5 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade tips for first-time watchers

07.11.2023 - 19:49 / thepointsguy.com

Few things compare to seeing the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in person on a brisk November morning. Watching massive balloons like Snoopy and even modern favorites such as Bluey and Grogu (aka "Baby Yoda") fly down the streets of New York City is an iconic holiday experience on many families' travel wish lists.

Assuming you don't live in the Big Apple or the immediate area, seeing the parade will require foregoing (or delaying) a traditional Thanksgiving meal at home. However, passing on this tradition will likely be well worth the effort once you see your child giddy with excitement as their favorite cartoon characters float by.

More than 3.5 million people attend the Macy's parade in person each year. It's important to strategize your visit so you are not far from the curb, struggling to catch a glimpse of the street.

We have attended the event ourselves, and it's safe to say that there are several things you'll want to keep in mind as you plan your day at the parade. Here are our top tips for viewing the 2023 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

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If you want to get an up-close view of the balloons featured in the annual parade, you won't want to miss the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation. During this event, you'll see the balloons come to life as they are inflated.

Occurring the day before the parade, the inflation starts at noon on the Upper West Side at 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue near the American Museum of Natural History. It runs until 6 p.m., giving you several hours to get a sneak peek at what's to come during the parade.

Not surprisingly, this preparade event is very popular. Long lines form as the balloons become fully inflated in the early evening. The earlier you arrive, the less crowded it will be as you walk the organized trail to see the balloons. Know, though, that inflating a giant balloon the height of a four-story building takes time. So, you may want to test your luck by arriving closer to 3 p.m., when most of the balloons start taking shape.

To get to the event location via public transportation, allow extra time; the subway station at 77th Street tends to get very crowded as the afternoon wears on. You can also hail a cab or use a ride-hailing service, though you'll want to walk a block or two north of the gated-off section to avoid delays.

TPG tip: Consider taking the 1, 2 or 3 train to Broadway and 72nd Street instead. It's a bit farther away but an easy walk — just follow the crowds.

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When we saw the parade, we nabbed spots around 55th Street and Sixth Avenue, a few blocks after the parade turned from the