NYC Thanksgiving Parade: Where and Where not to Watch

One of the biggest events of the year is finally approaching! New York City’s annual Thanksgiving Parade. For those of you who have never been or are looking for a new place to set up and watch, here are the top spots around the city that will give you the best view as well as places you might want to avoid. The parade takes place from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM on Thanksgiving Day.

72nd Street/Central Park West and 61st Street

 Here you will be close to central park and have the most perfect view of the parade’s beginning. Central park west will allow you to have a more spacious viewing point and you can set up chairs if you get to the event early.

34th Street and 38th Street on 6th Avenue, and 34th Street between Broadway and 7th Avenue.

These areas you should avoid all together because they will be closed for broadcasting crews to show the parade.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade official viewing area on 34th Street

Depending on how you want your experience at the parade to be, you can either choose this destination or completely avoid it. The official viewing area is found on 34th street is the most congested viewing area at the parade. You can camp out a day in advance to try and score a good view or you can avoid the huge crowd and choose a different location such as the corner of Bryant Park.

Wherever you choose to enjoy the parade, make sure to stay warm, be safe, and have fun!