We’re fortunate sufficient to have been to the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade right here in New York Metropolis a couple of occasions now. The youngsters all the time look ahead to going again to kick off the vacation season and watch the large balloons. The simplest technique to see every thing is from a resort room alongside the route, which ought to be booked as quickly as potential! We’ve tons of suggestions on the weblog for this. For any locals trying to go for the primary time this yr or for those who’re on the town and need try all of the motion, we’re breaking down our prime suggestions for seeing the Macy’s parade in particular person.
Get a Good Evening’s Relaxation
Firstly, not solely do you may have an extended day forward, however you may have an early one. For anybody with little children, it’s even longer! Attempting to maintain everybody completely happy within the chilly climate with loads of snack choices whilst you stand in a single spot for a couple of hours isn’t any joke. The sis one thing that’s approach simpler to sort out if you end up effectively rested. I believe one in all our greatest suggestions is to plan out your sleep schedule main as much as the early morning. In case you’re cooking a full Thanksgiving dinner afterwards, that’s one thing to remember as effectively.

Select Your Spot
Secondly, that is one other factor to plan forward on. Know the place you’re going! Are you planning on staying on 59th avenue? thirty fourth? Get prime viewing spots and one of the best areas famous earlier than late November arrives. Right here are some things to notice:
Higher West Facet: The parade begins there which implies it ends earlier, getting you residence to you family members and candied yams that a lot sooner.
Central Park West: Between 59th and seventy fifth streets is crammed with excited parade goers, effectively earlier than the vast majority of town has even gotten away from bed. Macy’s states folks begin lining up alongside this part of the parade route at 6 a.m.
Columbus Circle: Head as much as the second and third flooring of the Retailers at Columbus Circle for an elevated — and hotter — view of the parade.
The intersection of Central Park South and Sixth Avenue is one other spot with a number of vantage factors. It additionally gives an amazing view of the parade because it heads south towards Herald Sq..
Sixth Avenue between West 59th and thirty eighth Streets.

Depart Early
We’ve already mentioned planning out greatest viewing spots forward of time, however that doesn’t essentially imply the viewing space is free. We advise going sooner than you suppose for an unobstructed view and avoiding lengthy traces. If the parade kicks off at 9AM, possibly plan on getting there by 6AM for one of the best guess within the long island.

Costume Heat
Costume for the climate. If it’s chilly, be sure to have layers! This fashion you’ll be able to all the time peel them again if it is advisable or you may have choices for loads of heat on the finish of November. Listed here are a couple of coats we’d put on for the massive occasion!
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Pack Snacks and Water
That is enormous! Particularly in case you have little ones, convey each snack and water bottle you’ll be able to consider. Even simply ready round for it to start is hours lengthy, not to mention the parade itself. Pack every thing the night time earlier than and put it by the door so that you don’t overlook something. It’s not sensible to suppose you’ll be able to run and get meals through the parade, there are enormous crowds.

Plan Accordingly
The general public rest room scenario is just not ideally suited. And equally to our recommendation on avoiding operating to strolling distance meals spots, you’re going to wish to do the identical for the lavatory breaks. It’s not simple to get in or out of your chosen spot of the parade so simply maintain that in thoughts. And tempo your self with drinks! We advocate no espresso on at the present time because of this.
Various: Watch the Balloon Prep the Evening Earlier than
Lastly, for those who aren’t capable of make the dwell performances on Thanksgiving however wish to be part of all of the motion, you’ll be able to really watch them prep every thing the night time earlier than. On Thanksgiving Eve, the larger-than-life balloons are lined up and prepped down aspect streets of the Higher West Facet. If you can also make your technique to that a part of city on Wednesday night time, you’ll be able to see loads of your favourite balloons down on the bottom, earlier than they take to the skies on Thanksgiving morning. We even have finished this a couple of occasions with our youngsters. It was so enjoyable once they have been youthful and unlikely to take a seat by means of hours of parade processions.
Try Macy’s web site for your entire Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade route.
This put up was initially printed October sixth, 2025
For extra Thanksgiving content material, go to here!


