New York City Event Guide

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Event Information

Thursday November 24 2005 | 9:00A to 12:00N

Central Park West from 77th Street south to Columbus Circle | Broadway south from Columbus Circle to Herald Square | 34th Street from 6th Avenue west to 7th Avenue

Directions Take any subway to any stop between 42nd Street and 72nd Street | Viewing is restricted in the performance area between 34th & 38th Streets, so the 34th Street subway stops will not get you anywhere fast
Do Not Drive!

More info 212-494-4495 | Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Broadcast WNBC Ch 4 | 9:00A to 12:00N

Participants

From Broadway the casts of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Jersey Boys and Sweet Charity

The Great Balloon Blowup

Wednesday November 23 2005 | 3:00P to 10:00P

Broadcast WNBC Ch 4 | 7:00P to 7:30P

Grab a cup of hot chocolate and stop by the Upper West Side the night before to watch your favorite characters come to life. The fantastic balloons rise from the streets surrounding the Museum of Natural History (77th to 81st Streets | between Central Park West & Columbus Avenues). You enter at 77th and Columbus, wind your way around the streets, and exit the area at 81st Street. The work starts early but most of the characters don't start to take shape until about 8:00P, and many are still rising in the wee morning hours. Keep in mind that it's almost always cold so be sure to dress warmly. And hey, it looks like the restroom facilities are getting better. According the folks at Macy's "these luxurious loos on wheels have all of the comforts of home, including hardwood floors, wallpaper and fully functional sinks."

View the Parade

Note The now-usual (sorry to say) security procedures are in effect: no backpacks, oversized bags, coolers and such allowed and everybody is subject to search

We think the best viewing is just south of the beginning of the route, from 70th Street to around 60th Street along Central Park West is neat. As the contingents start on their trek, everybody is excited and eager to strut their stuff. This is the best spot if you don't have a lot of time, the parade should completely pass by in about 90 minutes

Things get a bit confusing and crowded in Columbus Circle area with camera platforms and bleachers (not open to the public). Any areas available for viewing are a bit further away from the marchers

From 57th Street south to 42nd Street is one of the best bets. Broadway isn't as wide as you think when it's filled with marching bands, so you get really up close and personal. Amazing, neck-straining views of the giant balloons will make any kid's day

Don't try to go south of 42nd Street, the parade route becomes much more crowded with many of the sidewalk viewers turned away from the performance area in Herald Square, restricted from 34th to 38th Streets

We tried the very end of the parade route one year, 34th Street from 6th to 7th Avenue and it doesn't have quite the same excitement. Tired and cold marchers make the turn for home after their time on television and it is very, very crowded -- why does everyone think they can watch at Herald Square? If this is your only option approach from the 7th Avenue side, it's almost impossible to get through from 6th Avenue

Thanksgiving Day Parade Map

S = Subway Station
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Route Map

One of our frequently asked questions is "How does my group participate in the Thanksgiving Day parade?" Just drop a line to: Band Selection Committee, Macy's Annual Events, 16th Floor, 151 W 34th Street, New York, NY, 10001. Or download the Macy's Parade Application form online (pdf file).