The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City is legendary. Broadcast across the country, the Parade is synonymous with both New York City— its streets are on display, a veritable runway for the parade; and Macy’s, whose grandiose flagship store conducts the Parade and reminds shoppers the holiday season is upon us. Tourists and New Yorkers alike delight in the annual procession, watching giant balloons lackadaisically dip and bob between stately buildings as they float down New York’s city streets. From young to old, this is a uniquely American cultural event to behold at least once in a lifetime. This week we’ve got the Parade’s history, a bit more about what will be on display, and the best views of all the action.
The History
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is often seen as an American tradition, and it dates back to 1920 when the first notable Thanksgiving procession was held by Gimbel Brothers Department Store. In 1924, Macy’s department store in New York hosted its first Thanksgiving Day Parade, not with Thanksgiving in mind, but as an inauguration of both the Macy’s Christmas window displays— and the shopping season ahead. The Parade route was a mere two-block jaunt, but with 6 miles of Parade slowly passing through, (by contrast, it now extends 26 miles) 10,000 people turned out to watch the spectacle. The grand finale had Santa arriving at the Store to unveil the Christmas window display.
The Parade was a hit and an annual occurrence from there on out. The initial Procession used animals from the zoo who were not as obedient or happy about being forced to walk through the streets to massive crowds and noise. In 1927, live animals were replaced by helium-filled balloons. Felix the Cat, designed by Sarg, was one of the initial Parade balloons.
For historic photos of the Parade see History.com
https://www.history.com/news/the-first-macys-thanksgiving-day-parade
The Ins and Outs
When: The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade takes place on Thanksgiving day, November 28, 2019, from 9am to 12pm Eastern Standard Time.
Where: Starting at West 77th Street & Central Park West the Parade travels down Central Park to Columbus Circle, continues along Central Park to 6th Avenue and Macy’s Herald Square. For an interactive map see:
https://www.macys.com/social/parade/where-to-watch/?cm_sp=imp-_-parade-_-lp_wheretowatch
The Parade is broadcast across the nation by NBC, for those who would rather watch the festivities from indoors or are unable to be in Manhattan.
The Balloons: There are three classes of balloons in the parade each year. The novelty balloon class is the eldest and is composed of smaller balloons that range in size but are handled by one to thirty people. In the second class are the full-size balloons, which primarily reference pop culture; each of these balloons requires ninety handlers! The final class is called the “Blue Sky Gallery” and places contemporary artists’ work on balloons for the Parade.
More: The Parade is known for its live music and performances on moving floats: singers, bands, Broadway performers, cheerleaders, and even the Rockettes put on a show at Herald Square. It’s also an opportunity for college and high school marching bands from across the country to show their mettle. Each year the Parade finale is signaled by the arrival of Santa to Macy’s Herald Square.
Where to Watch: There is no reserved seating for the Parade. All viewing is first come, first serve so it’s best to get up with the sun for a good vantage. Earlier risers tend to camp out along the West side of the street on Central Park West from 59th to 75th streets, where the Parade cruises through from 9-10:30 am. Those who like to sleep in a little catch the parade further along its route on 6th Avenue. Viewing is discouraged, however, from 34th to 38th streets and at Macy’s Herald Square due to television filming.
Balloon Inflating: Watch the balloons come to life and get a Parade sneak peek the day before! From 1-8 pm on Wednesday, November 27, 2019, enjoy the pre-Parade action outside of the Museum of Natural History (between West 77th and West 81st Streets). The line starts at West 73rd Street and Columbus Avenue. From there, viewers are able to see the balloons as they move around the Museum perimeter.
For more detailed information and other FAQs, see the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade home page.
https://www.macys.com/social/parade/
Staying in New York City – About The Lombardy Hotel
The Lombardy Hotel is just as iconic to Midtown Manhattan as many of the other historic and cultural attractions in the area. Not only are our rooms comfortable and tasteful, we provide amenities such as a full salon, coffee shop, and exercise room. We also host the American Cut Midtown steakhouse, perfect for a business lunch or dinner on a special occasion. We look forward to hosting you.