How to see the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - and other New York attractions to see

By Go City Expert
Published: May 16, 2024
People in front of the Macy's store, New York
People watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade

The annual world-famous Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York starts at 9am EST and ends at noon EST. It's one of America’s favorite holiday events and a New York City tradition since 1924. Past years have seen around 3.5 million people in attendance to see more than 1,500 dancers, thousands of clowns, and 30-plus floats in the parade, featuring big-name characters from movies and cartoons. Every year brings traditional favorites and fresh new performers to the lineup.

Now you’re probably thinking, 'Okay, do I need tickets to see the Macy's parade?' The answer is no  - but you might be able to get tickets! Read our guide to find out more, and discover the best ways for you to watch the Macy's parade.

šŸ’° >>  See how you can save up to 50% on New York attractions 

šŸ—“ļø >>  Check out our example New York itineraries 

Secure a spot on the street

It's easy - and free! If you're an early bird, then get down to join the other spectators, who'd typically be lining the streets around 6 am or even earlier.

Dress for the weather (and wear comfortable shoes), bring food and drink, charge your phones, use the restroom before you arrive – there are no public facilities on the parade route –and stay put. Macy’s recommends between 61st and 72nd on Central Park West as the best place to watch Tom Turkey leading his way through Manhattan.

A lot of the performances happen around 34th Street, so know that location will have the most coveted spots and be the most difficult to get - along with spots at the beginning of the parade, 77th Street and Central Park West and where it ends at Macy's Herald Square in Midtown, on 34th.

If you're in or around NYC beforehand and want a chance to see the balloons for the floats being inflated, head to 77th and 81st streets (between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue) from 3-10 pm on Wednesday, before the parade.

Get Macy's Parade grandstand tickets

This one is for those with friends and family in the know - or even in the parade itself. Technically, Macy’s doesn’t sell grandstand tickets to the general public. But if you know any parade participants, or Macy’s employees and volunteers, you might be able to score a free ticket.

Book a hotel room with a view

Grandstand seating and street spots may be harder to come by, but if you act quickly, you can get VIP access to the parade through one of the hotels along the route. Hotel rooms with a view and VIP packages both come at a premium - but once you see what’s in these exclusive packages, you just may find it’s worth it.

Previously, some package options included the Mandarin Oriental, the New York Hilton Midtown’s Thanksgiving Packages, the JW Marriott’s Buffet Brunch Package or Parade-View Room Package, and the Residence Inn Prime View Package. Check out each hotel's official website for specifics on this year's packages.

Top tips for staying safe during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Musicians in the Macy's parade

šŸ‘‰Make sure you know this year's parade route (as it has changed in the past). Check out the official Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade site for the complete lineup, parade route, and much more info.

šŸ‘‰ Follow @Macys on X (Twitter) and check out all social media with the #macysparade hashtag to get the latest Parade updates, photos, and to join the conversation.

šŸ‘‰ Make sure your phones and cameras are fully charged before you arrive – you won't find a place to charge your tech during the parade and you won't want to miss out on photos!

šŸ‘‰ Use the restroom before you arrive – there are no public facilities on the parade route.

šŸ‘‰ Expect massive crowds, and be cautious with your children. Keep the family together at all times!

šŸ‘‰ Be aware that this parade will cause a lot of attraction closures along the parade route. Save exploring with your New York Pass for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

šŸ’ø Bonus: If you happen to want to do a little shopping while you're in the city after the parade, be sure to stop by the mezzanine level of Macy's Herald Square for a 10% off Visitor's Savings Pass. Plus, if you want more options of what to do when visiting New York, check out our Things to do in New York for inspiration!

Save up to 50% on New York attractions

Of course, we know the Macy's Day Parade in NYC is the main event on Thanksgiving, but you have a long weekend to see other top attractions in the city. Discover our full line-up, including The Empire State Building, Top of the Rock Observatory, the Statue of Liberty, and more. 

šŸ¤© >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.   

šŸ˜Ž >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option. 

Grab whichever New York pass suits you best and save while you sightsee!

Go City Expert
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10+ Things to Do in New York in Winter ā€“ December & January Activities & More

Winter in New York City is full of wonder and enchantment. The city is one of the world's top destinations during the holiday season where you can delight in magnificent department store window displays, street performers and singers, fabulous shopping, outdoor skating, seasonal festivals, and so much more. You might even catch some magical snowfall... So if youā€™re looking for things to do in New York in winter, check out our list of the best holiday activities and attractions. Go Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center New York City has a few places to enjoy the popular winter sport, so you have a few options to choose from: Ice skating at the Ice Rink at Rockefeller Center might be the most quintessential winter New York City activity and it's one of the most iconic places in the world to skate. After some laps around the rink, warm up with a cup of hot cocoa at any of the nearby coffee shops or cafes; we like Rock Center Cafe for its prime views of the rink. Snap a holiday card-worthy pic with the famous tree in Rockefeller Square, tour the center, and take a trip to the top of the building for sweeping winter views of the New York City skyline. Image credit: Bryant Park Facebook page. If you'd rather avoid the hard-to-navigate crowds that are sure to be at Rockefeller Center, head to the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park for free admission for ice skating every day, through January. At Winter Village, you can get quality Skate rentals, sharpening, lessons, and there are bag checks and lockers available. Afterward, stop in Celsius for a bite to eat and festive drinks while you warm back up. Head to Wollman Rink in Central Park for skating with a picturesque background and a convenient location close to lots of attractions, including... Museum of Modern Art American Natural History Museum Metropolitan Museum of Art and more... Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree If skating isn't your thing, Rockefeller Center Plaza is still worth checking out for its iconic Christmas tree scene. The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is carefully selected each year among candidates from across the country, this world-famous tree is the best of the best. Lights go on just after Thanksgiving, and the tree is available on display for all to see for the entire month. Itā€™s worth a visit to Rockefeller Center for even just a glimpse of this tree. Celebrate New Year's Eve in Times Square It's iconic for a reason, tons of fun to be had celebrating the ball drop in Times Square. If you are planning on attending, be sure to check out these tips for New Year's Eve in Times Square ā€“ it's a long, long day waiting out in the cold, but can be all worth it if you plan properly. Visit a World-Class Museum Want to get in a little culture during your visit to New York? Head to one of New York Cityā€™s top museums. Whether you're looking to experience the emotional tour of the 9/11 Tribute Center, explore all things weird at Ripley's Believe It or Not!, or want to experience a Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece (the Guggenheim Museum) in person, you're bound to find a museum that suits your interests. For a more traditional museum experience, some of our top picks are the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New Yorkā€™s most renowned art museum, with its special exhibitions during the winter months, and the Guggenheim Museum, the sensational modernist building with its famous 'corkscrew' interior structure that plays hosts to a number of works by impressionist masters. Check Out Yankee Stadium For a taste of real New Yorker life, be sure to check out the legendary Yankee Stadium with a behind-the-scenes tour. You'll learn some of the unique history that makes the stadium great (at least in the hearts of Yankee fans). It's a great opportunity to take photos of Yankee artifacts and exhibits, as well as the field, dugout, and other specialty areas. Indulge your love of baseball in the offseason! Winter Jazzfest What started as a one-day event has evolved into a full multi-day annual festival. Jazzfest features some of the best established and up-and-coming jazz artists to make for an unforgettable event that celebrates the history and culture of all things jazz. Check out this year's lineup and settle in for a week of smooth tones. Under the Radar Festival Photo credit: Under the Radar Festival's Official Facebook Page The Under the Radar Festival at The Public Theater is one of the most exciting ways to experience New York City's famous theater culture. The annual event features diverse comedy troupes from around the world performing over a dozen shows. These performances provide high-quality cultural entertainment at a fraction of the price youā€™d pay to see a show on Broadway. Take a look at their site for all the latest information. Empire State Building Run-Up If one of your New Yearā€™s resolutions was to work out more, consider heading to the Empire State Building for a totally unique and totally challenging workout: the annual Empire State Building Run-Up (ESBRU). While only a quarter-mile in distance, a sprint to the top of the 86th floor is no easy feat. The trip to the top takes visitors under a minute by elevator, and the fastest runners can do all 86 floors in 10 minutes. Start training now for this event. Check their site for more information and available dates. If you're interested in touring the Empire State Building but could do without the running, visit on another day to see the Art Deco interiors and amazing views from the exterior. Radio City Christmas Spectacular Image credit: Radio City Christmas Spectacular Facebook page. Attending the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is a popular NYC bucket list activity for visitors and residents alike. The show is always a little bit different each year, making it a fun tradition for those who've even already seen it. Itā€™s got nutcrackers, dancing animals, flying presents, amazing special effects, and the world-famous RockettesĀ® ā€“ the best way to get in the holiday spirit! Canā€™t make the show? Take a tour of Radio City Music Hall and go behind the scenes of the famous show. Admission to this event is separately ticketed, but Radio City Stage Door Tour tickets are available with a Go CityĀ® pass. Remember to Save on Attraction Admission So there you have it. Our list of a few things to do in New York in the winter, including holiday events, other seasonal activities in December, January, and more. Regular admission to a number of these attractions are available with Go City. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save on combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available New York passes, attractions & prices. Please note, the winter events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not available on a Go CityĀ® pass. We hope you plan to add a few of these fun options to your winter vacation itinerary.
Casey Makovich
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Things to do in West VillageĀ  Ā 

Nestled along the Hudson River and flanked with striking brownstones and trendy restaurants, the West Village is one of the most vibrant areas of New York. Whether youā€™re in a group or travelling solo, youā€™ll find many reasons to love the neighborhood. From world-class galleries and historic landmarks to fantastic theaters and comedy clubs, youā€™ll never be bored here. So, if youā€™re planning a trip to the Big Apple and would like to spend some time in the West Village during your stay, have a read through some of our favorite things to do in the area! Get Cultured A well-recognized hub of innovation and artistry, the West Village has much to offer in the museum department. For first time visitors, a trip to The Whitney Museum of American Art is essential. Founded in 1930, the museum has grown to become one of the leading institutions for modern and contemporary art. The repository features many styles of artwork, from minimalist pieces to conceptual mind-benders. Visit to see works from renowned artists including Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns and Georgia Oā€™Keeffe. An artistsā€™ enclave-turned-current hipster hotspot, the West Village presents a wealth of fantastic cultural institutions for theater lovers. First opened in 1923, The Cherry Lane Theatre is now recognized as the oldest continuously running off-Broadway theater in New York City. The playhouse runs everything from total classics to side-splitting comedies, all under one roof. With its unique charm and elegance, this venue provides an intimate experience that you wonā€™t find at other places. Though the theater is small, this spot has amassed quite a reputation ā€“ for this reason, we recommend booking ahead of time. Cinephiles taking a trip to the West Village will be blessed with countless options for places to catch a movie. Still, our resounding favorite for independent cinema has to be the IFC Center. Formerly the Waverly Theater, this place is famed for popularizing the Rocky Horror Picture Show back in 1976. Nowadays, the venue regularly screens an eclectic mix of independent, foreign, documentary and classic films. With its fantastic film picks and laid-back atmosphere, this stop is great for spending time with friends and family. Find Fun Activities Another one of our favorite things to do in the West Village is visit the Museum of Illusions. Breaking away from the traditional museum experience, this spot offers more brain-tricking, eye-tricking fun than any other entertainment location in the city. Learn about vision, perception and the human brain through the instituteā€™s intriguing walkthrough exhibits. From kaleidoscopes and holograms to tiled and reverse rooms, this place is a total feast for the senses. Donā€™t forget to bring your phone to capture some snaps for Instagram! The West Village isnā€™t just home to some fantastic cultural amenities and interesting historic sites ā€“ it's also a total foodieā€™s paradise! Whether youā€™re looking for fine dining, a romantic date spot, or maybe just a quick bite, the area has something to suit all tastes and budgets. For those harnessing a sweet tooth, we recommend checking out Milk Bar. Founded by James Beard Award-winning pastry chef Christina Tosi, this place is famed for its cutesy, nostalgic treats which taste as good as they look. If youā€™re looking to satisfy all of your savory cravings, head over to Johnā€™s Pizzeria. Serving up coal-fired thin-crust pies since 1929, this authentic spot has more than mastered the art of the perfect slice. Though the city is perhaps best recognized for its towering skyscrapers and modern structures, it's also home to some wonderful urban green spaces. Those looking to get some fresh air might enjoy Hudson River Park for its beautiful scenery. Running from Battery Park to 59th Street, the park attracts millions of visitors each year with its stunning views of the river and Manhattan skyline. There are flowers, benches, beaches, and many exciting activities to try out ā€“ including kayaking and sailing tours. Take a stroll, have a picnic, or watch the sun set over the river ā€“ the worldā€™s your oyster! Spot the Famous Landmarks Teeming with living history and culture, the West Village presents many interesting anecdotal sites to be explored. Recognized as the most famous gay bar in the world, the Stonewall Inn gave its name to the spontaneous demonstrations of 1969, which set the LGBTQ+ rights movement into motion. Today, the bar draws in a diverse crowd in celebration of the history and progression of the gay liberation movement. A National Historic Landmark and mainstay of West Village culture, this place should be at the top of your itinerary. Before visiting, we suggest checking online for drag shows, themed nights and karaoke. The concrete jungle has long been a popular filming destination, with some of the TVā€™s most recognizable sites tucked away in the West Village. For comedy lovers and pop culture fans, one of the best spots in the city is none other than the original Friends apartment building. Situated at 90 Bedford Street, this redbrick building attracts thousands of fans to catch a glimpse of TV history. Though you canā€™t go inside the building, this place makes for the perfect photo opportunity! The list of TV shows shot in the picturesque center of New York City is endless. With its beautiful parks and historic architecture, the West Village has long been a favorite for the small screen ā€“ in fact, the area minds the home of one very famous New Yorker: Carrie Bradshaw. Sadly, the inside isnā€™t open to the public, though we like to imagine it overflowing with Manolo Blahniks and Vogues. Undoubtedly stunning and quintessentially NYC, this stop is a total must-see for any Sex and the City fan. Whilst youā€™re in the area, take time to explore its designer boutiques and hip restaurants in true Carrie Bradshaw style. Well, there you have it: our list of the best things to do in the West Village. Still, to face the facts, you could live in the neighborhood for years and not experience everything that it has to offer, because thereā€™s simply so much to see and do! Whether youā€™re looking to catch a play with some friends, taste some of the best pizza in the city, or admire the views at Hudson River Park, youā€™ll find many reasons to love the area. Explore New York to its full potential with Go Cityā€™s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If youā€™d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
Chinatown sign in NYC
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Things to do in Chinatown

Thereā€™s more to life than dumplings you know, but not much more.
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