A Mama’s Guide to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (2025 Edition)

Traveling with family, tradition, and a little holiday magic

No matter how you feel about Thanksgiving travel…love it, dread it, tolerate it with strong coffee, it’s become part of modern American life. Planes are packed, highways are full, and somewhere in the mix are families like mine who still chase a little holiday sparkle. And truly, few places do Thanksgiving magic like New York City.

It’s that perfect sweet spot on the calendar: the city has shaken off summer’s heat but hasn’t yet frozen solid. And of course, there’s the iconic reason so many of us gather in Manhattan this time of year: the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Watching the parade on TV while dozing off to turkey-induced tryptophan will always be a cozy classic. But seeing those balloons glide past skyscrapers in person? Hearing the marching bands echo between buildings? Feeling the energy of thousands of excited families? It’s unforgettable and wildly worth the effort.

If you’re traveling to NYC for Thanksgiving, especially with kids, teens, grandparents, or a whole multigenerational crew, here’s how to make the most of your Macy’s Parade experience.

The Route (Where to Stand and Why It Matters)

The parade begins on the Upper West Side at 77th Street and marches south along Central Park West, wraps around Columbus Circle, follows Broadway, and finishes near Macy’s Herald Square at 34th & 7th.

This long, scenic route gives you lots of options, but some definitely work better for families than others.

Tip 1: Get There Early (Earlier Than You Think)

I know. It’s Thanksgiving. You’d love to sleep in.
But parade-goers start claiming spots at dawn.

If you’re coming in from out of town and staying along the route (I’ve linked my full hotel guide below), you’ll have the advantage of popping downstairs early with coffee in hand. If not, give yourself plenty of time to get to the Upper West Side. Subways get crowded, rideshares get pricey, and the streets fill fast.

Bring:

• A warm coat or blanket
• Gloves (trust me – frozen fingers make for cranky family members)
• Portable snacks
• Extra patience if you’re the designated “spot saver”

And yes, “taking turns” holding spots works… but in the spirit of honesty, fellow parade-watchers don’t always enjoy groups squeezing back in later. Be mindful of your parade neighbors.

Tip 2: Kids Need a Plan (And Maybe a Shoulder Ride)

If you’re traveling with little ones, be prepared:
Unless you’re right up front, they won’t see much at ground level besides ankles and balloon bottoms.

Options:

• Shoulder rides (classic, and my vote)
• Letting small children scoot up to the railing (most people are surprisingly sweet about this)
• A collapsible step stool if you have older kids, just remember space is tight

And keep an eye on the runner…the crowd sometimes shifts like a wave when the balloons arrive.

Tip 3: The Best Viewing Area (My Personal Favorite)

After years of NYC holiday visits, my favorite spot remains Central Park West between 66th and 77th.

Why?

• This is the start of the route, where performers are still fresh and full of energy.
• It feels festive without being quite as chaotic as Midtown.
• Once the parade passes, you can stroll into Central Park for an easy, scenic exit route.
• There’s a great playground right near the Tavern on the Green entrance if your kids or grandkids need to burn off some wiggles after standing still.

Is it crowded? Yes.
But every good spot on the parade route is crowded. At least here, the vibe is joyful.

Tip 4: Don’t Drink Too Much Coffee (You Can’t Go Anywhere)

This is not a drill.
There are no public restrooms along the parade route.

Restaurants get overwhelmed and strict. If you leave your spot, you’ll likely lose it. So warm up strategically… coffee is great until it betrays you.

Plan your bathroom run before staking out your location.

Tip 5: Avoid Herald Square (Just… Trust Me)

While it’s glamorous on TV, the parade endpoint near 34th & 7th is utter chaos in person.

Why this area is a no-go:

• Penn Station + PATH station + subway hub = a sea of humanity
• Latecomers from New Jersey cluster here
• Balloon handlers and performers all funnel out nearby
• Walking becomes… optional. You’re more or less moved by crowd momentum

Let’s just say anchovies get more personal space.

Choose the Upper West Side instead. You’ll thank yourself.

Bonus Tip: Stay Along the Route (If Your Budget Allows)

One of the biggest game changers—especially for families—is staying at a hotel directly on the parade route.

You can:

• Watch from your room
• Head downstairs right before it starts
• Skip the bathroom dilemma
• Warm up between floats

I’ve updated my full guide to Hotels with the Best Thanksgiving Parade Views here.

Make the Most of It

With the right expectations, a warm coat, and a sense of humor, watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in person becomes a core memory. One that kids remember, grandparents retell for years, and families tuck away with the best holiday stories.

It’s chilly, it’s crowded, it’s early… and it’s utterly magical.

Wherever you celebrate, I hope your Thanksgiving is full of warmth, good food, and people you love. From our TravelingMamas family to yours – Happy Thanksgiving!