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You’re probably used to hearing the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade blaring from the TV in the living room on Thanksgiving morning. It’s a universal experience: mom and dad in the kitchen prepping the feast, family members dropping in and out to catch the performances and floats on the big screen. The excitement of the holiday season often kicks off with Thanksgiving (sorry, Christmas decorations can’t go up just yet). Thanksgiving is a time to indulge in delicious food, share laughter with family and friends, and dive into unique household traditions.
If your tradition (or soon-to-be tradition) involves waking up at the crack of dawn and eagerly awaiting the Snoopy float while cheering with a crowd full of excitement on a crisp New York morning, then you’re in for a treat. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade draws in almost 3.5 million attendees every year, and this year, you get to be part of it. But before you head off to this exhilarating event, we’ve got some of our best tips to share with you!
Experience the magic firsthand and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. This Thanksgiving, don't just watch the parade—become a part of it!
Where Does the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Route Begin?
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade route 2024 begins at West 77th Street and Central Park West, travels south to Columbus Circle, turns east on Central Park South, and then south down Sixth Avenue to Macy's Herald Square at 34th Street.
When Does the 98th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024 Take Place?
This year Thanksgiving falls on November 28th, 2024. Which gives you plenty of time to book your flights and hotels in advance before the holiday crowd begins!
What Time Does the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024 Start?
The parade starts at 9:00 AM and typically lasts until noon EST. If you chose to not attend the parade in person you can always watch it live on NBC and streamed on Peacock.
Is it Worth Going to Macy's Thanksgiving Parade?
Absolutely, watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in person is worth it! The magic of being there can't be replicated from a TV screen.
The point of attending the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in person is to actually experience it and be part of the action. You can’t hear the bands and performances from hotel rooms. A clown can’t dump a bucket of confetti on your head if you’re watching the parade on TV. To get the full experience, you have to be down there on the street, surrounded by the clowns, marching bands, and celebrity-driven floats. You might think that waiting for hours in the early morning would be tedious, but it’s surprisingly fun! The atmosphere is electric, and the anticipation builds as the start time approaches.
More importantly, it’s about sharing these moments with loved ones. The memories you create together—laughing, cheering, and experiencing the magic of the parade—are priceless. It's a time to bond, enjoy the holiday spirit, and make lifelong memories.
So yes, it's absolutely worth it to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in person and here are the 7 best tips to make your experience even better!
7 Best Tips on How to Watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade In Person
1. How Early Should I Arrive to Watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade?
If you want to secure a good spot it is advised to arrive by 6:00 AM. In past years the parade route starts to get crowded by 7:00 AM, and finding a good viewing location becomes challenging as it gets closer to the start time.
2. Where to Watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024?
- Central Park West: W 75th Street and W 59th Street
What to Expect: This area offers a spacious and scenic view with Central Park as a backdrop. You'll see the parade as it kicks off, including the giant balloons, floats, and marching bands in their pristine condition. It's less crowded compared to other parts of the route, making it a favorite for families and those wanting a more relaxed viewing experience. Arriving early is essential to secure a good spot. - Columbus Circle: W 59th Street and 8th Avenue
What to Expect: Columbus Circle provides a great vantage point as the parade makes its turn from Central Park West onto Central Park South. You’ll have a clear view of the floats and balloons as they navigate the turn. The wide-open space here can accommodate more viewers, but it's also a popular spot, so early arrival is crucial. - Central Park South: 59th Street between 8th Avenue and 6th Avenue
What to Expect: This stretch offers a picturesque setting with Central Park in the background and is an excellent place to catch the parade as it transitions from Central Park West onto 6th Avenue. You'll see the full grandeur of the balloons and floats against the park's backdrop. It's a great spot for photos and slightly less crowded than further down the route. - 6th Avenue: Avenue of the Americas from West 59th Street to West 38th Street
What to Expect: This section of 6th Avenue is one of the most popular viewing spots due to its wide sidewalks, providing ample space for spectators. You’ll see the parade in full swing here, including performances from marching bands, dance troupes, and celebrity appearances. It's a bustling area with a lot of energy and excitement. Early arrival is recommended to secure a good viewing position. - Bryant Park: 6th Avenue between West 42nd Street and West 40th Street.
What to Expect: Bryant Park offers a fantastic viewing location with plenty of nearby amenities. The park provides a bit of a respite from the crowd density on the sidewalks. From here, you can see the parade proceed towards the final leg of its journey. The surrounding buildings offer some wind protection, making it a slightly warmer spot. This area tends to fill up quickly, so arriving early is advised.
3. What Should I Bring to Watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024?
- Warm Clothing: Late November in New York can be chilly, or unusually warm. Since the weather will vary from the time you arrive to the end of the parade we suggest you bundle in layers.
- Blankets and Chairs: These are essential for comfort during the long wait. If you want to secure the best spot chances are you'll have plenty of waiting time before the parade starts. A blanket can serve as a spot to sit, or if your brave you can bring a foldable chair. Note that once the crowds start forming you'll be stuck carrying that the rest of the day.
- Snacks and Drinks: Food options might be limited, so be sure to bring snacks to get you through the day. Beware of how much you drink since finding a bathroom during this event will be challenging.
- Entertainment: While you can bring a book or music to keep you entertained, chances are the people around you are just as excited to be here. Make some friends get excited about the event together so you have buddies throughout the day.
- Portable Chargers: You'll be wanting to take a bunch of photos and videos throughout the parade so mkae sure you have backup to charge your phone!
4. How Long is the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade?
The parade lasts about three hours, from 9:00 AM to noon. However, plan for spending an early morning to late afternoon for this event!
5. How to Get to the Parade?
It is advised to not rely on the subway as your means of transportation to and from the parade. Also, ubers and taxis will have just as hard of a time since many of the streets are closed off. Moral of the story is your best of walking to the parade route. Get a hotel near your viewing spot so be able to arrive with no stress! Make sure to book early, as hotels and flights get more expensive the longer you wait.
6. Hotels Near the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Route?
Here are some of the best hotels near the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Note: These hotels are all walking distance to the parade route. For hotels with a view of the parade check out our list of Best Hotels to Watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
- Pod 51: Located in Midtown East, Pod 51 offers a modern, minimalist experience with compact, well-designed rooms. While it doesn’t offer rooms with direct parade views, its affordability and proximity to the parade route make it an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy the parade without breaking the bank.
- Book with Hotelgift: Pod 51
- Refinery Hotel: Located near Bryant Park, this hotel offers a loft-style experience with a cozy atmosphere. While it doesn't have rooms with parade views, its proximity to the parade route makes it a convenient choice for accessing the festivities.
- Book with Hotelgift: Refinery Hotel
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott New York Midtown Manhattan: This hotel at 140 West 28th Street is about 1.6 miles from the parade route but still within a reasonable walking distance. It offers good-sized rooms for NYC, with amenities like large TVs and multiple channel options.
- Book with Hotelgift: Springhill Suites
7. Most Important Tip: Have Fun and Get into the Parade Spirit!
If you’re reading these tips for watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, it’s likely you’re gearing up to attend this year or dreaming about a future visit. If this parade has been on your bucket list for a while, it’s time to make it happen! Book those flights and hotels to NYC this Thanksgiving.
Don’t let the thought of crowds or an early wake-up deter you—embrace it with a big smile! Dive into the festive spirit, revel in the music, and join in the collective "oohs" and "ahhs" as the magnificent balloons float by. Experience the magic firsthand and create unforgettable memories!
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