The Ultimate Guide to Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade — Including the Best Places to Watch

It's almost time for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade — here's everything to know about the celebration this year.

Nothing puts the gravy on top of a delicious Thanksgiving turkey feast quite like the magic of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This beloved tradition incorporates the grandeur of larger-than-life balloons, marching bands, floats, Broadway and celebrity performances, clowns, and the famed Radio City Rockettes.

As one of New York City’s most cherished annual events, the occasion brings together locals and visitors, who gather in the spirit of gratitude and merriment. Here's everything you need to know about the parade, including the best places to watch and where to stay nearby.

When is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will take place on Thursday, November 23, 2023, from 9 a.m. until noon ET. Can’t make it to NYC for the grand celebration? Not to worry, as the parade will also be televised on NBC and streamed on Peacock, so you can watch while cozied up in pajamas with a cup of coffee at home.

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Route

The parade kicks off at 77th Street and Central Park West before making its way down the Upper West Side to Columbus Circle. From there, the parade follows Central Park South to Sixth Avenue and goes through Midtown before stopping in front of Macy’s Herald Square on 34th Street.

Best Places to Watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

The 2.5-mile route has plenty of space available for public viewing, but make sure to get there early enough (about 6 a.m.) if you're hoping to score a spot closer to the street. If you stay in one of the many hotels on or near the parade route, watching from the property may be a preferable option.

For some of the best vantage points, head to Central Park West from West 75th to West 61st Streets. As this is at the beginning of the route, it's essential to arrive early. If you arrive after the 9 a.m. start time, you're likely to miss out on a good viewpoint for taking in the magnificence of the floats and balloons.

Further along the route, another great place to watch the parade is Columbus Circle. Though the sidewalks here are not open for public viewing, in past years, many visitors have opted to watch from The Shops at Columbus Circle. The large windows of the mall provide arguably the most desirable view of the parade.

As the parade heads south along Sixth Avenue, you'll find great views between West 59th and West 38th Streets. Avoid the stretch between West 34th and West 38th Streets and on West 34th Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenues, as some sidewalks may be closed due to filming for the national television broadcast.

Where to Stay Near the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Before you book your NYC hotel, you'll need to consider your priorities. Do you want to stay within walking distance of the route or in a room with a ringside view of the parade? Here are some options.

JW Marriott Essex House New York

Across from Central Park, JW Marriott Essex House New York offers parade-view rooms and suites, as well as adjoining accommodations for larger groups. Book a lower-floor room to get closer to the parade, or reserve a room on a higher floor to soak up both the expansiveness of Central Park and the parade from above. With direct access to the parade route, travelers can easily find sidewalk-viewing spaces nearby.

Refinery Hotel

Refinery Hotel, located adjacent to the parade route near Bryant Park, is a loft-style property inside a converted hat factory. Though the hotel does not offer rooms with views of the parade, it's only a short walk from the festivities. Plus, it has a rooftop bar with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.

Mandarin Oriental New York

Perhaps the most idyllic hotel to stay in for those coveted views of parade balloons and floats, the Mandarin Oriental New York offers luxurious rooms in an incomparable location at Columbus Circle. Those looking to appreciate the festivities from the comfort of a parade-view room or suite can book the “Thanksgiving with a View” package, which includes a minimum three-night stay, seasonal welcome amenity, and other perks.

New York Hilton Midtown

Conveniently located on Sixth Avenue, the New York Hilton Midtown has a variety of rooms and packages with full, partial, and aerial parade views. This contemporary hotel is also within walking distance of NYC highlights, including Central Park and Fifth Avenue shopping.

Things to Know Before Attending the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Because Thanksgiving in NYC can be cold, pack a warm jacket, gloves, and a hat. You might want to bring some water, hot chocolate, and snacks to enjoy while you wait for the parade to start. It’s also important to note that there may not be public restrooms in your vicinity, depending on where you decide to watch.

For anyone who would like to partake in the festivities of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade — but would rather not get up early and wait in the cold for hours — the Macy’s Balloon Inflation event on the eve of Thanksgiving is an option. The celebration will take place on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, from noon to 6 p.m. ET near the American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side.

For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.