Intro Image Credit: flickr creative commons photo
Content by Claudia Meydrech a/k/a happynutritionist
New on Wizzley - September 2014 - Updated 10/21/16
Macy's Balloon Inflation and Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, NY
Whether you watch it on TV or are fortunate enough to be able to attend, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York is a tradition that has spanned generations.
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is an annual tradition in our home, and not so far away that we couldn't visit in person if we wanted to. It is hard to believe that 2016 marks the 90th Anniversary parade!
The inflation of the huge balloons before the parade is equally exciting for many. I hope that the information available on this page will help you plan your day in New York for the parade.
Don't miss our poll, let us know if you have attended the parade and share your experience if you have time in the comment section, it will be helpful to those making plans to attend the parade.
I update this each year to provide you with parade route information, mass transit info, helpful facts for those who want to attend the balloon inflation, and links to sources for more information that I have found to be particular helpful. You may also want to visit "Christmas in New York City", there is a link in the right margin to the page.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Route 2016
Ends at Macy's at Harold Square, 151 W. 34th Street, NY, NY
Here is the usual route:
1. The parade starts at 77th Street and Central Park West
2. It moves down Central Park West to 59th St.
3. Turns left on 59th Street
4. Turns right on 6th Avenue
5. Turns Right on 34th St. and ends in front of Macy's at Herald Square.JUST IN CASE you may also want to take a look at the map on this page, but my best info for this year is as written above.
Celebrate the Parade with a Pop-Up Book!
Macy's on Parade: A Pop-Up Celebration of Macy's Thanksgiving Day ParadeAn award-winning pop-up book celebrating one of America's favorite holiday traditions: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Balloons, floats, clowns, and marching bands spring to lif...
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Best Places to Watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Besides home in your warm house in front of the TV
In the past few years, the following places have been suggested:
Central Park W - on the West side of street from 70th Street to Columbus Circle and on the east side of street from 70th to 65th
Columbus Circle - the west side of street
7th Ave. - between 58th & 42nd Streets
42nd St. - 7th* to 6th Avenues
6th Ave. - between 58th & 34th Streets
34th* St. - on the south side of street between Broadway & 7th Avenue
Get there early! People begin finding their places as early as 6 am.
Seating is usually not available from 34th Street and 38th Street on 6th Avenue, and 34th Street from Broadway to 7th Avenue...these areas are reserved for broadcasting equipment.
Visit this link, it provides many tips that you will find helpful if you plan to attend the parade.
New York Subway Map
Streetwise Manhattan Bus Subway Map - Laminated Subway Map of New York CityStreetwise Manhattan Bus Subway Map - Laminated Subway Map of Manhattan, NY - Folding pocket & wallet size metro map for travelThis map includes the following:Manhattan Subway M...
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Thanksgiving Weekend New York MTA Bus Subway and Rail Service
Mass transit is the best way to get around New York, in fact many residents do not even own cars.
Here is a link to the latest MTA Transit Rail, Bus and Subway news.
As Thanksgiving approaches, articles related to the holiday weekend will appear. Along the top of the page, you will find links to schedules and much more.
It might not be a bad idea to carry a subway map with you like the one shown here-->
Vintage Macy's Day Parade Balloon Print
Pinocchio Balloon Macy's Day Parade 8x10 Silver Halide Photo PrintNew York City photo of the Pinocchio balloon in the 13th Annual Macy's Day Parade on Thanksgiving day in 1937.PHOTOGRAPHER / CREDIT: United States Information AgencyABOUT OUR PH...
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Where to View the Balloon Inflation for the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade
A fun celebration the day before open to the public
The balloons for the parade will be inflated Wednesday, November 23rd, 2016 at 79th Street and Columbus Avenue. This is by American Museum of Natural History in New York City. This goes on between 3 and 10 pm.
Though it's nice to get their early, the balloons begin to really look impressive 2-3 hours into the inflation time period. Using mass transit (see info. above) is recommended.
Keep very close watch of your children if you bring them, it is easy to lose them in the excitement.
In the past, the entrance to the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade Balloon inflation has been 79th Street and Columbus Avenue. If you are taking the subway, use B or C to 81st Street to the Museum of Natural History.
The vintage balloons pictured above were used at very early parades, probably in the 1940's.
Have You Attended the New York Thanksgiving Parade?
Your experience shared in the comment section at the end of this page will be helpful to others
5 votes
Hello Kitty Balloon at the Parade
NEW Balloons to be Added to the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade in 2016
They have already been tested and look great!
The new Balloons are:
- An updated Charlie Brown for his 50th anniversary and the parades 90th Anniversary!
- I will post more balloons as I hear about them
It is suggested that you focus on seeing the balloons at the parade as the areas where performances take place are generally VERY crowded and also areas where most of the media is.
Peanuts Holiday Collection
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Watching on TV vs. Being in New York
Would you rather watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade in New York or at home on TV?
I love the hustle and bustle and excitement of the crowds, I'd love to be there!
No arguments yet.
I'd rather sit home in my warm house and watch the parade
I'm not much on huge crowds, but I do love watching on tv
I would much rather watch from my warm home but I really would like to see the Macy's parade up close and personal just once.
Add your argument
Log in to add an argument to this debate.
Thanksgiving Parade Snow Globe
Macys 2008 Thanksgiving Day Parade Musical WaterglobeCharacters in the globe include: Macy's Elf, Macy's Stars: red & white, Arrtie the Pirate, Harold the Fireman, Tom Turkey, SANTA CLAUS in SLEIGH, Abby Cadabby from Sesame Street...
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Here is the entire 2013 parade on video!
And after Thanksgiving comes Chistmas!
Don't miss the Christmas season in New York if you have the opportunity to visit!
Everyone enjoys visiting Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, the World Trade Center site and other well known places in New York.
You can find even more information about places to see in New York at "Christmas in New York City", something that begins as soon as Thanksgiving ends.
When you're in New York, don't miss the chance to buy a hot pretzel from a street vendor...sprinkled with salt, and if you like, a packet of mustard. It's a MUST whenever we are in the City!
Have you ever attended the Thanksgiving Day Parade in NY? What was your experience like?
happynutritionistSep 17, 2014
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MiraSep 15, 2014