FAQs

• Where can I watch the Parade this year?

  The route of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade^® & spectator viewing is managed by our partners in the NYPD, along our traditional 2.5-mile route, which stretches from the Upper West Side to Midtown. Public viewing areas are available on the west side of Central Park West, the south side of Central Park South & on 6th Avenue along the Parade route. Please check back soon for more details about where to watch our Parade.

• Will grandstand seating be available?

  Limited seating areas are not available to the general public and tickets are not for sale.

• Will the Macy’s Balloon Inflation event on the day before Thanksgiving return?

  Macy’s signature giant character balloons will be prepared for their Thanksgiving Day flights on Wednesday, November 27, on the Upper West Side.

• Can I participate in the Parade as a balloon handler, clown, or volunteer?

  Since it began in 1924, participants have been Macy’s colleagues, their families & friends or others who have a relationship with the Parade’s elements &/or partners. This participation policy still exists today. With the exception of invited performing talent (i.e. marching bands, celebrities, singers, etc.), aspiring participants must fall under one of these categories & be approved via application granted by Macy’s Studios.
  
  Please read our full Parade Participation Policy here: The purpose of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade^® is to provide quality entertainment while bringing children & families together on this most cherished national holiday. This objective has remained consistent since the first Holiday Parade in 1924.
  
  Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade^®, a privately-sponsored & privately-funded event, is regarded by Macy's as its annual gift to the nation. Parade participants are primarily employees or associates of Macy's or its affiliated companies, their families and friends, or others who have business relationships with the Parade, its broadcast partners & its Parade partners.
  
  In line with the goal & historical traditions of the Parade, Macy's invites entertainers & others to participate based exclusively on their ability to provide appropriate family entertainment suitable to the occasion. These participants consist of a variety of celebrities, who may include athletes, musicians, singers & performers from the worlds of television, film and theater, as well as various talent-based performance organizations, such as high school & college bands, cheerleaders, dancers & choral groups.
  
  While the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade^® respects & embraces America's diversity, our policy dictates that the Parade will not be used to represent any specific cause or special interest, no matter how worthy. Therefore, without judgment as to the merits, Macy's does not grant requests from any charitable, civic, political or cultural organization seeking to participate in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade^®.
  
  The company & Macy's Parade organizers reserve the right to make all determinations relating to participation in the Parade on the basis of entertainment value & preserving the long-standing traditions of this unique national holiday event.

• I have a performance group that is interested in participating in the Parade. How do I apply?

  Directors of performance groups with unique entertainment value may apply for the 2025 Parade. Apply here.

• I would love to propose or get married at the Parade. Can you help arrange this?

  Though it would be an honor to share in this special moment, this is not something that we can take part in or approve. At this time, we’re devoted to producing the nation’s most beloved holiday event & coordinating thousands of participants, dozens of floats, balloons & vehicles, security & other major logistics.

• Can I buy a copy of the Parade broadcast?

  This annual event is a live event & unfortunately, no reproductions of the broadcast are available for sale or distribution.

• I have an element (float, car, balloon, etc.) that I want to enter into the Parade. How can I do that?

  We love & appreciate your enthusiasm, but all elements are designed & created by the artisans at Macy’s Parade Studio. We have numerous guidelines that allow us to provide unique entertainment & best serve our performing talent. If you are interested in partnership opportunities, please contact Macy’s External Communications at: EventMedia@macys.com

For all other questions & inquiries, please contact MEvents@macys.com.