This year's thanksgiving day parade is very cool especially because they have a Pop Mart cart! The Pop Mart cart has LABUBU, Mokoko, Dimoo, Skullpanda, and Peach Riot! It looks so cool! I was so ecstatic that they got Pop Mart in the parade and it is that popular to be in the parade! They also got a Minnie Mouse float, which is the same exact thing as last year! I saw Gabby and many more favorites Buzz Lightyear and Paw Patrol! Lil Jon was performing a throwback and Busta Rhymes look pretty cool performing. It's cool to see these old rappers perform. They got the Kpop Demon Hunters Cast performing the Golden song! A catchy tune that is very addicting! I can play it on repeat! Overall, it is pretty cool this year that they got more Asian sensation in the parade with the Pop Mart characters and K-pop Demon Hunters cast performing! read more

This was my first time attending and I was out there At mandatory time of 5am! Can you believe the streets were already filling up at 5am with people. It was pouring and I mean torrential downpour but people came out and showed up. The floats were so beautiful. It was organized. Police everywhere and I felt safe. I was working bleacher which was right at Columbus circle so no issue getting to the train station. My advice : get there EARLY to get a decent view! I can't wait to return read more

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I'm reading these reviews and it seems most of these jokers watched the parade at home or really didn't research what they bought into. I asked my daughter about those reserved seats available and she said absolutely not! She gave the reasons why but it's long so not doing it. We also got invited to a viewing party from a friend that had a Birds Eye view. My Anna said I had to get the " NYC" experience. So I did walk my legs off, froze my Fanny off and had my feet stepped on a hundred times. Worth every second to spend that time being thankful to have a happy and successful daughter who is living her dream. We always watched the parade at home in all the states we lived in and ate pigs in a blanket and ham biscuits. Adult beverages for the adults. We saw everything we came to see. Does it take planning and a streetwise kid ( can't believe I'm saying this about my child) to find a good spot? It certainly helps. ( I could possibly rent her out.. lol) Bucket list item checked off. Macy's does an incredible job as does the special volunteers that make this event possible. My only issue was with irresponsible pet owners who took their dogs to the parade. I could rant about this, but I won't. They clearly don't love their pet unless it's a service animal and I didn't see any of them! I do have pictures, but I'm short so they aren't great. It was a delightful time! read more

For a few years now, have been going to the Macy's Balloon inflation and/or the parade, depending on the weather. This year, the inflation day weather was perfect for queuing up to see the balloons and the floats. Better to go early in the day to avoid the cut-off, the longer lines, and can see balloon details better. We got there at almost 3pm, right into 72nd St. Balloons were already inflated, all along the sides of the AMNH. Got crowded by the exit though. Floats were parked along Central Park W, behind fences. (Last year, the line wasn't controlled well - we lined up from 68th St but the line went past the 72nd St main entrance. People were just cutting in line so even after nearly 2 hours, we didn't even get to enter at 72nd.) It was pouring on the day of the parade this year. We were ready with warm clothes, under our ponchos and umbrella. Just need to be ready for the weather- have gone when it's freezing temps too. We decided on standing on 59th St by Central Park. Only ok bec the rain washed the smell from the horse carriages. Best to plan where you will stand ahead of time. Sometimes at the last minute, view can get blocked by police vehicles or can get squished in by the crowd. Get to know where nearby restrooms are; and places to eat, even just hot beverage for after. Need to have patience and be ready to stand for hours (folding seats help). read more

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It's the Macy's Day parade!!! Of course there will be road closures, crowds of terribly annoying people, and cold weather!! Make sure to eat and use the bathroom before you come. Come early to avoid road closures (~6am), wear warm clothing, bring hot hands, and be prepared to stand your ground when entitled folks stroll in at 9pm and try to push their way in front of you. The balloons are huge and the floats are grand! Some parade walkers are very into the holiday spirit and others appear to be having the worst day of their life! Don't quite understand some of the celebrity appearances, for example: (1) Colbie Callait and Gavin DeGraw were just talking to each Janet and not interacting with the spectators at all like tell me you don't want be here without telling me you don't want be here and (2) Lil Jon on the Toys R Us float with Get Low blasting from the float....on a float.... for kids and toys.... smh read more

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I'm reviewing the $400 VIP tickets from thanksgivingparade.com for anyone in the future thinking about booking this for VIP tickets to the parade. Do not do it. It's not an outright scam but the advertising is not what they deliver. We were at the En Gallery on 6th and. 59th and it was not as advertised. The "spectacular outdoor front row views of the parade" were the same as the public could get for free. There was no outdoor viewing areas provided by the venue or for the money paid. There was no TV broadcasting the parade. So basically to watch the parade one had to do exactly what the public can do for free. What did we get for $400 a person? A restroom, pastries, self made coffee, chairs to sit on indoors with no view of the parade. Not worth the money. Several others in the group demanded refunds and filed complaints with the city for false advertising. I'm considering my own next steps. But I absolutely would avoid this company in the future. read more

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - Festivals Near Me - New York, New York

My wife of 23 years has been asking to go to the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade and since my nephew was marching with the Rutgers Marching Band this was the year to do it. I stayed overnight on 37th st and chose our spot on 49th and 6th which seemed to be a good spot. At 7:30am the crowd was 3 deep. In retrospect I probably should have looked further uptown to stay and find a spot for the parade. All in all it was a good experience but standing for 4 hours isn't a lot of fun. The parade was great, very entertaining. It is a one and done but something I am happy I did it. read more

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Sitting here watching NBC's Macy Day "Parade." I'm waiting for the "Parade." All I've seen are Broadway musical acts ..where is the parade? Whatever this is... it's NOT a parade. Think I'll turn to football. read more

This is on the bucket list of many people and use to be on mine until this year.This is an awesome Thanksgiving tradition that I wish I could keep going. Now you need to come to the parade with a plan. It is hard to move around once the streets are blocked off you may be funneled into am alley, 50 yards back from the route where you can only get a glimpse of passing ballons. I would also recommend getting there way early to not only beat the street closures, but to get a good spot up front. Another tip is to stay at a nearby hotel the night before or take public transit. Getting around in a vehicle will be a pain due to the road closures and parking would be nearly impossible and if you are able to find a spot then it would be at a hefty price. Also, bring snacks and drinks. Once you claim your spot, you don't want to lose it. you will be there for in upward of 4 hours possiblly. And if you have little ones snacks are gold. With that being said make sure everyone hits the bathroom before you head out. Finding a restroom during the parade if very difficult, if not nearly impossible. I will admit, surprisingly, the NYPD officers working the parade were very friendly and helpful. They only enhanced the experience and made it that much better. Kudos to them. We ended up near the end of the parade and it was awesome. I can only imagine the amount of volunteers that it takes to pull this off. The weather was nice which made watching the parade much better, especially with the littles. The only problem with being close to the end and where they were filming the television telecast is that the bands and everyone had to be quiet until they got to the front of Macy's so we just saw bands and acts just walking. Not a huge deal, but oh well. You will probably see some people in character costumes running around trying to pressure you to take pictures with them for tips. I just ignored them and kept moving. The parade starts on time, but they almost have to, because they are on a television schedule. The talent tends to favor the driver's side of their respective floats because that is the side that they are filming from for TV. If you are in NYC the night before the parade you can actually see them inflating the ballons. That is becoming a tradition for many to check this out. My family and I really enjoyed the parade. They loved the Minion ballon, the Disney Float, the Pillsbury Dough Boy ballon, the Baby Yoda ballon, the Baby Shark ballon, the Paw Patrol ballon, the Tonight Show Crew, and of course Santa Claus (I know him, I know him). Excuse my Elf reference. Also, a shout out the the Carmel High School Band. You really did your thing and represented Indiana well. I don't say this about a lot of things, but I think this is something that everyone should have the chance to experience. It is an experience that my kids will not forget (and thank you to the good weather). read more

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Such a well organized parade. It's amazing to think about how many people behind the scenes at the Parade Studio create these floats and balloons to the sheer number of volunteers needed to pull off this fete. To think of all the planning from concept to creation, to the organizing of volunteers and costumes, law enforcement, street closures, making sure everything is ready and safe, staging all the floats and blowing up the balloons.....it's incredible. Not to mention the number of marching bands and Broadway performances along with Hundreds of cheerleaders. Mind Boggling We were fortunate to walk out of our hotel and walk 10 min to Herald Square to the grandstands but there are plenty of places to watch from, you just have to get up earlier. No food services after 9am so bring your own hot chocolate, hand warmers, and layered clothing!! read more

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**FYI - This is an experience from watching it on Television** I used to love watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and over time they have grown and brought some unique displays. I was extremely disappointed and quite appalled at some of the Broadway or theatrical shows they showed. Passing corn between each other's legs and talking bout bathroom and corn is not appealing nor is it appropriate for television. I also heard several innuendos that would not be appropriate for children. The bands are really some of my favorite to watch and they marched them at 5x speed and shortened their pieces as they showcased on TV. A lot of hard work goes into preparing for this parade and they had their time shortened so the celebrities could lip sync to their music. You're not fooling us with 99% of the show being lip-synced with the exception of a few floats. The Parade is not what it used to be and continues to get worse and worse as the years pass. read more

without all the cuts to the host for the parade I guess the parade would have been about 30 minutes long. I would have liked to actually seen the parade. even watching on my DVR it was so poorly produced. sad to not be able to enjoy the parade. read more

You didn't even show any of the floats, bands, or balloons. I am very disappointed in this years broadcast because all they are showing is the 2 ladies talking and performances when I want to see the balloons and floats you know what a parade is supposed to be. Macy's do better. read more

Loved the parade since I was a kid and is still as amazing as the first time I saw it but overtime there's one detail that bugs me and it's all the extra singing that's been developed other than that amazing read more

An overall good time. I went for the first time this year. Here are a few tips if you decide to go next year: - If you know someone who can get bleacher seats go this route. Lots of people were standing and you'll be there for hours. - Arrive early (whether you have bleacher seats or not), you want to get a good viewing spot. - If you are there for the floats, hang around Central Park, if you are there for the performances hang around the Macy's store (34th Street). Not sure how close you can get to seeing the performances. - Please understand that the trains will not be running to/from certain Manhattan train stops while the parade is happening. Once the parade starts around 9am any train stations between Penn Station and Central Park will be closed. You will have an opportunity to leave the parade but it's well after a number of floats have passed. - If possible, do not drive into the city. Traffic and parking near the parade is a mess. - Bring gloves, hats, scarfs, comfy shoes, blankets, whatever you need to stay warm. - Bring snacks! - Have fun! No matter what age you are, you'll find a float, a band, or a celeb waving to you that'll make you smile read more

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95th annual Macy's Thanksgiving day parade. The floats, marching bands and dancers were all fantastic!!!!! So much fun for kids and adults. A must see!! read more

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Wishing you the happiness of good friends, the joy of a happy family, and the wonder of the holiday season. Have a memorable Thanksgiving! read more

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Normally, anything that involves the majority of The Today Show crew has me begging for a merciful death. However, when it comes to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, their soothing obsequiousness brings a welcome calm and custom to my favorite of all days. Look... there's Al Roker interviewing a rather sheepish looking actor dressed as an Idaho potato spud... both awkwardly pretending spontaneity instead of marketing. God Bless advertising. And frankly, nothing beats Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie carrying on with their numbing prattle as this year's latest pop tart lip synchs a duet with Reba McEntire on top of the Olive Garden Christmas in Tuscany float. Forget the turkey and stuffing, suddenly I have a craving for unlimited salad and bread sticks. Gosh, I miss Snoopy, Underdog and Bullwinkle but it can't be... is that a 200 foot inflatable Matt Lauer back from cancellation pergatory in the Hamptons, cheering on dear old Santa as Father Christmas shakes his rotund moneymaker and ushers in December's magic right in front of Herald Square. I believe! It's all wonderful and greatly enhances my joy as I laze mindlessly on a day that has no equal. Before I eat myself into a coma, maybe I'll catch a quick nap dreaming of Al Roker, Idaho potatoes and Matt Lauer's bachelor party. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!! read more

(Attended 11/24/22 TH @ 5:30am - 12:00pm): Macy's owned the Thanksgiving Day holiday all kicked off by this parade! An item on my travel bucket list, I finally got to experience in person the 96th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! I attempted this last year until the COVID pandemic put a kibosh on my plans, so I was determined to make it happen this year along with a tab of other winter holiday-specific bucket list items in the area. Since childhood, I've watched with awe and fascination this ringing in of Thanksgiving. Christmas, and New Year holiday seasons, respectively, from its pure pageantry to obvious marvelous marketing. I've been a lifelong Angeleno and truly spoiled by the annual sunswept postcard perfect Tournament Of Roses Parade. I wasn't a cold-weather person which had prevented me in the past. However, the unfathomable thing happened when the general public was restricted and the parade heavily curtailed during the height of the pandemic, which made it more of a priority in my lifetime. Did this live up to all of my expectations!? PURCHASE Although I noticed several smart businesses that were open in close proximity to my viewing location at W. 42nd St. and 6th Ave., I bought nothing as I packed my pockets with snacks and secured my spot for the duration of the parade. I recommended you secured a spot no later than 6:00am but earlier would be best. The actual parade ran from 9:00am-12:00pm ET. SERVICE Truly none to be had with the exception of the multitude of law enforcement officers, private security, etc., that surrounded the area. Barriers lined the sidewalks up and down the entire parade route. PARKING (Varied; N/A this instance) Because our viewing spot was strategically steps from our hotel, we literally rolled out of bed and walked. Otherwise, there may've been random spots along streets (if they were open) adjacent to the parade route as well as a plethora of nearby subway stations - 'nuff said. ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE You were fully exposed to the outdoor elements along the 2.5 mile parade route that traveled from Central Park West to Columbus Circle, then turned onto Central Park South and marched down 6th Ave./Avenue of the Americas, then made its final turn at 34th St. and headed west, where it will end at 7th Ave. in front of Macy's Herald Square https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=1L9Gs2OudTmb1ipJSgoHSg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. Be prepared with the heavy and at times disrespectful throngs of patrons who progressively moved and pushed their way into position once the parade came to our viewing spot https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=twOFMZYhf262GGIFYgExOA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. I admired the buildings, the environs, made small conversation with fellow patrons, and constantly looked up as the balloons came by. Here were some quick stats: ~29 Balloons ~28 Floats ~8 Specialty Units ~12 Marching Bands ~28 Guest Stars ~And more! Here were a few of my favorites things!: -Grogu Balloon https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=NdJnldEL9vlKs2SSLnBZ9Q&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw -Pillsbury Doughboy Ballonn https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Fu0TgrWqVsW3ewWBKQ2yeg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw -Astronaut Snoopy https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=zKzhvC-wV69AvQI0R7xJrw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw -Rasputin, Alisa, & Me https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=TR6yn6dmU2-eDqtgyFvTYg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw -Santa's Sleigh Float https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=JTE1hhc5sHt16sMf1lWK2A&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw ATTIRE At this time of year, I was wrapped up in a beanie, thermals, goose down jacket, scarf, gloves, jeans, thick wool socks, and clunky winter boots. Because you stood for several hours, I highly recommended comfortable shoes. OVERALL Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was nearly everything (I really wished there were food carts with hot drinks, but the area was heavily restricted) I expected and so much more, and would consider attending it again. Truthfully, all the preparation (i.e. hotel reservations, transportation, etc.) and the biting cold weather were hindrances, but if you planned well enough in advance you were good. I found complete value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $0.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, generally speaking there wasn't any reason to have money on you that included my credit card of choice... AMEX! 5.0 STARS read more

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Begun by peasant pheasant Tom Turkey, in a veritable celebration of the sacrifice, some notable floats included: Sesame Street, but no Count in the schoolhouse this time around. Several resident plays performed including "Shucked" {cast members dancing around with corncobs resembling yellow prosthetics}. The Disney float displaying most of the regular characters, but this time including the Genie and magical carpet, but no villains, who should have their own float! For Me, the best of these at this time were the Rockettes for eye candy, along with plenty of cheerleaders throughout. Plenty of Command to Look and unintentional Law of The Forbidden happening. The Back to The Future cast played a set including Doc Brown singing with McFly, which turned into an odd doppelganger fest, perhaps consequences for traveling through time and space. Physics doubling back on itself. Toys'R'Us featuring Jeffrey and family celebrating their much appreciated perseverance, now gratefully embedded in Macy's and others. TMNT, but no Shredder? Don't usually pay much attention this series with the exception of Shredder as a great villain. The Singing Tree featuring trained singers singing their tune to perfection. Bands literally have to run into shot, providing an amusing spectacle in itself. The Texas Tech University had the most interesting uniforms, in a black/red combination, including flags, with very Spanish-style outfits. Other notable mentions are the NYPD mounted units, motorcycle units, and marching band. Notably, Chicago played You're The Inspiration, which was certainly standout as the only Rock inclusion. Cher performed, looking pretty good, singing a new holiday song. Began with autotune, yielding to her actual voice. As a matter of fact, she may be responsible as one of, if not the, performer who first initiated it in performance. It has since been used as a veritable poser replacement for actual singing, in many cases. Would have rather heard Dark Lady. Santa made his way again from the North Pole, accompanied by a couple of elves and Zwarte Piet, along with someone in place of Mrs. Claus. But still no Krampus representation... yet. Overall, apart from those mentioned, a slew of predictably generic & lame content. Addendum There actually were some select standouts in its history, namely the following footage. Dracommendations Munsters: Herman & Grandpa ride in The Koach, waving & smiling at the crowd. MOTU: Impressive Masters of The Universe float featuring many of the characters including He-Man, She-Ra, Man-At-Arms, Skeletor, Hordak, Beastman, Orko, & others, battling eachother, along with special effects and music. CPK: Musical float hosted by Tim Conway, where The Kids sing and call upon Otis Lee when crazy grandma 'LMD' {shhh...!}, and her cohorts "Beau Weasel" {Robert} & "Cabbage Jack" {xavier} try to oppress them. KI: The Knights In Satan's Service perform "Rock'n'Roll All Night" while coursing down the fairway, sans fire, blood, or explosions. Mishaps & accidents: When balloons & floats amusingly don't go as planned, deflate, fall, tip over, puncture, sometimes even injuring members of the crowd! Includes Garfield, Felix, Popeye, Superman, Spiderman, & others. read more

Great show watching Carmel Greyhound's Marching Band. Well done. Great to see Carmels performance read more

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The best parade ever and seriously a bucket list activity you have to do once in your life! So much fun and it was so fun to see the balloons and the floats. Highly recommend doing this at least once in your life. read more

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Spectacular is the only word that comes to mind. Years of childhood memories and adult memories of watching on television. A family tradition. The anticipation builds waiting to see Santa at the end. When I lived on the West Side of Manhattan I was in close proximity to where the balloons are inflated. That's lots of fun. I don't go to the parade any longer. It's a new tradition to once again watch on TV while my daughter is preparing for guests. This year we're invited to friends on the Upper West Side. I'm not sure if I'll be able to catch the parade live or on TV. People come from everywhere. I love the Balloons, Floats, Music, Dancers, Broadway Shows, and just everything about it! The time passes so fast when I'm watching. Then I'm sad it's gone until next year. Enjoy! read more

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - Posted 11/20/19 - Festivals Near Me - New York, New York

this is America, I don't speak Spanish!! when in Rome do as the romans do!! I want to be like the old days, see more of the floats!!! a lot of people work hard on those!! I don't care about the singers and acts!! and really, Panama marching band! you couldn't find someone from the lower 48!! I am not impressed with having the DEI undertone crammed down my throat!! read more

I have attended the Macy's Parade twice in my life, I feel like that's more than enough. On my previous visit, we got there around 10; so I knew darn well I wasn't going to be able to view anything. This go around, I made a greater effort to get there early. I arrived around 8:40, so I got a decent spot along 57th and 6th Avenue. I will say that Macy's puts on a great show with lots of characters, famous people, floats, great marching bands from across the country, etc.. We were packed in like sardines with a mixture of tourists, children, older folks, and NY natives all awaiting the floats, celebrities and characters. They try and do their best to kew the crowd amped up because many people are there for hours waiting for the show to begin. Around 9:30 or so, we finally had some action. Characters and celebrities on their floats kept the crowd happy, but the long delays between some of the floats, the continuous amount of people attempting to cross the street and people trying to squeeze their way through the crowd and barricades also frustrated the crowd. I think the parade is a fun experience,that maybe everyone should do once in their lifetime, but for me, I'm over it. It was cool to see Ciara, Black Eyed Peas, Kelly Rowland and others up close, but I'm just as fine seeing them on the television--from the comfort of my own home. Pack a lawn chair, blanket, and more importantly, some patience, if you ever plan on attending the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. read more

The four stars are for the memory of sitting on my Grandpa's shoulders along the route when I was four years old. Perhaps adults aren't the target audience, but hopefully the kids will have a lasting memory of the exciting parade. I doubt the set up was so geared to entertainment stars and advertising then and probably any curb sight spot along the parade route would delight the likes of a starry-eyed tyke looking for Santa. Even when I lived within walking distance of the parade, I never went again. read more

What a wonderful tradition! My niece marched in this year's parade with the Macy's All American Marching Band. The weather was fantastic, warm and sunny! I must say NYC is at its finest during the Christmas Season and this is the event that ushers it all in! From the balloons to the band and even celebrities it's fun for all ages. read more

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The parade has changed so much in a bad way it used to be so much to watch when I was a kid what happened to it hear it supposed to be a family show and my daughter was not even interested in it. She didn't like it. I grew up watching the parade. They need to go back like it used to be fun and enjoyable read more

I think this is something people should do at least once. We went over to Rockefeller center to see the parade and got about a block out. It was a bit hard to see unless you stool on something, those around us has brought stools and ladders. We arrive just before the parade started and got to see quite a bit of the large floats, balloons, and performers. read more

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - Jimmy Fallon float - Festivals Near Me - New York, New York

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Watching on TV for years...but disappointed don't feel very family oriented anymore..some performances in my opinion were filthy and inappropriate and nothing to do with the holidays. Have kids out waving and cheering to sexual and or depressing songs. Weird read more

I wanted to watch a parade with lots of bands and floats. Instead, it was an off off off off Broadway show. Very disappointing.

Initially magical but ultimately disappointing. Unless you have those tiered seats right in front of the Herald Square Macy's, you won't be able to properly see or hear a lot of the theatrical performances. (And to get tickets legitimately you need to know a Macy's employee or affiliate.) Non-VIP attendees who have to stand will learn that the 2.6-mile wall of people in winter coats creates a giant sound muffler, while ambient chattering generates a lot of white noise. The only thing music I was able to hear was from the marching bands, but even that was muddled. The last straw for me was parents letting kids sit on their shoulders making it impossible for everyone behind them to see anything but the balloons. If you loathe tourists like I do, consider finding a friend who works in a building (not on the ground floor, obviously) on the parade route and watch the parade from above the masses. You'll also get better access to restrooms that way. The toilet situation during and after is a freaking nightmare since many businesses with free restrooms are closed on Thanksgiving morning, and the ones that are open are overflowing. Take note of where the portajohns are, since moving through the crowds during the parade is like swimming though molasses. When the parade ends, avoid the bottleneck at Herald Square and find an alternate route if possible. Better yet, avoid going to the parade altogether and head to the Museum of Natural History the night before to watch the balloons being inflated. The balloons and floats are really the only parts of the parade that are worth seeing in person. Everything else is just icing on the cake, or you know--advertising. Obviously, you'll get better camera angles of the parade from just watching NBC or live-streaming, but the ground experience is more about hype and bucket lists and seeing teens from the Disney Channel lip sync to their own songs. Just remember that 3.5 million other people will also be there. read more

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I have been watching this parade on TV every Thanksgiving for as long as I can remember. We finally had the opportunity to attend. Yes, we had to go through check points to get in, but I did not mind. Also, keep in mind that streets are closed the night before, so if you are staying at a hotel along the parade route, it impacts your easy accessibility. Now, we were right at the beginning of the parade route and this happened to be the year with wind so everyone was anxiously awaiting the final decision about the balloons. Yes, there will be balloons, but not flying at the regular height. From our vantage point I could not keep track of how many balloon holders got knocked down and covered by the balloon. Fortunately no one was injured. So, where you stand along the parade route determines exactly how much you will see. What you see on TV, in front of Macy's, is the end of the route and that is where the performances take place. We had no idea that the actors from "Ain't too Proud . . ." started the program, but we were lucky enough to attend the play so that made up for it. But, while those performances are taking place, the parade has to stop so you get to enjoy each participant for a short time, not just a "walk past." I have to say that the attendees that were standing around us were very friendly and we had a wonderful time. Also, people tend to be aware of the small children so they make room for them to see, especially when Santa arrives. It was crowded and chaotic, but I can cross that off my Bucket List. read more

What happened to showing the parade? Stop the interviews and show the parade. A lot of time and effort was put into the parade. Let viewers enjoy all of the parade. Disgusted in San Diego. read more

We watched the parade via peacock this year, and If I could give the Macy's Day Parade 2023 ten stars, I would! I have been watching the parade every year since I was a small child. It has been a cherished family tradition for generations. The last few years have been disappointing with people trying to make changes to an already perfect thing. I don't want to watch something so close to my heart in virtual reality or full of controversy. We wanted to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving full of love and joy. That is what we saw this year, and it really made our Thanksgiving special. The extra special part, was seeing Al Roker right where he needs to be, in front of us all. Al Roker, Savannah Guthrie, and Hoda Kotb did a great job. I want to thank everyone who made the parade possible, and who participated in it. You did an outstanding job and you brought me and my family enormous joy. read more

Tuned in to see the parade, but yet they barely showed any of the parade and I don't know why they're showing Chicago on the Thanksgiving day parade I can understand if it was in the parade, but they're not even showing the damn parade. It's very disappointing. Too much talking and not enough of the parade and a lot of random stuff that should not be in there. read more

I have heard about it and wanted to go but hesitation was there as one has to stand for 3-5 hours without any type of break. But trust me, its worth. Every thanks giving, it happens. Beautiful... extravaganza. magnificent... This parade was so colorful. Kids-teens-adults-grandpa all were enjoying... there were line up of balloons like PIKACHU-FIRARANGER-TOOTHLESS-SPONGEBOB-PILLSBURY DOUGHBOY- ANGRY BIRD-RONALD MACDONALD-PADDINGTON-TOM ENGINE-DINO-DIARY OF A WILF BOY. 15+ Marching bands will make you clap by their performance.. 100s clowns will make you laugh...kids will be totally like I want to be here. They have floats in the parade too. And of course 'performance groups'.. You can take a glimpse of all these in my pics...whole parade will take app 90 mins to pass in front of your eyes. And they have special performance at their main store at herald square but there is rush like anything. I would suggest enjoy the parade at CPW only. And yes, check the route before heading. They generally keep the same route, (CPW-6TH AVE) but sometimes it does change. To Dos- 1- Best place to see parade bw 65-72 street 2- But make sure you reach there by 6 AM to take prime spot, by 6:30, it would be full 3- Take chair, quilt, beverages with you 4- Depends on weather, have layers of warm cloth 5- Of course your camera Don't- Don't litter plz read more

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I've watched the parade on television many times. The experience of seeing it up close and personal is a total different feel! It's a must for kids of all ages and adults too. Standing room only, unless you're lucky enough to score a front row spot where there's more room for a folding share. Important note: Not many port-a-potties so drink responsibly, HA! read more

I used to watch the Macy's parade every Thanksgiving growing up, but frankly hadn't given it much thought until this year, because our son was in one of the marching bands. It was such a classic NYC spectacle. There was drama (will the balloons fly or won't they?) there was adventure (Is that woman going to get lifted off the ground by the balloon?) there was sparkle and pizzazz! The family that was standing in front of us (in front of CBS) had already been there for 2 hours when we arrived. They were kind to let our son hang closer to the street so he could see, and when I asked if I might move up just for our son's band, they were so gracious, and even asked his name so they could cheer for him! We had a wonderful time. read more

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I haven't attended the event but I watch it mostly every year on TV. I would like to attend when Covid is controlled better.This year's parade was pretty interesting with Covid. I was grateful that they still aired it on TV and online anyway. I think what I admired most was that they were being safe about it. I saw a lot of participants wearing masks. I also didn't see crowds of people in the streets. I think what they did was film it in one location over a day or two. I saw a couple of TV stations air some clips from previous years. There was crowds of people and no masks in these clips. My two favorite items to see in a parade are always the balloons and floats. For years, I've wanted to work on creating a float with a team of people. That's been on my bucket list. I like seeing Snoopy/Peanuts in the parade. It also wouldn't be the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade without Santa on a float towards the end. Overall, they did a pretty good job despite the circumstances. They could've just canceled it with everything that's happening right now. read more