Best Tips to View the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!
Last year, we finally crossed off the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade from our bucket list, and it exceeded all of my expectations! Everyone should go at least once! It is well worth it.
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a legendary tradition loved by locals and visitors alike! It's the official kick-off to the holiday season, and we had the chance to check it off our bucket list. We're here to spill the beans and share everything we learned, so you'll be fully prepared when you arrive at Herald Square!
Start now!
Planning to attend the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade? Start now! This epic event attracts over 3 million people yearly, so the best accommodations fill up quickly. Whether you prefer hotels, campgrounds, or Airbnb, they start booking a whole year in advance.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Map
Booking a Hotel
Before booking a place to stay, head to the Macy's website to find the parade route. Don't worry if they haven't updated it yet; you can use last year's route. It usually doesn't change much, if at all.
The official parade route is 2.5 miles long, but there are some spots where you can catch a glimpse of the floats before the official start. Some areas are also off-limits to the public, so be sure to check for any closures.
In 2023, these locations were closed for parade viewing:
77th Street
Central Park West between West 59th and 60th Streets
Columbus Circle
Herald Square
To make the most of your experience, we suggest choosing a hotel just one or two blocks from the parade route. Also, choose a hotel with late checkout (after 12) or a bag check for your overnight bag.
Here is why it is the best location:
On Thanksgiving Day, public transportation is limited. Getting an early (VERY EARLY) subway ride might not be an option.
Taxis are scarce on Thanksgiving Day, and there are many road closures.
Booking a hotel 1-2 blocks from the parade route makes it easy to get to the parade route without transportation.
Booking a hotel directly on the parade route can be pricey. These hotels often mark up their rates significantly. Save your money and avoid the excessive costs, especially if you don't plan on watching the parade from your window (which we strongly discourage).
The closer you are to the parade route, the later you can sleep!
RV Friends
If you plan to bring your RV to New York, you will have several RV parks to choose from just outside the city. You can easily park the RV and catch a train to explore the city. However, due to reduced public transportation and an early arrival time, we recommend a hotel for the night before the parade.
How early??
Now, the most important thing to remember is that you need to be at the barricades no later than 0545 a.m.! That’s right. Those 3 million people start arriving VERY early to get the best spots to view the parade. And trust me, you want to be right next to the barricade.
Spectators in the front row get pulled into the parade! This is where the magic will happen. People in the parade will come to you with confetti, high fives, waves, smiles, and cheers of Merry Christmas! It is how you feel a part of the parade! It is also where you get the best pictures!
No Hot chocolate
You will read many blogs that suggest bringing hot chocolate, coffee, and snacks to enjoy while you wait for the parade to start. You will have several hours to kill while you wait. But I don’t recommend it because there are no bathrooms on the parade route! So, 2 hours after drinking that coffee, you might be doing the dance!
Most businesses are closed for Thanksgiving or during the parade. The few that are open are very strict about who uses their bathrooms. Usually, the businesses that are open charge for some exclusive party or access during the parade. So consider this your warning, especially if you have littles.
Walk Down 5th ave
One of our favorite moments of the day was our walk down the middle of 5th Avenue! Once the parade has ended, everyone begins to disperse off the parade route right down the middle of the street. I don't know when the streets opened, but they were closed for hours after the parade. Seeing all the people meandering down the streets without a car in sight was cool. Take the time to enjoy the moment and the unique view of the city!
Final Tips
Wear layers. It may be freezing at 0545 but 65 by 1100. You never know what the weather will be in NY.
You can watch as the balloons are inflated the night before the parade. Many people say this is just as fun. Check Macy’s website for information on the Inflation Celebration.
Bring a hotel towel or a small blanket to sit on while you wait for the parade to start.
Expect people to try to push their way into your spot by the barricade as the start time gets close. Stand strong to hold your spot! And whatever you do, don’t leave! It will be gone forever.
If you would like a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, make your reservations now. Reservations will fill up!
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Meet Stacy! Stacy and her husband, Phil, are a wanderlust couple who have been roaming the great USA for an epic 5 years! They ditched the daily grind to embark on thrilling adventures and inspire fellow dreamers to chase their travel dreams. Curious about how they do it? Check out their awesome youtube channel, Today is Someday, where they're spilling all the secrets to living a life on the move. Get ready to pack your bags and join them on this incredible journey.