Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the second-oldest Thanksgiving Day Parade in the United States. The parade is three hours and held in Manhattan and is televised across the country for all to see, but lucky for you – you can take Amtrak and see it yourself!
What to expect at Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
The parade takes place over 2.5 miles. Along the way performers, floats, balloons, characters, marching bands, celebrities, dancers and so much more make their way down the streets.
Lineup for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
This year’s parade includes 22 Balloons with iconic characters like Snoopy, Pikachu, The Pillsbury Doughboy and SpongeBob SquarePants and Gary. Spider-Man is also returning to the parade for the first time in over a decade with a new look! Other new balloons include Goku, Marshall from Paw Patrol, The Elf of the Shelf, Minnie Mouse and Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse.
34 floats will ride down the streets with favorite characters and incredible themes. The Sesame Street gang will be on their float, Disney is introducing their Magic Meets the Seas float and so much more.
Performers for this year include Dan + Shay, Idina Menzel, The Temptations, T-Pain, Jimmy Fallon and the Roots and more!
Also witness 11 performance groups with acrobats and dancers and 11 marching bands from around the country.
View the full parade lineup here.
What is the Thanksgiving Day Parade Route?
The parade follows a 2.5 mile route. The parade begins on West 77th Street and Central Park West at 8:30 am. It then continues down Central Park West, turns onto Central Park South, heads south onto 6th Avenue and finally ends at Macy’s Herald Square.
Where can you watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade?
Along the route there are several areas for public viewing but keep in mind there are certain areas with no public viewing including on Central Park West between West 59th and West 60th Streets, Columbus Circle, and at Macy’s Herald Square. Additionally, viewing is limited on 6th Avenue between West 34th and West 38th Streets and on West 34 Street between 6th and 7th avenues because of national television broadcasts.
Parade viewers should plan to arrive as early as 6 am on the day of the parade and begin lining up along the west side of the street on Central Park West. The Parade runs here from around 9:00 am until 10:30 am. By around 9:30 am, the parade will begin arriving further down the route on 6th Avenue.
Take Amtrak to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
For Directions to Moynihan Train Hall click the button below.
Experience the parade via Amtrak to the Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station. Don’t forget to use the New York By Rail 15% discount! The parade route is a quick walk from Penn Station.
Attractions & Things to Do in New York City
There’s no shortage of things to do in New York City!
Looking for a getaway opportunity? Spend the night and experience all New York City has to offer. Take a look at these great hotel options—some offering exclusive New York By Rail discounts!
