Macy's 100th Thanksgiving Day Parade

About this adventure

Experience America’s most iconic Thanksgiving spectacle in person! Marking its historic 100th parade milestone since its 1924 debut, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade brings 2.5 miles of awe-inspiring wonder straight through Manhattan. Generations of kids will marvel at colossal floating cartoon icons, dazzling Broadway performance floats, marching bands from high schools and universities across the nation, clown brigades, stilt walkers, and the grand arrival of Santa Claus in his reindeer-drawn sleigh. The 2.5-mile route kicks off at West 77th Street and Central Park West, travels south along Central Park West to Columbus Circle, turns east onto Central Park South, then heads down 6th Avenue (Avenue of the Americas) from 59th Street all the way to 34th Street. For families with kids, the western sidewalk along Central Park West between 75th and 61st Streets offers the absolute best sightlines: spectators can sit comfortably along the Central Park wall, and trees block chilly river gusts. Family Tips: Arrive early—between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM—to secure prime curb spots along Central Park West or upper 6th Avenue. Pack collapsible camping stools or foam seating pads for cold stone curbs, blanket rolls, hand warmers, and plenty of finger foods and warm apple cider. Avoid 34th Street near Herald Square, as it is strictly closed to the public for national television broadcasts.