2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – KEY INFO
The 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is without a doubt one of the most anticipated events in NYC. In today’s NYC BLOG I give you all the Key Info you absolutely need to know. If you will be in NYC at the end of November (one of the 3 best times to visit NYC), read this article carefully because it is important to know well where to stand to best see the NYC parade and also what time to show up so you can see it in a good way.
What does the Thanksgiving Day parade consist of?
The parade is a mixture of floats (a few) and inflatable balloons (most) of many different shapes, inspired by historical figures, events, cartoons, and icons from sports and music. For example, in recent years, some of my favorite inflatable balloons during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade were: Pikachu, Sonic, Snoopy, Spongebob, Baby Yoda and so many more
Is this event important in NYC?
So much. The city comes to a standstill that day and millions of citizens flock to the streets of NYC to see it. Most of my tours in fact come to a halt that day.
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When is the 2023 Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC?
As the name implies, NYC’s most famous parade is held on Thanksgiving Day. So in 2023, the Macy’s Parade will be on November 23.
At what time is the event?
The parade officially starts at 9 am. But, based on where you are located to see it, you may not see the first Parade’s Inflated Balloon until around 10:30 AM
What time to arrive to see the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade?
Although the parade starts at 9 a.m., if you arrive by 8:30 a.m. you will most likely not find a place to see it decently or with even greater likelihood the streets will already be closed by the police to avoid excessive influxes of people. On Thanksgiving day in NYC this event is a must! Consequently, my big advice is to show up on the parade route by 7 a.m., 7:30 a.m. at the latest. No later than that. As early as 7 a.m. you will almost certainly not be in the front row. In fact, many people arrive there as early as 4 or 5 a.m. to get the best seats.
Which is the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade route in NYC?
The Thanksgiving Parade starts on the Upper West Side at the Natural History Museum area (72nd Street) and then goes down Central Park West until it reaches 59th Street. From there it will continue going south on 6th Avenue until it reaches 34th Street
Where is the best place to see the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving day Parade from?
On Thanksgiving day, I recommend getting on 6th Avenue, preferably between 55th Street and 38th Street. I usually stay in the Bryant Park area (40th Street). By no means stand in the Columbus Circle area (59th Street) or below 37th Street, because these areas are restricted to the press. You will also not be able to stand in front of Macy’s (34th Street): only those with special invitations go there.
I also wrote a more detailed article on everything you need to know about where to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.
Is there a Christmas parade in NYC?
No, there is no Christmas parade in NYC. However, the last floats in the Thanksgiving Day parade are dedicated to Christmas. So you will find floats decorated with lots of lights, reindeer, elves and especially Santa Claus. Santa’s float is in fact the one that closes the parade. From that moment on, in fact, the holiday season officially begins in NYC. The day after Thanksgiving, Macy’s Santaland opens. If you are lucky you may find the same Santa Claus from the parade welcoming you to Macy’s Santaland.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TOUR
Just a reminder that starting the day after the Thanksgiving Day Parade, my fantastic Dyker Heigths & DUMBO Christmas Lights Tour also begins. On my website you will find all the info about the tour, both bus and Luxury Minivan versions. If you are looking for videos and reviews of the tour, I recommend checking out my Instagram page (@MyChristmasinNewYork). In the highlighted stories on Instagram I have saved everything you need to know about the tour. For any additional info, send me a message on Instagram: I am Marco and I’m always happy to help!