No matter how you feel about travel for the Thanksgiving holiday, it’s a given that a lot of us are stuck with it. One of the most popular Thanksgiving travel destinations is New York City. This makes sense; it’s finally not disgustingly hot and not yet miserably cold (hello, New Year’s Eve, I’m talking to you) — and, of course, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City is a remarkable event. As with many other iconic aspects of our country, seeing the parade in person is remarkable, and memorable, and just different than half watching it on the TV while tryptophan threatens you with complete organ shut-down. I love the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. If you’re lucky enough to be in or near NYC for Thanksgiving, here are some tips for making the most out of it.
Tips for Best Viewing Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City
- First of all, the parade starts at 77th St., and heads south along Central Park West. When the parade reaches Columbus Circle, it follows the circle to Broadway, then continues south. The parade ends at 34th St and 7th Ave, just after passing Macy’s at Herald Square.
- Get there early. I mean it, people really start lining up at the crack of dawn. Bring a coat or blanket to stay warm, or wait in shifts. (I’ve tried the “waiting in shifts” approach, and while it works, you might temporarily annoy some other people when your family and friends crowd in.) The actual Thanksgiving Day Parade starts at 9:00 AM.
- If this Thanksgiving vacation includes young children, and you don’t get a front view viewing spot, you’ll probably have to carry them on your shoulders to see the parade. Either that, or they’ll have to be content with mostly just seeing the big balloons. Another tip: People are usually in pretty festive moods once the parade starts, and won’t necessarily mind if your little kid scoots in front of them. Then, the trick for you is to keep an eye on them during the parade. I never did this; we preferred the “shoulder ride” approach.
- My favorite viewing area is along Central Park West, between 66th and 77th Streets. Yes, it’s completely crowded, but it’ll be crowded everywhere along the route. At least here – at the beginning of the route – the members of the parade (balloon handlers, marchers, etc) are at the height of their excitement and energy level. Since Central Park is right there, once the parade has passed, you and your family can enjoy an Autumn stroll. Another tip: If you’re traveling with young children, there is a fun playground right across the park entrance from Tavern on the Green.
- If you move, you lose your spot! New Yorkers aren’t THAT forgiving. So, try not to drink too much coffee or tea – while they warm you up, they also work their way through your system quickly. Last I saw, there are no public toilets along the Thanksgiving Parade route, and restaurant managers get irritated with the constant flow (excuse the pun) or parade-viewers needing to use the facilities.
- One final tip for the best viewing of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City is to, at least in my opinion, avoid the terminus of the parade at all costs. As I mentioned earlier, the Thanksgiving Day Parade ends at 34th and 7th. It’s beyond crowded here: This part of NYC has a Penn Station train hub and a PATH (New Jersey transit) hub, as well as one of the city’s most busy subway stops. The latecomers to the parade in from Jersey are here, people trying to get around the city are here, the tired balloon handlers are happy to be done here…it’s just too much. Anchovies have more personal space.
With the proper planning and motivation, you can really get a great spot to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade live. Sure, it’s hard for some of us – and by some of us I mean me – to get up early enough to ensure a spot along Central Park West. But it’s worth it. The chilly air and excitement of the parade also get you good and hungry, believe me. The good news is, there’s probably a big meal, replete with turkey, stuffing and all that great stuff waiting for you. Happy Thanksgiving! It’s my favorite long weekend vacation of the year. We at the Traveling Mamas hope you enjoy your American holiday.
UPDATE: The parade route has changed (first time in years!) from 2008 to 2009. Here is the new parade route for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade:
- The parade starts at 77th Street and Central Park West
- Heads South down Central Park West until it reaches Columbus Circle at 59th Street
- Turns East at Columbus Circle along Central Park South
- Turns South at 7th Avenue, continues along 7th Avenue through Times Square until 42nd Street
- At 42nd Street the route turns East on 42nd street for 1 block until 6th Ave.
- Turns South onto 6th Avenue
- Continues south on 6th Avenue to finish in front of Macy’s in Herald Square at 34th Street.
Update hat tip: nytix.com
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Wow! This is a great blog. Love this entry too. Thanks for signing up over on Mommy Gossip—gno and for participating in #gno on Twitter last night. It is so fun to get to know other tweeters through their blogs.
Am dying to go to the Macy’s Day Parade w/my kids. I love all thing New York. I will be archiving this for when I do.
Thanks.
One of my claims to fame: I marched in the Macy’s parade! It was sooo much fun, and honestly — it’s the best way to see the parade ever. Suddenly I found myself standing in Times Square while the parade was stopped… thousands of people cheering, the band playing… well, clearly I am going to need to blog about this soon! Great post!
We’ve never actually been to the Thanksgiving Day parade – but we’ve talked about doing so many times. I think we were a little nervous about managing two kids in such a large crowd of people. But now I know what to do!
Thanks, for the info.
And thanks for participating in the GNO travel chat. It was fun.
We’re always in Vermont for Thanksgiving, but I would really love to do this sometime. Sounds like fun – and these are great tips.
One additional tip from a local — go to Central Park the night before the Parade to see them inflating the massive balloons.
We are planning on going this year 2008. We wanted to know where the ballon flling ceremnoy is and do you need tickets for it… We also wanted to know where to get a goofd family thanksgiving meal afterwards that will not break our bank.
We're from GA and this will be our first time to see the parade in person! Since our lunch reservations are at Rockefeller Ctr., we're thinking that Times Sq is our best viewing spot, as we can walk rather than try to find a taxi or ride the subway. Do you think that's a good plan? And should we leave the stroller behind ?
Lawrence, the balloons are blown up the night before right at the American Museum of Natural History. There's usually also a sort of mini-rehearsal too.
Unfortunately, most restaurants are closed for Thanksgiving Day. 24-hour diners are open, but they won't be any fun. Hotels often have prix fixe Thanksgiving meals, but they will “break the bank,” as you said. Good luck (and if any readers have affordable alternatives that aren't generic, please let us know)!
You know, Gigi, this sounds sneaky but the stroller will actually afford you a little personal space that you otherwise wouldn't get. But – it depends on the age of your child. If this is just a baby, by all means take the stroller. If we're talking a toddler here, he or she will likely end up on a pair of shoulders for a better view of the parade – in that case, having the stroller will probably earn you the Evil Eye from a bunch of other parade viewers. Food for though.
I also do think that you should stick closer to Times Square due to your lunch reservations. But be forewarned: It will be a massive, massive crush there. People are in a pretty good mood about the parade, so there's a festive (not threatening) atmosphere, but some people might find the crush of humanity a bit much.
We’ve got Turkey Day reservations at Jane. So that’s one restaurant that’s open!
One of my favorite Thanksgiving memories is the year we were in NYC and my Mom and I went to watch the parade. It was drizzling which turned out to be a good thing because the crowds were less and no one else in the family wanted to go, it was just us. We ended it with a nice stroll in Central Park.
If you’re taking kids, one trip I brought along “The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge” by Hildegarde H. Swift and read it to the kids the night before we took a Hudson River cruise, when we passed the bridge and the lighthouse it made the trip for them.
You know, mudslide mama, things have changed a bit on the upper west side for Thanksgiving.. As someone who isn’t going anywhere for Thanksgiving (just waaayy too tired..), I’ve noticed that a number of restaurants on the UWS are actually going to be open on thanksgiving. However, nearly all of them will be providing a “thanksgiving prix fixe.”That means “OVERPRICED TURKEY” to you and me. Still, it’s nice to have the alternative.
I have to admit, the night before blowing up of the balloons on 81st Street (btwn Columbus & Central Park West) is actually more exciting for me than the actual parade! If you can ditch work in the early afternoon, not only do you have the excitement of the balloons, but they actually have people dressed up as characters for your munchkins to take FREE pictures with (they provide the polaroid!) They also give out balloons and little macy’s coloring books!
Over the past couple of years, it’s become my little tradition to have a picture taken of me and my little munchkin in front of one of the star balloons that say “Macy’s.” This way, when the munchkin is older, there will be one for each year of her life! Just one of the many benefits of living on the upper west side of Manhattan. Kind of makes up for the hassle of the blocked streets, chaos & mayhem produced by the parade!!
We are putting all your suggestions in our Notes on our Iphone for PARADE DAY!. We will be driving down from VT to take dear friends with a three-year old to the parade for their first time. We have a 9 month old. Are there any other NYC events that week/end or restaurants we shouldn’t miss at this time? Is the skating rink open for the energetic 3yr old? Thanks for all your suggestions!
My family is planning to go to the parade this year. Several people have told me about going near Central Park. What time do you think we need to get there in order to have a good spot for children to see? You mentioned dawn. Is 7 a.m. too late?
Who knows what TIME they start blowing up balloons day prior at 81st and Columbus (near/at Natural History Museum?)? Elizabeth commenter implies mid afternoon?
Pat, I’d say that if you can, try to get there at 6:30 in the morning. it sounds super-early, and it is, but maybe you could send one member of your group as a “place holder,” and stand in shifts. In my opinion, along Central Park is the best place to watch the parade, and it really is worth the wait.
Kara, the balloons start to get blown up around 4PM. If you like, I’d recommend spending the early afternoon at the Museum at Natural History, because that way you’ll already be there. It’s a terrific museum, and if your kids saw Night at the Museum, they’ll especially enjoy it.
Anna, I’m sure your family will have a great time. The Rockefeller Center skating rink is already open (opens mid-October) and Chelsea Piers has the Sky Rink, which is open all year. PLENTY to do in Chelsea Piers for your energetic 3yr old!
If your child likes Central Park and the Central Park Zoo, the Wolman Rink is very close to the zoo. Also, someone told me that there’s a skating rink that just opened in Bryant Park. It’s new, and I haven’t seen it yet, but I thought you might like to know.
We have reservations at Artisanal which has a prix fix menu for 65pp (38 for children under 12). Great restaurant and holiday menu is online if you are still looking.
We are planning to go this year and my biggest concern is where do you go to the restroom? I thought about standing near Central Park West, but it there aren’t public restrooms there maybe Times Square is better? any thought or advice from someone who has done this before?
Fabulous post on how to see the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! Even though I no longer live in NYC I still watch the parade every Thanksgiving and have passed on the tradition to my two kids. I’ll be posting a link to this blog on my Free Fun Guides Website: http://www.freefunguides.com
I’m going to parade for first time this year and am so excited. Will be driving up from Maryland on Wed. afternoon and staying in NJ, then taking public transportation into the city to arrive by 6:30a.m. Thursday morning. Any suggestions on where to stay in NJ the night before? And what kind of transportation to get into the city. I’m new at all of this. Thanks! Carol
The ice skating rink at Bryant Park has been open for about three weeks so far this year and is really lovely. I believe you can rent skates for a small fee. It is also surrounded by a large, vibrant Christmas market (about to open) full of high quality stuff – everything from handmade jewelry to ‘bear paw’ mittens for kids, silk scarves to leather-bound books, Russian enamel, Swiss chocolate, and fantastic soaps. You are never far away from the ice as your browse the stalls. And there is a heated restaurant pavilion overlooking the rink. The exact formatting of the whole complex changes each year, but the rink has been there for about three years, the market for longer. It adds up to a pretty great place to spend a few hours, before or after dark (which falls at 4:30PM – market’s open till 8). There are also plenty of places around the perimeter of the park to grab food.
Carol,
We are staying at the Days Inn at Newark Airport. It’s about $80.00 a night. We have stayed there before and it’s really nice. Then you would take the bus to the subway station and take the PATH. It’s really not that hard. We’re taking our the kids with us. I can’t wait. I too am worried about the bathrooms. Are there any public ones?
Hi Stacy,
I used to take the PATH train all the time (I grew up in New Jersey). As you noted, it’s not too hard.
As for bathrooms, no need to worry. There are restaurants and Starbuck’s all over, and as long as you ask nicely (and have your little kid standing adorably in front of you), you won’t be turned away. The only times restaurant managers start rejected people from using their restrooms is when the people act rudely, or seem to be on mood-altering drugs and/or homeless (sounds harsh, but I suppose it’s bad for their business).
Hello, we are trying to find out if we should go ahead and drive in to the city for the parade or park in Jersey to catch the train. Any recommendations? We do decide to drive straight NYC, where can we park and approximately how much will it cost.
Thank you very much for your time
We hope to get a good spot in Times Square around 7:30am, since it’s further down from the starting point. Is that early enough? Also, what time does the parade end? Lastly, my 80 year old mom will be with us. She’s in good health, but do you have any tips for seniors at the parade?
To stay warm, we’re bringing reusable hand warmers and thought others may want to try them too. They’re available at camping gear stores.
Thanks for your great info!
Gigi, I don’t know what kind of your mom is in. There’s a big crowd, with a little pushing and shoving. Nothing rough or mean-spirited, but a delicate person might not like it. Also, there’s a lot of standing if you’re not at the bleachers up in the Central Park part. I’d say that she might get tired, and a lightweight folding chair should be something you consider.
People let little kids nose their way to the front row, but not seniors. By 7:30 there will already be a first row of people waiting for the parade. Can you get there even earlier? Groups of two can take shifts, if that helps. The good news about Times Sq. is that you’ll be able to duck into any number of restaurants to warm up (or use the facilities).
It’s over at noon, i.e. lunchtime. Great suggestion re: those handwarmers. Happy Thanksgiving!
Mudslidemama,
There are bleachers?? Somewhere to sit? We are traveling to New York with 2 kids ages 8 & 13 and my mother. My health & stamina are poor but we are seeing this once in a lifetime event no matter what. We are staying at the Westin Times Square on W 43rd between 7th & 8th. Should we try a parade location closer to the hotel in Times Square or will it be better from the Central Park locations? Any help is much appreciated!
Is it a bad idea to take a car into the City? We’re planning on taking a group of 8 adults with two cars and parking above Central Park. Any ideas on how to find out where to park? Six of our group can hold our spot while the other two park and walk the blocks back to Central Park. Thanks!
How much extra time should be planned if we’re taking the bus to the PATH from Newark Airport into Central Park?
Please leave VERY EARLY if you’re taking the PATH, bus, or your car into the city for the parade. I’ve got to say, Stacy, that if there’s a way you can avoid driving, I highly recommend leaving the car behind. The city will be a mess for cars that day. IT’s not simply a matter of all the detours set up to block off streets for the parade; it’s also the added traffic of all the people who (like you) are in NYC for Thanksgiving.
Shavon, I think you’re asking about taking a bus from the PATH train to Central Park? If so, you’ll be getting off the PATH at 34th Street. You can see the parade end right there, as I think you know, but the crowds are just too intense there for some people. The buses will also be crowded, and with the detours and rerouting, it will take definitely more than 30 minutes to get a mile and a bit north to Central Park.
We are taking the Path and getting of on 34th street. Can we take the subway up to Central Park?We are going to try to go somewhere between 66th and 77th. We are going to try to get there around 6ish.
Great idea, Stacy. Getting there at the crack of dawn is (scarily) the best way to guarantee yourself one of the best viewing spots.
My old subway stop, from when I lived on the Upper West Side, is 66th and Lincoln Center (Broadway). You can get off there and walk east a couple blocks, or take the express from 34th to 72nd. At 72nd, you’ll also walk east a couple blocks, obviously.
If you are unfamiliar with the NYC subway system, look for the 1,2,3, and 9 lines, in red.
Mudslide Mama,
WOW!! Thank you so much for the extremely helpful info! I was dreading standing there! The 3 adults in our party are going to take shifts as suggestested starting at 6am! This will truly be an amazing experience thanks to the traveling mamas helpful hints! One more question for anyone familiar with the area, what is the best way for us to get from our hotel (Westin Times Square W 43rd between 7th & 8th) to the bleachers section at central park (we are going to shoot for 66th-77th streets)? Thanks again!!
I will be on E 73rd Street on Thanksgiving trying to get to Philadelphia by 4:00pm. Any advise on getting out of the city by car?
Hi..I will be traveling from Staten Island with my 2 year old and husband.. I am also 7 months pregnant and heard there were bleaches in central park? is that correct? and where exactly are they located. All of your advise has been greatly appreciated!! GOBBLE-GOBBLE!!
What a great blog. I am turning the big 4-0 next year and want to begin the planning. We will be traveling with our four children (14,7,5,4) to NYC for the Thanksgiving Parade in 2009. Any suggestions on a nice but halfway reasonable hotel that we could just sit in our room to view the parade from?
The bleachers along Central Park are reserved for VIP’s only. My son goes to school on 4 west 76th street along Central Park West, and the festivities actually start way sooner than announced. I’ve seen them begin unrolling and inflating as early as 12 noon on the day before Thanksgiving! The local news channels set up days in advance as well. The trucks are there with the balloons early in the morning. My son gets out of school @ 12 noon, we stay until the crowd grows (about 5pm), by the time most people get there, the balloons are almost done already! We come back the next morning for the parade.
This is a great post! We just moved from New York to Florida and will be missing the Parade this year! Central Park is definitely a great place to watch from especially with the kids!
Thanks for the reminder of some great times in NYC!
Tina
@newoldmom
Not sure if anyone still needs a good affordable dinner in the city, but TGI Fridays is open and will have turkey dinners. I went there one year and they are quite tasty and affordable. Happy Thanksgiving~
We are staying at 57th & Lexington, do you still recomend Central Park West? Also, couldn’t get a taxi to take us up there tonight to watch balloons blown up due to closed streets. How do you recomend getting there? Taxi? Subway? Last question we are flying out of Laguardia tomorrow how long to get to airport from 57th and Lexington by car service?
Callie, Check out Answer #37, do the Subway, red line 1,2,3 or 9 and exit 72nd street. Not sure how long the car will take to the airport.
Okay, who else was blown away by the parade?! TV does not do those HUMONGOUS floats justice. We were at 54th and Broadway, w/ kids on ladders back from edge of street, and they had great views (I snuck up behind them a few times to see the bands & low floats.) I’m so happy to have seen it in person – at least once in my lifetime! So fun when Santa came down the street.
P.S. Callie, we’re staying at 50th & Lex, and leaving by 6 a.m. to JFK by taxi, guessing no more than 30 minutes that early in morning. Less than that to LGA, I think. (I guess double check w/ your concierge/front desk; depends on time of day, but so many folks won’t be doing the commute w/ offices closed – I’m guessing light traffic day, but who knows?)
Did you get to see the RickRoll? If you missed it – http://twurl.nl/hulnx4
Sounds like you had a fantastic time with the family and made some new friends.
How can I see the 2008 parade broadcast – forgot to set my DVR! UGGGGGGGGGGGGG
Hey there, just found this site today! The day AFTER we return home from NYC to view the 2008 parade! WOW! WOW! Life long dream came true and on such a beautiful day! I have a young teen and a “pre-teen” and they both LOVED the parade also, even though we had to get up early! Great site will visit you again. Thanks & more thanks!
So we had planned on getting at the parade at 6 but transportion took longer. We got there right before 7. We sat on 62nd street. We were about the 3rd row back but we saw great. Everyone in front of us had brought those bag chairs! But my kids got to get up at the very front. We loved it!!!
How cool that you got to go Stacy. That is one thing I would love to do. I think the balloons are beautiful. I bet the kids had a blast!
Does anyone know of any restaurants along the parade route that offer a brunch where you can actually watch the parade from up above and inside?
I just moved to east coast from the midwest. What is there to do in NJ? There’s no beauty here. help. and the quality of life, the stores, the clean areas, just not where I am living.
hi, i will be turning 16 this november and instead of having a party i have decided to go to newyork with my mom. i went for my 12th birthday and loved it but we did not go to the thanksgiving day parade. this time i would really like to see it. i know celebrities perform during the parade but i was wondering where do they usually perform because i would really like to see the performances in person. if anyone knows and could help me it would be greatly appreciated.
The parade route for 2009 has changed dramatically. See:
http://www.nytix.com/Hotels/articles/thanksgiving.html
Noel, thanks so much for the update! Yes, the parade route changed from 2008 to 2009. I appreciate you keeping all those readers up-to-date.
Thanks for the info on the change of route. My hubby, me and my sister are going to be there in NYC for the parade. We can’t wait! I only get to see bits and pieces of the parade because I’m always in the kitchen cooking the turkey dinner. Now I’m going to see it in person! My hubby and I did Times Square for New Years eve 2006/07(awesome) so now I can say Ive done New York. (this will by my 4th time there). Love NYC!!!
I will be going to the Thanksgiving 2009 Parade. However, my husband is disabled (he can not stand for long periods of time, but he is not yet wheelchair-bound). Any suggestions for the handicapped (not only for viewing, but bathroom facilities as well)? All suggestions will be most welcome! Also, what restaurants serve the best Thanksgiving dinner? Lastly, if we plan to go to Central Park to watch the balloons being blown up around 6PM, will that be too late?
this will be our first visit to NYC where can we stay that is reputable and affordable and near the parade. We will be coming on train.
Planning for the 2009 parade with my husband and 3 year old daughter. Any tips? Is there anywhere cheap to stay close the night before? We’re coming up from CT. What’s the best place to view early on in the parade and what can I do about potty breaks?
hi,
I know that Santa arrives at the end of the parade at noon, but if you are watching the parade at 77th Street and Central Park West What time does it end? (what time does it end at the beginning of the parade?) Thanks a bunch.
Just wanted to tell you abuot our great Italian restaurant on 34th and 3rd – very close to the Empire State Building and Macy’s. We would love to have you when you visit the Big Apple. Please contact me if you are interested in booking a reservation. We have price fixed dinner and wonderful Unlimited Mimosa Refills Brunch on the weekends!
Thanks.
Jody
Thank you so much for this post! I’ll be coming from overseas, and your tips will be extremely helpful. Generous people like you are what makes the internet so amazing!
We will be visiting our daughter in New Jersey and staying in Rockaway. She just moved there and we are not familiar with the transit system. Would love to go to the parade … is there a way to get from Rockaway to Manhattan that early on Thanksgiving Day? I keep looking at the NJ Transit System website and can’t find a connection. I thought I could get a train from maybe Boonton to Penn and then get a subway to upper west side?? Any help would be appreciate. THANKS!
This is a graet site. This will be my 4th year marching in the parade. last year I was on the Hess Float with PushPlay. This year I will be a Baseball clown with my 14 year oldson and husband. Once you march in the parade you can never jusy watch it. We have turned it into a tradition. We leave the house at 3:30 am and have breakfast at a 24 hr. diner.Then head to herald Square to get dressed.They send you up on a bus to 81st street and from there you walk to clown corner . You can wait a good hour before it starts.You get to watch alot of the parade before it is your turnto start marching.Once they call your clown group it is one of the most exciting experiences!!. Thw first time I marched it was pouring and cold and even then it was great.If you are there wave to the teen clowns and chaperones.
What time does the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade start and end at 77th street and Central Park West? I know it’s televised at 34th street at 9:oo am, but it is a little less crowded uptown and easier to nudge your way to the front because people start to leave sooner. You also tend to get more “neighborhood people”, too.
UGH! THIS WAS SO HELPFUL!
ITS FUNNY CUZ I’M OVER HERE IN CALIFORNIA, AND I’M FLYING OUT TO NY OVERNIGHT ON THE 25th going onto the 26 SO I CAN WATCH THE PARADE AND WALK AROUND AND THEN FLY BACK THAT SAME NIGHT!
I♥NY
This blog has been SO helpful !!! We are a group of 4 Canadians coming to NYC to see the infamous Macy’s Day Parade. We can’t wait !!! you have given us a lot of very useful tips. We will be making it a point to see the balloons inflating……cant’t wait. Then the parade once in a lifetime experience !! The 4 of us love NYC and can’t wait to experience this.
See all of you there.
Lori**
I live in Morris Plains NJ with is right near Rockaway what you need to do is take the NJ Transit direct into NY Penn Station (you may have to transfer trains depending on the route in Newark) Once you arrive at NY Penn you can take the subway to the beginning of the parade if you desire to do so.. just a note: NY Penn is right near Macys herald square which is where the parade ends although this can get extremely crowded in this location on any given day so I would recommend cabbing / taking the subway to somewhere in the 70s to see the parade
Going to see the Parade for the first time this year. We are staying at the Edison just a half block from Times Square on 47th Street. Do you think we could comfortably see the parade at Time Square or should we try to make it up to Central Park West to watch it?
I plan to go to Macys stop in 2010 with my 2 year old daughter. I would like to know a good place to stay and that it is near the route. What places have better eyesight? I heard that Applebees offers a package where you can eat while watching the parade.
Hi Mudslide Mama!
Quick question: with the change in the parade route, do you still think the best place is at the beginning around 77th and CPW?
Also, is there a way to get tickets to the bleachers section? Just curious.
Thanks and happy kick-off to the holiday season!
Does anyone know anything about the pre-parade rehearsal that is held in Herald Square the night before the parade? Who ususally participates in this and what time does it take place???
Hi, I live in NJ and plan on going to Penn station (NYC) by NJ Transit. What subway do I take to get to Central Park and the 70’s for the best view. what time do you recommend being there? Also, the Applebee’s breakfast sounds good. Can I go there and but tickets and what is the actual location of the Applebees? Does Applebees ticket holders have exclusive to the sidewalk in front of the Applebees? Thanks for your help in advance….Donna
How about spots in front of Macy’s, or across the street so I can see the performances? I plan on getting there at 5am. Will it be safe to say we would have a good viewing spot when we get there?
@Donna I’m also taking the train from jersey to NYC, take the 1 train to 57th for Central park.
Hi, this is helpful, thanks. I have a specific delemna, I am driving in to the Bronx from Pennsylvania (rte 80) the day before the parade and have a hotel near the Queensboro bridge in the Queens. I have to be in the Bronx the night before to collect my son’t gear from college. He is walking in the parade as a balloon handler so we are going to watch the parade, then collect our car, son and drive home, westbound into NJ. The question is, since I need my car the night before in the Bronx and the hotel is in Queens, what is the best thing to do with it to collect it after the parade. I can travel back into Manhatten the night before and drop it off somewhere near the Lincoln or Holland tunnel, then taxi/subway back to hotel and back to the city next morning but what would you suggest? I’m familiar with driving in the city but this is a new problem I can’t seem to figure out and I don’t have an appreciation for the crowds. Any ideas are extremely welcomed.
Thanks
I’m actually more interested in the float assembly and balloon inflating the day before, than the parade itself. Any suggestions for where to best watch these activities and what hotels are near by?
Hi Traveling Momma’s! I’m a 4x clown in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This year I decided to broadcast my preperation, commentary, videos, pics and experience in the parade via Twitter. So, even during the parade I’ll be taking pictures of the crowds and uploading in real-time. Thought you would enjoy following! Also, if any of your readers happen to be in the crowds in the parade, they can “tweet” me as to where they are and I’ll throw confetti on them and upload a pic. How fun is that! Don’t know why I didn’t do this before.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Mike
Whoops! Here is the Twitter account: @macysclown
Hi macys clown,
What type of clown will you be?. I will be marching with the baseball teen clowns as a chaperone,so if you see us at parade corner please take some pics of us!(We will be in front of the museum steps waiting to be called on parade route)I just called all my teens baseball clowns and we are getting very excited. Just found out they are changing the performances to the 34th street side. it will not be in front of Herald Square. They put up a new lighted Christmas tree in front of where they will be filming for TV.
Also did you go to clown U today if so if you have any pics?can you post them. I do not twitter. Thanks and have a great time at the parade!
Jim,
If you want to see the ballons inflated go around 4pm by the museum they are set up around 2 full blocks. You will catch it action and it is incredible. If you go later in the eve you will see them already inflated. I think the floats are assembled very late in the eve 77street-84-85th street. that may be closer to midnite. It is so much fun to be there.
my birthday is on the 26 im going
thanks!! i have one question… what time do u think i should arrive? im planning on going at 7
thank you for the information I found it very helpful and I will defiantly visit the website more often.
Happy Thanksgiving 2009.
I was in new york for thanksgiving in 2007 i was staying out in new jersey a real nice place called morristown however i booked in to a hotel on the thanksgiving parade route it was on Broadway 2 blocks from times square i was so luck to get a room with a Broadway window what a fantastic place to be for the parade we got up early to make sure we had eaten before the parade (6am) and there were people in there positions to watch the parade already so when others say get there early they mean early. The parade was absolutely worth watching and im so pleased i booked in to a hotel on the route as we were in the window as giant balloons were going past our window very surreal but fantastic.
What ever you decide to do for thanksgiving and where ever you decide to be on the route im sure you will really enjoy the parade.
HAPPY 2009 THANKSGIVING
The forecast is rainy. Who is still going and what should I bring so that we’re comfortable during the parade?
Hi Mamas.
We live on the Upper West Side but this will be our first attempt at watching the parade. We were thinking of doing the save a spot method trading off after a couple of hours. Is it cool to bring chairs or will we be crushed?
Is parking easy if i drive in? I prefer to park on the street somewhere and walk… any suggestions?
You can use chairs in the early morning but will need to put them away it gets very, very crowded in the front row and is often 4-6 rows of people per street.The parade is not going down Bway anymore. It is going down 7th ave and then cutting over to 6th ave at 42nd street. There is some buzz that the NY Yankees may be in the parade?
Growing up it was a family tradition to go to the parade every year. We went for about 16 years and just loved it. Highly recommend.
OMG! I was looking for info on the parade and came across your site! My family is going to the parade and all this info was very very helpful!
I will be driving from Delaware this thanksgiving 2009 with my 3 year old and 7 year old can someone please tell me a good place for us to park what street or where a good garage i plan on getting there EARLY once in a lifetime I want good seats for the kids..please let me know!
Thank you!
TiffanyM0106@aol.com
This is fantastic information. I needed it so bad. For the first time I decided that I need to seize the moment and go see this show live and in person. I think I’m going to barrow a back pack for my kid, it will be easier than trying to keep track of him on foot or stroller. Thanks for the input. Having the park to stay busy is a great idea. Can’t wait!
First time coming to the parade. We are staying at 71st. Should we bring light chairs?
My wife and I just moved to New Jersey from Georgia. We live maybe a quarter mile from a North Coast Line station. Would you recommend taking the train all the way to New York Penn Station, or going to Newark Penn and switching to the Path? We are planning on watching from the Central Park area and then enjoying the park.
My family and I will be attending the parade for the first time this year. This site has been very helpful for viewing locations however since we’re driving in form upstate NY any suggestions on where to park our car? I’m very familiar with the subway lines and the city itself so getting around once we’re parked won’t be difficult.
Thank you
BJ
Hi,
I’m from Bermuda and I saw the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade for the first time last year (2008).(I used to always watch it on TV at work). I went about 10:00 am and stood on 34th Street and had a very good view. I will be there this year too! My boyfriend will be with me this time. I’m so excited!!!
Just found out that the teen baseball clowns will be behind Buzz light year and the NYPD mounted unit. (you know what that means for us clowns!).Can’t wait to be in the parade!
I am going into the city tomorrow with my friends to the macy’s thanksgiving day parade. These tips really are going to help us alot. Thanks so much for this, we greatly appericate it!
Wow! Great insight! First time to NYC and taking your advice on the parade route. Central park is beautiful!
For some of us that unfortunately have to work and cannot be there up close and personal with the parade today, is it perhaps broadcasted live on the web anywhere?????
I grew up in NYC and my parents drug us to the parade every year. I remember being so cranky it was wet cold and we had to wee. We’d get hot pretzels and I’d sit on dads shoulders to watch the parade..I was not really into it but I was young..from the time I was 6 til we left when I was 12 we went every year. I am older in my 40s now, I now wish I made more of it back then. I would give anything to go back into childhood and pay attn to some of the things I actually missed during those parade days. It really was fun..just too young to know it. We take things for granted cause thats all we know..and when we get older we want to go back. Wish they would let us be taught that at a young age..you can tell us..but we can’t belevie it til its too late.
Is Justin Bieber going to be there at the parade????? I hope so cause he is so hot and reallu good at singing.
I live in Wasilla, Alaska and I have always wanted to go to the parade. I’m thinking of going in 2010 with my sister who lives outside of Chicago. I would like to spend at least a week in NY. Does anyone have any ideas of where to stay near the parade route, from everything I read it is near Central Park West? It would be great to watch the parade from a hotel window. Also what other things can we see during our week stay. I would like to see some broadway shows, but how far is Manhattan from Broadway? Sorry, I don’t know that much about NY.
im love thanksgiving parade Im remember my first parade with my mom.And the last year as the last one whith her because she died 2 months ago and I always remembered her happiness when the family saw the parades.
i loved the little cheerleaders and the women on the bikes the show was also very good.i wish i could have been there but i was at a thanksgiving diner.
love Erin
Grayso KY
I wanted to give back some info to this site that was helpful to me. I attended the 2009 parade. It was really great. I will tell you that the first ‘ring’ of people or front row arrive around 5:30 – 6:00am. I arrived at 6:20am to start looking for a spot and the first rows were all ready taken by people holding spots etc. But we picked out a spot near some nice young people and 2nd ‘row’ was fine. I had one child with me that i stood on the folding chair and therefore was able to let other small children in front of that. The 2 1/2 hour wait really seems to go by fast.
BTW the parade starts at 9am at 77th st and being at 68th st was over at 10:30am. I was home watching it finish again on tv at 12!
I remember when the balloons were blown up in a lot on 110th St. and I believe it was Amsterdam Ave. It marched down from there to Macy’s. The lot is now a building of St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital. Santa used to throw candy to the viewers.
Hey did any of you wave to the teen baseball clowns . WE were behind the horses and in front of the apple float. It was an incredible day!The parade was much longer with all the turns. Going down 7th ave to Times Square was spectacular.I am getting my videos and pics together so I will keep you posted
I was wondering is there are any hotels that have parade side windows or balconies. I have never been to New York but would love to take the family there for the Macy’s.