The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, held since 1924, fills Manhattan’s West Side on Thanksgiving morning with giant balloons, floats and marching bands. The route runs from the Upper West Side down Central Park West and then Sixth Avenue to Herald Square at 34th Street. Streets along the route and many cross streets close from early morning until around midday, and the evening before, balloon inflation around the American Museum of Natural History draws big crowds and closes nearby streets.

Key facts
First parade 1924
Date Thanksgiving Day, morning
Route Central Park West (from the 70s), Sixth Avenue, ending at Herald Square (34th Street)
Balloon inflation The afternoon and evening before, near the Museum of Natural History

Check the city’s and Macy’s official route maps each year for exact streets and times.

Getting around

  • Avoid the West Side between the 70s and 34th Street on Thanksgiving morning.
  • Airport trips: Thanksgiving is also a heavy travel day. Build in extra time and use routes on the East Side or tunnels away from the parade.
  • Arrange pickups on avenues east of Sixth Avenue or west of the route, well away from crowds.

Watching the parade

Spectators arrive very early for spots along Central Park West and Sixth Avenue. Balloon inflation the evening before is a popular, more relaxed alternative.

Holiday travel

Wednesday before Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel days of the year. Read holiday airport travel and NYC traffic by hour.

Viewing tips

The best viewing is along Central Park West and Sixth Avenue; the area around Herald Square is reserved for the televised performances. Arrive early, dress warmly and bring snacks. Children enjoy seeing the balloons up close at inflation the night before.

A holiday day plan

Many families watch the parade in the morning, then travel to relatives for Thanksgiving dinner in the afternoon. Book the car for after the parade ends and pick up away from the route. Read NYC traffic by hour.