For spectators who want to see the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons without the same crowds (and rain) that are likely on Thursday, the balloon inflation on Wednesday afternoon is always a popular option.
The holiday season really kicks off when the massive helium balloons start floating through New York. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade — one year away from its 100th birthday — this year will feature 32 balloons, 3 hot air balloons, 27 floats, 4 special units, 33 clown groups, 11 marching bands, performance groups and the biggest stars in music, all welcoming Santa Claus and the holiday season.
The balloon inflation is a fan-favorite, family-friendly kickoff to the parade, the day before the bands and balloons start their Thursday morning march down Central Park West.
When is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon inflation?
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon inflation takes place on Wednesday, Nov. 26 from 1 to 6 p.m.
The line for public viewing will open at 12 p.m.
Where is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon inflation?
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon inflation takes place on the Upper West Side outside of the Museum of Natural History between West 77th and West 81st Streets.
How can I watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon inflation?
NBC 4 New York will present a special program reporting live on the balloon inflation at 2 p.m. ET on the NBC 4 New York streaming channel wherever you stream, or in the NBC New York app.
Where do I go for the balloon inflation?
Spectators can enter the line at West 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue. Entry closes at 6 p.m.
What streets are closed for the balloon inflation?
Central Park West will be closed from West 72nd Street to West 86th Street through 12 p.m. on Thursday.
West 72nd Street to West 85th Street will be closed from Central Park West to Columbus Avenue through 12 p.m. on Thursday.
The 79th Street Transverse will be closed through 12 p.m. on Thursday.
In less than a week, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will march down Sixth Avenue in front of thousands of people from around the world. The finishing touches are being put in place. NBC News 4 New York’s Gilma Avalos reports.
When is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade takes place in New York City on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. until 12 p.m.
What time does the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade start?
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade starts at 8:30 a.m.
How long does the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade run?
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade runs until 12 p.m. on Thursday.
Where does the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade start?
The parade begins at West 77th Street and Central Park West at 8:30 a.m.
Have you ever wondered how the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade began? Join NBC New York’s Jennifer Vázquez on a historical dive of the beloved event and how immigrant communities helped create this tradition.
What is the route of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
The parade starts on the Upper West Side at West 77th Street and Central Park West.
The balloons, floats and bands will then run along Central Park West from West 77th Street to West 59th Street. It will go around Columbus Circle and east on Central Park South.
From Central Park South, the parade will turn down 6th Avenue. The parade will run down 6th Avenue to Macy’s Herald Square on West 34th Street.
Where are the best spots to watch the Thanksgiving Day parade?
Spectators can watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade along much of the route.
Some spots to consider viewing include Central Park West between West 60th and West 77th Streets, Central Park South, or on 6th Avenue between West 38th Streets and Central Park South.
There are a few areas that do not allow public viewing including:
- West 77th Street and Central Park West (starting point)
- Central Park West between West 59th and West 60th Streets
- Columbus Circle
- 6th Avenue between West 34th & West 38th Streets
- West 34th Street between 6th & 7th Avenues
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