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.

💰 >>  See how you can save up to 50% on New York attractions 

🗓️ >>  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

👉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.

👉 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.

👉 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!

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

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

👉 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.

💸 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. 

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

😎 >> 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
Go City Travel Expert

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