The annual spectacular will turn 92 this year!
Here’s everything you need to know about the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade and how to see it:
WHO: Macy’s does it again! They host this favorite annual NYC tradition and make it the most spectacular Thanksgiving parade in the world.
The Parade is hosted by various NBC reporters who seem to enjoy the parade at least as much as we do! Al Roker, Savannah Guthrie, and for the first time, Hoda Kotb co-hosted the 92nd annual parade in 2018.
A few new characters make their debut every year: This year’s new arrivals included Saiyan warrior Goku from Dragon Ball Super: Broly and Fleck, Bjorn, Jojo and Hugg, the elf stars of Netflix’s The Christmas Chronicles.
WHEN: The parade begins at 9 a.m. and wraps up at noon.
WHAT: A gathering of giant balloons, floats and marching bands. Returning favorites include The Grinch, Charlie Brown, The Pillsbury Doughboy, Pikachu, Sponge Bob, Elf on a Shelf and dozens more. View the lineup here
The last float to make its way down Broadway is Santa Claus to officially begin the Christmas season. Read our post on the 10 best photos opps with Santa Claus here
A few new characters make their debut every year: This year’s new arrivals included Saiyan warrior Goku from Dragon Ball Super: Broly and Fleck, Bjorn, Jojo and Hugg, the elf stars of Netflix’s The Christmas Chronicles.
WHERE: The parade route begins on the Upper West Side and winds its way down Central Park West, across 59th street on Central Park South before heading down Broadway through Midtown and finishing up in front of Macy’s Herald Square. the parade travels a total of 2.5 miles. Prime viewing spots are along Central Park West, at Columbus Circle or along 6th Avenue. View the parade route here
WHY: It’s a Thanksgiving tradition, and New Yorkers love a parade!
Tips & tricks to View the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade and how to see it best:
It’s the end of November in NYC, and it promises to be cold. If you’re not a fan of freezing your you-know-what off, you can watch the whole shebang on NBC.
- bundle up in layers
- take public transportation because the traffic will be crazy
- Don’t even think about hailing a cab
- Arrive early to get close to the action
- Avoid Herald Square unless you have VIP seats
- Seats are reserved for Macy’s employees, their families and volunteers
The night before
If you have small kids who actually know who Fleck and Bjorn are, take them to the streets surrounding the American Museum of Natural History on Wednesday between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. and watch the balloons be inflated!
It does get crowded, so be prepared to deal with the crowd. But the photo opps are spectacular as the mammoth floats lay on the streets waiting to march!
Access for those with special needs:
There are accommodations for those who require it. Call YAI National Institute at 212-273-6181 or visit their website here for more information.
Applying to be in the parade:
If you have a band or a unique performance, you can apply online here
Attending the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade is an unforgettable event.
Image via tweber1/Flickr
