New York City is indisputably one of the most popular tourist destinations during Thanksgiving. One of the reasons why the city is known for its Thanksgiving celebrations is because of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade that attracts millions on the streets of New York, and gives a reason for people to come together and celebrate the spirit of this festival. If you’re planning to visit the Big Apple this week, don’t miss out on this rare Thanksgiving fervor, New York Style! Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade is a tradition that has enriched the streets of this charming city for many years. Here are a few tips to make the most out of this momentous parade during your New York City Tour.
Getting to the Parade
The parade begins at 9 a.m. at 77th St. Get there much in advance. Make sure that you carry a coat or a blanket to keep warm from the cold. The subway is the most convenient and fastest way to get to the parade. Some of the recommended routes are:
- Take the D to 34 St./Herald Square or 59 St./Columbus Circle.
- Take the C to 42 St./ Times Square, 50th St./8th Avenue, 59th St./Columbus Circle, 72 St./Central Park
- West or 81 St./Central Park West.
- Take the 1, 2, 3 to 42 St./Times Square or 72 St./Broadway. The 1 local will also stop at 50
- St./Broadway and 59 St./Columbus Circle.
Avoid starting and ending points of the parade, as those will be most crowded. If the idea of being a part of a large crowd doesn’t daunt you, then one of the best viewing spots is Central Park West between 66th and 77th Streets.
The parade will last for three hours at least. It’s a good idea to carry water, a thermos full of coffee or hot cocoa, and some snacks. But it’s important to remember that the public toilets along the Thanksgiving Parade route are scarce in number and restaurant rest rooms might be indefinitely busy with parade-viewers needing to use the facilities.
Avoid standing at the terminus of the parade at all costs because it ends at the city’s busiest subway stops and always remember if you move, you lose your spot!
Avoid getting any folding chairs with you with the anticipation that you’ll get a chance to sit. Its way too crowded to place your chair in a comfortable spot and it could get cumbersome. Make sure that you get a good night’s sleep which will keep you energized to stand on your feet without feeling tired.
If you’re bringing your kids along with you, you’ll probably have to carry them on your shoulders so that they can view the parade too.
This year the parade will be celebrating its eighty-third anniversary and for the first time in years the parade route has changed. The new route is:
The parade starts at 77th Street and Central Park West
• Heads South down Central Park West until it reaches Columbus Circle at 59th Street
• Turns East at Columbus Circle along Central Park South
• Turns South at 7th Avenue, continues along 7th Avenue through Times Square until 42nd Street
• At 42nd Street the route turns East on 42nd street for 1 block until 6th Ave.
• Turns South onto 6th Avenue
• Continues south on 6th Avenue to finish in front of Macy’s in Herald Square at 34th Street.
Thanksgiving is certainly one of the best times of the year to visit the Big Apple. Plan your New York Tour today to be a part of an unforgettable parade and street excitement. Happy Thanksgiving!
