New York Dearest
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An event · Manhattan · on 4 of my lists

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Worth it, says Antonina. Experiencing the parade in person is easily one of the best things to do in New York City in the fall.

Antonina Pattiz
Antonina PattizI went myself · from my Best fall things to do in New York
A marching band in maroon and white uniforms performs down a parade route lined with spectators and autumn trees.
From Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2026, the Route…
What this page is

Everything I’ve written about Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on New York Dearest, in one place. It’s on 4 of my lists, from Best fall things to do in New York to The best time to visit New York, and each one says something the others don’t. Below you’ll find my photographs of it and every list it’s on with what I wrote there.

  1. Best fall things to do in New YorkWorth it
  2. Thanksgiving in NYC, How I Spend the Week.Worth it
  3. Best free things to do in New YorkWorth it
  4. The best time to visit New YorkOnly if

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, in my photographs

9 frames from my visits

Where it appears on New York Dearest

4 of my lists, the fullest first
Worth it
What I wrote thereFold it away

Date November 28, 2024

Few fall events in New York City are as exciting as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Dating back to 1924, this year marks the 100th anniversary of the cherished holiday tradition.

Experiencing the parade in person is easily one of the best things to do in New York City in the fall. Gawk at the 12-foot floats parading down the city’s streets from the American Museum of Natural History all the way down to Macy’s Herald Square.

As one of the most popular autumn activities in New York City, the parade draws 3.5 million spectators a year. While the parade starts at 8:30am, you’ll want to get there around 6:30am to score a good spot.

Better still, read.2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Guide (Helpful Tips from a Local)

My advice If you plan on going to the parade, pack snacks and bring coffee with you. The streets get crowded quickly and lines for coffee shops are out of hand. Just don’t drink too much liquid, because finding a restroom is not a convenient affair.

Read it on the list
Worth it, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.
Worth it

If you’re visiting New York City on Thanksgiving Day, I’d argue that experiencing the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is non-negotiable.

What I wrote thereFold it away

If you’re visiting New York City on Thanksgiving Day, I’d argue that experiencing the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is non-negotiable. An iconic tradition for many American families, why not see the monolithic floats snaking down the streets of NYC in person?

While the parade officially kicks off at 8:30am, you’ll need to arrive earlier to secure a good spot. I’ve enjoyed the parade a handful of times over the years and wrote a quick guide for first timers. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Guide (10 Tips for 2026).

Good to know Dating back to 1924, 2025 year marks the 101st anniversary of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!

Read it on the list
Worth it

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, cheering on a parade will have you feeling like a part of this vibrant community, all while enjoying one of the best things to do in New York City for free.

Read it on the list
Only if

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a staple since 1924, broadcasted to more than 30 million viewers on television and boasting more than 3 million spectators in person.

What I wrote thereFold it away

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a staple since 1924, broadcasted to more than 30 million viewers on television and boasting more than 3 million spectators in person. With the parade come a string of fun things to do in NYC on Thanksgiving. Some of them are having a Thanksgiving dinner, seeing the parade’s balloons get inflated, and enjoying a variety of seasonal treats.

Read it on the list
On The Best of New York

I put Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on 2 of my best lists.

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