The 15 Best Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Tips Your Trip Needs
- 1. Study the parade route beforehand ...
- 2. Check the weather, dress in layers ...
- 3. Get to the route by 6 AM for the best viewing spot ...
- 4. Don’t take the subway to the parade route ...
- 5. Don’t splurge on an overpriced hotel ...
- 6. Stay at a hotel near the parade route ...
- 7. Watch them blow up the balloons ...
- 8. Pack food, make friends ...
What time does the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade Start?
The three-hour parade is held in Manhattan, ending outside Macy's Herald Square, and takes place from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Thanksgiving Day, and has been televised nationally on NBC since 1953. Employees at Macy's department stores have the option of marching in the parade.
When did the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade Start?
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is an annual parade in New York City.The world's largest parade, it is presented by the U.S.-based department store chain Macy's.The parade started in 1924, tying it for the second-oldest Thanksgiving parade in the United States with America's Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit (with both parades being four years younger than Philadelphia's Thanksgiving Day Parade).
How much does the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade cost?
According to CBS, the estimated annual cost of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is somewhere between $11.6 million and $13.4 million . The cost of property taxes, staff salaries, float decorations, and parade supplies is somewhere between $2.7 million and $4.5 million. In addition, it costs a lot of money to fill up the giant balloons with helium.
Why did the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Start?
In The Roaring '20s, many of the Macy 's employees were first-generation immigrants, who wanted to celebrate the American holiday of Thanksgiving with a big street party like the ones they had in their native countries. And thus, the Macy's Christmas Parade (so named despite being held on Thanksgiving Day) was born.
How do you get a seat at Macy Thanksgiving Day parade?
Technically, Macy's doesn't sell grandstand tickets to the general public. But sometimes, where there's a will there's a way... Grandstand tickets to the Macy's parade are reserved for the friends and family of parade participants, Macy's employees and volunteers.
Do you need tickets for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade?
No tickets are required! Anyone can watch the parade along the parade route and there are 2.5 miles of public viewing! And since so much of the action is floating in the air, you'll see plenty!
Which hotel has the best Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade?
Best Overall : JW Marriott Essex House New York You'll have to pay for an upgrade to see the parade from a suite terrace, but Essex House's location on Central Park South means the event is just steps away from the hotel.
How much does it cost to have a float in the Macy parade?
Parade floats cost approximately $780,000 to $2.6 million Each parade float must be collapsed to a width of no more than 8.5 feet to get it through the Lincoln Tunnel, which is part of its journey from the studio in New Jersey to New York City.
Can I bring a chair to the Macy's Day parade?
You can bring camping chairs, buckets or anything else you want to sit on to the parade. This won't really be helpful during the parade itself since everyone seems to stand, but it will help make the hours leading up the parade a bit more comfortable.
Does the Macy's parade go through Times Square?
Now the route started at 77th Street and Central Park West, and would go on through Columbus Circle, Broadway, Times Square and Herald Square.
Can you watch Macys parade from a hotel room?
The most stress-free way to view the Parade is to splurge on a parade view hotel room along the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2022 route. The Trump International Tower at Broadway and Columbus Circle was the perfect way for us to stay comfortable and warm while viewing the Parade.
Where is the Macy's Day parade 2022?
New York2022 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade / Location
When was the first Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade?
November 27, 1924At 9 a.m. on the sunlit morning of November 27, 1924, Macy's gave the children of New York a particularly special Thanksgiving treat as a police escort led the start of the parade from the intersection of 145th Street and Convent Avenue.
What are parade floats filled with?
Gasping for Gas Macy's balloons stay afloat thanks to 12,000 cubic feet of helium that are pumped into each one on the eve of the parade.
How much do companies pay to be in the Macy's Day parade?
The 2020 version of the parade will feature significantly fewer balloon handlers. Instead, special utility vehicles will be used to escort the balloons down the parade route. Companies sponsoring brand new balloons pay a construction and parade fee of $190,000.
Are Macy's balloons filled with helium?
Balloons like the massive ones that adorn the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade every year may be one of the most well-known uses of helium, but they're far from the only one. The natural gas byproduct is an essential element in many scientific technologies too, like MRI machines and NASA balloons.
Where is the Macy's Day parade 2022?
New York2022 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade / Location
Where can I see the Macy's parade?
The first main area for viewing is Columbus Circle. At this point, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade turns east onto Central Park South. This is another great location to view the parade from (we'll get into that below). Once the parade has reached 6th Avenue, it turns south to 34th Street.
Where can I watch the Macy's parade 2022?
You can conveniently watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade from wherever you are. Every year since 1948, NBC broadcasts the parade live on TV. But these days, you don't even have to own a TV to tune in! This year, you can stream the parade on NBC's website from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in all time zones.
How long is the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade?
2.5-mileLike years past, the big event will take place in Manhattan on Thursday, November 24, 2022 from 9 AM ET to Noon. Traditionally the parade follows a 2.5-mile route through New York City beginning at West 77th Street & Canal Park West on the west side of Central Park.
What time do you have to get a curb spot?
If you want to be sure to have a front-row spot on the curb, you will certainly have to get there even earlier than 7 a.m., as the streets were already lined as far as the eye could see by that time. Based on conversations with some parade pros around us, 6 a.m. is the magic time to get a curb spot on this part of the route. Some portions of the route may require even a little earlier wake-up call than that.
How to see balloons in the parade?
A great way to get an up-close view of the balloons (and get into the parade spirit) is to see the balloons as they are inflated and come to life the night before Thanksgiving. The inflation starts at 1 p.m. on the Upper West Side near the American Museum of Natural History, and there is a very busy but organized trail you can walk in order to see all the balloons. The earlier you arrive, the less crowded it will be, but more balloons will be inflated by 4:30 or 5 p.m. than at 1 or 2 p.m. Last-call admission to the balloon-inflation area is before 8 p.m.
How long is the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade?
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade lasts for a couple of hours, so I recommend the little ones stay seated in the hours leading up to the parade in order to preserve their standing ability for the actual parade. The crowd behind us by the time the parade started. (Photo by Summer Hull/The Points Guy)
What time does the parade start at Macy's?
The parade itself starts on 77th Street at Central Park West on the Upper West Side at 9 a.m., which means the lead marchers don’t make their way all the way down the parade route to Macy’s until probably 9:40 a.m.
How old do you have to be to go to the parade?
If you are going to go through the effort to go to the parade with your kids, my advice is to wait until they are at least 4 or 5 years old, especially if only want to go once.
How to save energy for the parade?
Save your energy for the parade by sitting during the hours leading up to the event. (Photo by Summer Hull/The Points Guy)
Where is Santaland in NYC?
As an added bonus, being in NYC for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade means you have perfect timing to go see Santa in person at Santaland on the 8th floor of Macy’s on 34th Street in the following days, though reservations are required so hope on that planning, too.
How big is the balloon in the Mandalorian?
This year, Tiptoe is expected to be the first balloon puppet to march (or prance) the route. If you loved The Mandalorian, Grogu will also be making his debut in 2021. The balloons are huge. Grogu is expected to be 41 feet tall, 29 feet long, and 37 feet wide.
What conditions affect the parade?
The parade takes place rain, shine, or freezing cold. There is one condition that does have a big impact on the parade — wind. Gusts of more than 34 miles an hour make it hard to control the balloons. They’ve been completely grounded only once — in 1971 — but sometimes the balloons are flown lower when it is windy.
How many people have attended Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade?
For nearly 100 years, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a must-watch event for millions of people. In years past, more than 3 million people have come into New York to view the parade. The floats, the music, the pageantry. It’s an amazing spectacle. Picture huge balloons, thousands of dancers, bands from all over the country, clowns, and much more.
How early do you have to be to watch the parade in Herald Square?
The parade begins at 9 a.m. To get the perfect spot, you need to arrive at least 3 hours before it begins. Yes, that means 6 a.m. This is especially true if you’re going to Herald Square. They don’t sell any tickets or have any special areas for the elderly or for people needing accessibility.
How long do you have to hold your spot before the parade?
You’ll need to hold your spot and not move for several hours before the parade and for the duration of the parade. Being part of a group will make it easier. We recommend dressing in layers and bringing snacks and drinks. If you have children, you will need something to keep them entertained while you wait.
Where does balloon inflation take place?
The balloon inflation takes place on the streets between 77th and 81st streets near Central Park West.
Where is the Macy's parade?
Most recently, the parade started at 9 a.m. near 75th and Central Park West and went south to Central Park South then east to 6th Avenue and down 6th Avenue to Herald Square. The route gets released on the website every year. Before you go, check the parade route on Macy’s website to make sure there haven’t been any changes to the route.
Columbus Circle
Without a doubt, one of the best places to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is along Columbus Circle. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to access the sidewalk on Columbus Circle, as this is now closed to the public.
Central Park South
Next on our list of the best places to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, it’s Central Park South. This is another excellent spot for watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Central Park West
Next on our list of the best places to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, it’s Central Park West. This is one of the initital stages of the parade and early on in the day.
Sixth Avenue
Sixth Avenue is a decent place to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the floats tend to hit this point at around 9:30am. So, if you’re shivering away on the sidewalk, you’ll be able to catch most of the action before 11:00am.
Hotel Central Park
If you’d like to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in comfort, then consider splurging on one of the many hotels that overlook the parade route. Your own hotel room can be the perfect choice for the best places to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Another excellent hotel that you may want to consider for watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is The Mandarin Oriental Hotel. This is an ideal choice for the best places to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The Ritz-Carlton
Next on our list of the best places to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, it’s The Ritz-Carlton. Those looking to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in the lap of luxury will appreciate The Ritz-Carlton New York.
What is the most famous parade in New York City?
New York City is a bucket-list destination that's packed with sights and experiences. Among the most famous is the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. However, snagging a prime spot along the parade route can require waking up incredibly early in the morning and jostling with thousands of others for space. But there are ways to get around all of that.
Where is the parade at the Refinery Hotel?
Just off of Sixth Avenue on 38th Street, the Refinery Hotel is stylish property with historic touches — the building was once a tea salon and hat factory. The property’s past inspired its present industrial-chic design. Small details such as decorative milliner’s tools pay homage to the building’s former function, though contemporary art and modern fabrics lend the hotel its stylish overall vibe. You’ll need a streetside room to catch a glimpse of the parade as it passes 38th Street along Sixth Avenue, but you can easily reach the parade route in 30 seconds just outside the hotel’s front door. And when you’ve had enough outdoor festivities, head to the popular indoor rooftop bar to warm up with a cocktail.
What is Central Park in New York?
With a tony address, the Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park offers — as its name suggests — fabulous views of the city’s largest park. That also means prime Macy’s Parade viewing for guests staying in rooms that look down on 59th Street.
How many rooms does the Hilton Midtown have?
With nearly 2,000 rooms, the New York Hilton Midtown is one of the biggest hotels in the city. You’ll find a dizzying number of amenities here too, including destination bars like its famous all-ice bar (where you sip cocktails decked out like you’re visiting the North Pole).
Where to stay for Macy's Thanksgiving?
The Mandarin Oriental New York is easily one of the city’s most luxurious and well-positioned hotels. Towering high above Columbus Circle, with prime views of Central Park West, Central Park, and 59th Street, this hotel is also one of the best options for taking in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The hotel’s dizzying array of modern luxuries — including a 75-foot pool, one of the city’s best spas, sweeping views from nearly every common area, and huge bathrooms with deep soaking tubs (even in standard rooms) — make this a true standout for the holidays.
Where is Bryant Park Hotel?
For an adult-friendly holiday getaway, the Bryant Park Hotel is a sharp boutique property that’s just off of Sixth Avenue. If you score a room on a higher floor, you’ll have direct views across Bryant Park and up Sixth Avenue to see the Macy’s Parade floats and marching bands.
Where to watch the parade in New York?
Only a few blocks from Central Park, and just down the street from the Hilton, the Warwick New York is another solid upscale option for parade viewing. This historic landmark from media-magnate William Randolph Hearst, was built in the 1920s and past guests have included Cary Grant (he lived here for 12 years), Audrey Hepburn, and Elvis Presley. Nowadays, updated decor maintains some lovely historic touches. Keep in mind that Standard Rooms here will lack street views (or much natural light), so be sure to request a room with a view of the parade route when you make your booking (keep in mind that it will likely cost extra).
When is Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade 2021?
On Thursday, November 25, 2021, Macy’s Department Store will hold its annual Thanksgiving Day Parade. The parade begins at 9 am.
How tall is the Macy's parade float?
Snoopy has had the most balloons in parade history. Macy’s is currently on its 9th Snoopy balloon. Macy’s Parade Studio designs and builds the parade floats, which are 40 feet tall and 28 feet wide.
HOW DO I GET A TICKET?
Anyone can watch the parade along the parade route and there are 2.5 miles of public viewing!
WHERE ARE GOOD SPOTS TO WATCH THE PARADE?
The video at the top of this post does some good explaining. Here are more ideas.
What to do in NYC in November 2020?
Things to Do in NYC (any time of year) On Thursday, November 26, 2020, Macy’s Department Store held their annual Thanksgiving Day Parade ‘virtually’ and it was viewable on NBC-TV from 9 a.m-12 p.m. EST. This year, spectators will not be allowed but the parade will be viewable ‘virtually’ and the line up ...
What time do balloons go up 6th Avenue?
The floats and balloons reach 6th Avenue and 59th Street at about 9:30 am, so arrive anywhere along this 21-block portion as late as 7:00 am and you should still find a good spot.
Why was Mickey Mouse's parade suspended?
That is because the parades were suspended for 1942-44 due to the rubber shortage caused by WWII.
Location, Location, Location
As of 2013, locations to view the parade include the west side of the street from 70th Street to Columbus Circle and the east side of the street from 70th to 65th, according to NYC.com. New York City Vacation Packages claims that Sixth Avenue between 59th and 34th Streets is open to the public.
Room With a View
A handful of New York City hotels are located along the parade route, providing clear views of the balloons without throngs of onlookers. However, the Travel Channel notes that room rates may be up to triple the usual price, and you may need to book more than a year in advance.
Balloon Blast-Off
To take a peek at the massive balloons before the action, head over to the American Museum of Natural History on 79th Street. Parade workers inflate the balloons the day before the parade, a task that generally lasts from about 3 p.m. until 10 p.m. If you really want to get in on the action, volunteer your services as a balloon handler.
Considerations and Concerns
The parade starts at 9 a.m. and lasts until 12 p.m. Visitors who hope to get a front-row spot should plan on arriving as early as 6 a.m. Some diehards arrive even earlier to guarantee a good spot. NYC.com notes that temperatures around Thanksgiving generally fall to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, so dress warmly.