Get a behind-the-scenes look at our legendary balloons & fantastic floats getting Parade ready on Thanksgiving Eve.

• Wednesday, November 22, 2023 Noon-6pm ET

• Location

  Outside of the Museum of Natural History
  (between West 77th & West 81st Streets)

• Entrance

  West 72nd Street & Columbus Avenue
  

  
  Guests arriving from the West Side can
  cross Columbus Avenue south of
  West 77th Street to join the viewing
  line at West 72nd Street & Columbus Avenue.
  
  Guests arriving from the East Side
  should utilize the 65th Street Transverse,
  then head northwest to join the viewing
  line at West 72nd Street & Columbus Avenue.
  
  Please follow all directions from Macy’s
  representatives & NYPD upon your arrival.

• The viewing line

  Upon entering, volunteers will be located
  along the route to help guests find their way.

  
  Guests will view the balloons moving clockwise
  around the Museum from the north side of
  West 77th Street, then the south side
  of West 81st Street.
  
  Guests will continue along the west side
  of Central Park West to view the float-building
  process up through 86th Street.

• Exit

  Guests may exit west along any block
  from West 82nd to West 86th Street.

• Faqs

  Get answers to your important questions.

  
  What should I bring to watch the balloon
  inflation & float assembly in person?
  Weather can be unpredictable so dress in layers,
  wear comfy shoes & bring a poncho.
  
  What items are prohibited?
  For your safety, the following items are expressly
  prohibited: umbrellas, backpacks, large bags,
  chairs, alcoholic beverages, drones & e-cigarettes.
  No personal property can be left or abandoned at
  the entrance or checkpoints.
  
  What are the closet subway stops?
  For arriving guests:
  72 St. station (at Central Park West)
  B C
  
  72 St. station (at Broadway)
  1 2 3
  
  
  For exiting guests:
  81 St.-Museum of Natural History station
  (at Central Park West)
  B C
  
  79 St. station (at Broadway)
  1
  
  86 St. station (at Central Park West)
  B C
  
  86 St. station (at Broadway)
  1
  
  Volunteers can be found at the subway entrances
  on Central Park West at West 72nd Street &
  West 81st Street to help with directions.
  
  Will there be street closures?
  Central Park West will be closed from West 72nd Street
  to West 86th Street beginning at 2am on Wednesday, November 22 through 12pm on Thursday, November 23.
  
  72nd Street through 85th Street will be closed from
  Central Park West to Columbus Avenue beginning at
  2am on Wednesday, November 22 through 12pm on
  Thursday, November 23.
  
  The 79th Street Transverse will be closed from
  2am on Wednesday, November 22 through 12pm on
  Thursday, November 23.



Find a spot to watch our Parade along the Route