Few things compare to seeing the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in person on a crisp November morning. Watching massive balloons shaped like Snoopy, Bluey and Grogu fill the sky as they float down New York City streets is an iconic holiday experience many families want. If you don’t live in the area, traveling for the parade may mean forgoing (or delaying) a traditional Thanksgiving meal, but seeing a child giddy as their favorite character floats by makes it worthwhile. More than 3.5 million people attend in person each year, so plan strategically so you’re not stuck far from the curb.
Catch the balloon inflation the day before
If you want up-close views of the balloons, don’t miss the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation the afternoon before the parade. Inflation starts at 1 p.m. on the Upper West Side at 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue near the American Museum of Natural History and runs until 6 p.m.; lines open around noon. Thirty-two balloons are inflated that day, and new character balloons often debut. The event is very popular, so arrive earlier for smaller crowds; many balloons begin to take shape around 3 p.m.
Transit: the 72nd Street subway station (B/C) gets crowded quickly; consider the 1/2/3 to Broadway–72nd and walk a few blocks. If using a car or ride-hail, ask to be dropped a block or two north of the gated area. Once in line you’ll progress north and can exit along West 82nd–86th streets.
Line up very early on the parade route
The parade begins at 8:30 a.m. at Central Park West and 77th Street, but with so many attendees you’ll need to line up well before that. In busy spots a 6 a.m. arrival is often necessary to secure curbside viewing; some prime spots, like covered bus stops, fill much earlier (around 4 a.m.). If you arrive later, standing in closed-off side streets can still give you a good view a few rows back. If you prefer to avoid standing outside, you can buy a paid parade brunch with a view or book a hotel room on the route (these rooms are typically sold as pricey packages), so reserve far in advance.
Bring something to keep you occupied — and warm
Because the route is about 2.5 miles long, it can take close to an hour for the lead marchers to reach different points. Expect idle time while you wait: bring snacks or breakfast, activities or small games for kids, and a backup phone charger. Bring something to sit on (towels or blankets work better than chairs, since most people stand). Dress for cold weather — jackets, hats, gloves — and carry umbrellas if rain is forecast.
Live in the moment
Seeing the parade in person is different from the TV experience. You’ll see clowns, NYPD motorcycles, marching bands, floats and the giant balloons up close, and those in the front rows often get interactive moments — high-fives, confetti, performers passing by. Not every televised performance happens along the whole route; some acts (like the Rockettes) perform near Macy’s Herald Square where the cameras are focused. Manage expectations and enjoy the floats, balloons and up-close interactions where you are.
Book a hotel near the parade route
There’s no single best hotel for the parade; rooms with direct parade views are sold as special packages and cost more, often with minimum-stay rules. Ask hotels if they offer special viewing areas outside for guests. If you don’t want to splurge, choose a hotel a block or two off the route — it will be an easy walk to and from the parade and often much less expensive. Using hotel points can be a smart way to secure nicer properties near the route without a huge cash outlay.
Examples of hotels on or very near the route include high-end and chain options; if you can’t snag a room directly on the route, look for properties within walking distance that have easy access to the parade finish at Herald Square so you can get back quickly when it ends.
Bottom line
Attending the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a memorable family experience: balloons, bands and the festive atmosphere make it special. Plan ahead—see the balloon inflation day before, line up early if you want curb spots, bring food and warm layers, and consider nearby hotels or viewing packages if you want to avoid standing for long periods. Enjoy the parade and take in other New York holiday traditions afterward, such as Santaland at Macy’s, festive markets, ice skating, or a holiday show.
