6 Tips for Best Viewing Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC

Other posts by MudslideMama

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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October 22, 2008 | Filed Under Destinations, Family Travel, The Cookie Jar, Travel News 

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59 Responses to “6 Tips for Best Viewing Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC”

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  1. jyl @ mommygossip says:
    October 22, 2008 at

    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.

  2. Angela Nickerson says:
    October 22, 2008 at

    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!

  3. wandermom says:
    October 22, 2008 at

    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.

  4. Mara says:
    October 22, 2008 at

    We’re always in Vermont for Thanksgiving, but I would really love to do this sometime. Sounds like fun - and these are great tips.

  5. Kristy Hall says:
    October 23, 2008 at

    One additional tip from a local — go to Central Park the night before the Parade to see them inflating the massive balloons.

  6. Finding More Fun, 10/23/08 | says:
    October 23, 2008 at

    [...] Park Reading Room, as reported by FamilyTravelLogue.  And if you’re planning to see the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, see TravelingMamas’ [...]

  7. Lawrence says:
    November 2, 2008 at

    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.

  8. Family Fun with Fire Trucks in New York City says:
    November 3, 2008 at

    [...] was fortunate enough to come across this attraction during a trip to New York City. I was amazed at the number of fire department patches representing departments from all over the [...]

  9. Sarabeth’s Kitchen - A Restaurant Gem in NYC says:
    November 4, 2008 at

    [...] say that Sarabeth’s Kitchen is my favorite restaurant for brunch in the city. Anyone traveling to New York for a fun-filled urban vacation would have a happy breakfast or lunch [...]

  10. Gigi says:
    November 6, 2008 at

    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 ?

  11. Carnival of Cities KIDS CHILDREN BABY says:
    November 8, 2008 at

    [...] about the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade? Don’t go without looking at these tips 6 Tips for Best Viewing Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC. They come from Jennifer Miner of Traveling [...]

  12. MudslideMama says:
    November 9, 2008 at

    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)!

  13. MudslideMama says:
    November 9, 2008 at

    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.

  14. MountainMama says:
    November 10, 2008 at

    We’ve got Turkey Day reservations at Jane. So that’s one restaurant that’s open!

  15. Kim says:
    November 11, 2008 at

    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.

  16. Elizabeth says:
    November 15, 2008 at

    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!!

  17. Anna Warner says:
    November 16, 2008 at

    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!

  18. Pat says:
    November 16, 2008 at

    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?

  19. MountainMama says:
    November 16, 2008 at

    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?

  20. MudslideMama says:
    November 16, 2008 at

    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.

  21. MudslideMama says:
    November 16, 2008 at

    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.

  22. Lindsey says:
    November 16, 2008 at

    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.

  23. angie says:
    November 18, 2008 at

    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?

  24. Troy says:
    November 19, 2008 at

    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

  25. Carol says:
    November 19, 2008 at

    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

  26. Jennifer says:
    November 20, 2008 at

    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.

  27. Stacy says:
    November 20, 2008 at

    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?

  28. MudslideMama says:
    November 20, 2008 at

    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).

  29. Liza says:
    November 20, 2008 at

    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

  30. Gigi says:
    November 20, 2008 at

    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!

  31. MudslideMama says:
    November 20, 2008 at

    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!

  32. T says:
    November 22, 2008 at

    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!

  33. Stacy says:
    November 24, 2008 at

    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!

  34. Shavon says:
    November 24, 2008 at

    How much extra time should be planned if we’re taking the bus to the PATH from Newark Airport into Central Park?

  35. MudslideMama says:
    November 24, 2008 at

    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.

  36. Stacy C. says:
    November 24, 2008 at

    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.

  37. MudslideMama says:
    November 24, 2008 at

    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.

  38. T says:
    November 24, 2008 at

    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!!

  39. Tina McMahon says:
    November 25, 2008 at

    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?

  40. Anthony Pucciarelli says:
    November 25, 2008 at

    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!!

  41. Best Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloons says:
    November 25, 2008 at

    [...] Here are some other tips for the best viewing of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. [...]

  42. ezmerelda3 says:
    November 25, 2008 at

    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?

  43. Renee says:
    November 25, 2008 at

    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.

  44. Tina Williams says:
    November 26, 2008 at

    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

  45. Lisa says:
    November 26, 2008 at

    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~

  46. Callie says:
    November 26, 2008 at

    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?

  47. Yvette says:
    November 27, 2008 at

    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.

  48. MountainMama says:
    November 27, 2008 at

    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?)

  49. CajunMama says:
    November 27, 2008 at

    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.

  50. EastCobbMama says:
    November 28, 2008 at

    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!

  51. Macy says:
    December 2, 2008 at

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  52. Macy says:
    December 2, 2008 at

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  53. Stacy says:
    December 9, 2008 at

    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!!!

  54. Heather S says:
    December 15, 2008 at

    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!

  55. Rich says:
    December 31, 2008 at

    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?

  56. mn says:
    January 10, 2009 at

    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.

  57. Guam-Hotel.Net » Blog Archive » The Best Museums for Children in New York City says:
    February 2, 2009 at

    [...] go to New York City several times a year, but we try to make these vacations during the warmer months. Once, a cold [...]

  58. shereen says:
    April 20, 2009 at

    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.

  59. Noel says:
    April 28, 2009 at

    The parade route for 2009 has changed dramatically. See:
    http://www.nytix.com/Hotels/articles/thanksgiving.html

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