Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: All The Info and Tips
This year is the 96th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! One of the best and most popular parades of the year in NYC. An amazing FREE event for people of all ages. Kids will definitely enjoy it! One of the Top Things to do in New York in November. Kids are gonna love it!
Event hashtag: #MacysParade
What you’ll see at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
- Giant balloons
- Floats
- Clowns
- Performers
- Marching bands
- Broadway performances
- & more!
When is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Thursday, November 24, 2022.
The parade is every year the day of Thanksgiving, that’s always the 4th Thursday of November.
- Thanksgiving Day 2022: Thursday, Nov. 24.
- Thanksgiving Day 2023: Thursday, Nov. 23.
What Time is the Macy’s Parade
9am – noon.
- Starting point: Central Park West at 77th St. @ 9am.
- Public viewing starts at 75th St. GREAT VIEWS from 75th to 61st Sts. & Central Park West.
- The Macy’s Day Parade reaches 6th Ave. at about 9:30am.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade Route
Starting point: Central Park West & 77th St. going South through Central Park West.
At Columbus Circle, the Macy’s Parade turns East onto Central Park South up to 6th Ave.
The Parade turns South on 6th Ave. up to to 34th St.
At 34th St. the Parade turns West to Macy’s Herald Square and ends at 34th St. & 7th Ave.
NO Public Viewing On:
- W 77th St & Central Park West.
- Central Park West between 59th & 60th Sts.
- Columbus Circle
- 6th Ave. between 34th & 38th Sts. (Restricted viewing).
- Macy’s: 34th St & Broadway
Macy’s Parade Tips
To secure a prime spot to watch the parade: try to arrive not later than 7am!
Avoid the telecast area: the section from 38th St. to 34th St. will be closed to the public.
Best viewing area: on Central Park West. Avoid going to 34th St. because it’s the most crowded area.
Macy’s Parade performances: Broadway shows and musicians will perform in the overcrowded area at 34th St. for TV purposes. It will be hard to find a good spot. Try to enjoy the balloons, marching bands and floats along Central Park West & 6th Ave.
It’s not recommended to bring your lawn chair. The streets will be very crowded that day.
Avoid bringing your car. Many streets will be closed and prices of any parking garage close to the Macy’s Day Parade will be overpriced that day.
Wear comfy shoes and warm clothing!
BALLOON INFLATION 2021: FREE VIEWING THE NIGHT BEFORE
When: Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022 | 12pm to 6pm.
The balloon inflation takes place every year on Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving Day.
Where: outside the Museum of Natural History between 77th & 81st Sts. between Central Park West & Columbus Ave. Upper West Side.
- Entrance: 72nd St & Central Park West.
- Exit: 81st St. & Central Park West.
Prohibited items: umbrellas, backpacks, large bags, alcoholic beverages, drones, and e-cigarettes.
Designated Spots to Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade
Central Park West: on the West side from 75th St. to Columbus Circle.
Central Park South: between Columbus Circle & 6th Ave.
6th Ave: between Central Park South & 38th St.
Limited Public Viewing on 34th St: south side of 34th St between 6th & 7th Ave. The most crowded area!
Recommended Spots to Watch the Parade
3 recommended spots:
Central Park West
From 75th St. to Columbus Circle.
Only open to the public on the West side. Central Park will be closed for invite-only grandstand seating.
Parade duration in this area: 9am to 10:30-11am.
6th Ave.
From Central Park South to 38th St.
How to Get There
The best way to get to the Macy’s Day Parade is by subway.
Road Closures
Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022 – Balloon Inflation
Beginning at Noon – Road closures to vehicular traffic:
- Central Park West from West 73rd St. to West 85th St.
- The 79th St. Transverse.
Until noon on Thanksgiving Day.
Remember that the balloon inflation is open to the public from 1pm to 8pm!
After 10pm – Road closures to all traffic :
- 77th St. & 81st St. from Central Park West to Columbus Ave.
- Central Park West from 59th to 86th Streets.
Thursday, Nov. 22 – Thanksgiving Day Parade
Road closures from the night before at midnight to about 2-3pm:
- Central Park West: 59th St. to 81st St.
- Central Park South: Columbus Circle to 6th Ave.
- 6th Ave: Central Park South to 34th St.
- 34th St: 6th Ave. to 7th Ave.
Pricing
Attending the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is completely FREE!
LINEUP 2022
Some of the performers, balloons, floats, etc. that will be performing this year at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade:
- Sean Paul
- Ziggy Marley
- Joss Stone
- Paula Abdul
- Betty Who
- & more!
These pictures were from previous parades. Check the current line-up here.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Olaf
Paw Patrol
Trolls
Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch
Pikachu
Spongebob
Red Mighty Morphin Power Ranger
Santa’s Sleigh
View complete line up here.
A Little More About the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Macy’s Day Parade is an annual parade that takes place in NYC the day of Thanksgiving since 1924.
During World War II, the parade was temporarily suspended from 1942 to 1944.
It has been televised nationally on NBC since 1952. Every year, the Macy’s Day Parade attracts about 44 million TV viewers and 3 million live viewers.
BANDS / PERFORMERS WHO WANT TO PARTICIPATE
Directors of marching bands may apply for the 2023 Macy’s Parade, and directors of performance groups with unique entertainment value may apply for the 2023 Parade. Apply here.
Applications must be uploaded no later than Feb 1, 2023. Check their website for more info (they may change the deadline).
Enjoy!
@NewYorkerTips
