If you’re like most Americans chance are you spend Thanksgiving morning curled up on the couch watching the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade live from New York City n NBC. This time honored tradition, which has been televised since its inception in 1952, is now considered to be the nation’s largest parade celebration, attracting millions of live and at-home viewers each and every November. Originally created as a tribute to the numerous second-generation immigrants traditional employed at Macy’s department store, the Thanksgiving Parade has blossom into a must-see event celebrating the upcoming Christmas season and the Thanksgiving tradition. The perfect vacation attraction for traveling families, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade is held annually on Thanksgiving Thursday, beginning at approximately 9am.
The Parade Route
If you’re planning on taking an AAMCAR New York Car Rentals vacation during the Thanksgiving break, AAMCAR recommends stopping to view the parade as it proceeds across town. The parade route begins at 77th Street & Central Park West at 9am, hugging the west side of Central Park until Columbus Circle. The parade then turns onto Broadway marching through Times Square all the way down to 34th Street. The parade ends by turning onto Macy’s Herald Square, finishing at approximately 12 noon. If you’re interested in checking the parade out life during your upcoming AAMCAR New York Car Rentals vacation it is recommended that you avoid standing in certain areas along the route as they tend to get extremely congested. These areas include:
- The Columbus Circle ‘ This is where the TV platform is as well as numerous bleacher seating areas. These bleachers are not open to the general public as they are reserved for Macy’s executives, corporate sponsors, NBC employees, politicians and charitable organizations. Viewing in this area is often restricted.
- From 36th Street to the Endo of the Parade ‘ Many people tend to converge on this area of the parade as it houses the Official Viewing Area and media platform. Seating is often squished in this area and very often obscured by the surrounding podiums.
If you want to make the most of your Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade AAMCAR New York Car Rentals recommends watching along Central Park West at 61st and 72nd Streets but ONLY if it’s a relatively sunny day (is the sun isn’t out you’re very likely to freeze!). Another top strip is along Broadway between 57th and 49th Street.
If you’re interested in watching the parade live during your upcoming AAMCAR New York Car Rentals vacation it is also recommended that you arrive at a relatively early time in order to secure a decent viewing area. People have been known to arrive as early as 6am along the Central Park West strip, but 7am is normally early enough. AAMCAR New York Car Rentals encourages travelers to bring along plenty of blankets, lawn chairs and snacks as the day tends to be a long one. AAMCAR New York Car Rentals also encourages travelers to visit the Big Balloon Blow-Up event which takes place the night before the big event. The balloons begin getting inflated at about 4-6pm on 77th and 81st Streets between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue. The best time to go is about 5pm.
If you’re looking to avoid standing out in the cold to watch the parade, AAMCAR New York Car Rentals recommends reserving a room at anyone of the following hotels: The Marriott Marquis, the Renaissance NY, the Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza, the Novotel, the Ameritania, Trump International Towers and the Mayflower on the Park. Simply as for a room that has a view of the park, preferable no higher than the 12th floor. Hungry AAMCAR New York Car Rental customers can also make reservations at a variety of American and Continental restaurants. These include the 21 Club, the Water Club, the Bryant Park Grill and the Four Seasons.
To learn more about the history of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, or to find out more about this year’s event please feel free to visit the official parade website at www.macysparade.com.