See the signature giant balloons, elaborate floats and marching bands of this iconic parade anywhere along the traditional 2.5-mile route from the Upper West Side to Midtown (we like Central Park West around W 66th Street). Bundle up and come early (like 6am-ish) and camp out on the sidewalks for the best views. Usually the crowds are thinner the farther you get from Herald Square. Don’t bring large bags, umbrellas, backpacks or strollers.

On TV, see floats up close along with musical performances and guest stars (on NBC at 9am in all time zones). See performances from Broadway shows including & Juliet and Back to the Future: The Musical, plus the Radio City Rockettes.

The parade always ends with Santa, on his way to his annual residency at Macy’s Santaland.

📚 Learn about the invention of the giant parade balloons by a self-taught immigrant in lovely picture book Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade.