Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

When: Thanksgiving Day (the fourth Thursday in November), morning.

Where: New York, United States - procession runs along Manhattan from the Upper West Side to Herald Square.

Cost: Free to watch along the route; paid grandstand and hospitality packages available through Macy’s.

Don’t miss: The giant character balloons, marching bands and the Santa Claus finale at Macy’s Herald Square.

New York’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade began in 1924 as a store promotion staged by Macy’s employees and featured live animals from the Central Park Zoo; it has since grown into a national cultural event famous for its oversized balloons and Broadway-style performances.

The parade takes place in Manhattan each Thanksgiving morning and features dozens of floats, giant helium character balloons, marching bands from across the United States, cheer squads and performances from Broadway casts and pop artists; the route ends at Macy’s Herald Square where the final performances and Santa’s arrival close the show.

The parade is held on Thanksgiving Day - the fourth Thursday in November - with the live procession typically beginning at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time and lasting around three hours on the streets of New York.

Rehearsals and balloon-inflation gatherings occur in the days immediately before Thanksgiving, and the biggest crowds gather along the route in the hours leading up to kickoff.

Fly into John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) for the most international connections; LaGuardia Airport is closer but handles fewer international flights. Use the subway to reach the route - popular access points are Columbus Circle (A,B,C,D,1) and 34th Street - Herald Square (B,D,F,M,N,Q,R,W) - and arrive the evening before or very early on parade day; book hotels and any grandstand tickets months ahead.

• Dress in layers and bring a waterproof outer layer; late November in New York can be cold, windy and damp.
• Arrive very early to secure a good spot - prime locations at Columbus Circle and Herald Square fill up several hours before the 9:00 a.m. start.
• Public transport is the only practical option on parade day; many streets are closed and taxis can be delayed.
• If you want a guaranteed seat, buy Macy’s official grandstand or hospitality packages well in advance.
• Expect large crowds and limited restroom facilities along the route; carry snacks, water, and a portable phone charger.
• Be courteous to performers and fellow viewers: no blocking sidewalks, and follow directions from police and parade staff for safety.