Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2009

Since 1924, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade^� has kicked off the holiday season in New York City. More than 2.5 million people line the streets every year to see giant balloons, floats, marching bands, and waving celebrities (while 44 million more tune in to the NBC TV broadcast).

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade features more than 10,000 participants, along with fabulous floats and Macy's signature giant helium character balloons.

In 2009, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will march down a new route. After 82 years of parading down Broadway, Macy's is moving the whole parade to a new route along 7th Avenue. Read on for advice on the best viewing locations along the parade's brand new route.

See the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will start at approximately 9AM on Thursday, November 26h, 2009 and end at approximately noon.

Planning to view the parade in person this year? Here's what you need to know.

The New Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Route:
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will begin at 77th Street and Central Park West, march south on Central Park West, then turn east and continue along Central Park South to 7th Avenue. The procession will turn and march down 7th Avenue to 42nd Street, then travel east along 42nd Street to 6th Avenue. At 6th Avenue, the parade will head south again and march to 34th Street/Herald Square. See a map of the new Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade route.


Best Macy's Thanksgiving Parade Viewing Locations:
Organizers say you'll have the best views on Central Park West between 61st and 72nd Streets.


Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Viewing Tips

• Make sure you get there early if you want a good view. The crowd starts to form as early as 6:30AM for a sort of informal pre-parade street party. Stop for donuts and coffee and have breakfast al fresco while you wait.
• Macy's advises people to leave folding chairs at home. They become cumbersome when the crowds start filling up the sidewalk.
• Don't forget to dress warmly. November in New York gets pretty chilly after a couple of hours outside. Layers are always a good bet.

If you would rather stay inside, you can watch the parade live on NBC from 9AM to 12 Noon.


Getting There:
The New York City subway system is your easiest option for getting to the parade.

• Take the D to 34 St./Herald Square or 59 St./Columbus Circle.
• Take the C to 42 St./Times Square, 50 St./8th Ave., 59 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.

For other subway and bus options, check the MTA New York City Transit Subway Map

Get information about driving and parking in Manhattan for Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

For More Information About the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Visit the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade^R site or call the Parade hotline at (212) 494-4495.

Don't miss the inflation of the parade balloons on Thanksgiving Eve.

Get a sneak peek at the new Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade floats for 2008.

See photos of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Find Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Souvenirs and Gifts