day after!!
Q: Hey Joe...Is there a Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade hotline I can call?
A: YES! Call 212-494-4495
The information on this website is provided by NYCtourist.com and is not in any way affiliated with Macy's.
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