Tips for NYC Thanksgiving Parade

[CalGalTraveler]

ISO tips and tricks to watch the parade. We will be staying at W57th so the parade will be coming down at the corner. There is a chance we can watch the parade from our room if the weather is inclement but depends on room placement.

How early to save good sidewalk viewing? Is it worth bringing lawn chairs or is it standing room only?

When and where is the event the day prior to watch them blow up the balloons?

Is buying grandstand tickets to watch in front of Macy's worth it? How best to buy?

Other tips.

 

[Armada]

We used to go to NYC at Thanksgiving each year, but it has been a while since we saw the parade.

Crowds are variable based on the weather. A bitterly cold day will have smaller crowds than a warm one.

As to viewing, it is mostly standing. Don't be surprised to see people with using step ladders. The viewing stands at Macy's would be cool, but I'm not sure if they are available to the public. One year we saw the parade from above in our room at the Renaissance Times Square.

The balloons are inflated the day before around Central Park West near the Natural History Museum. Makes for an easy double dip. The one bad thing about being in NYC for Thanksgiving weekend is that the Rockefeller Tree won't be lit until the following Wednesday.

Crowds that weekend can be crazy. Make any dinner reservations NOW. If you want to go to the Christmas market at Bryant Square, be there at opening.

Here are some links to things you might find interesting:
Time Out Magazine
New York Christmas Itinerary
Bryant Park Directory of Stores
Holiday Fair @ Grand Central
Best NYC Lights
Christmas Stores:
Christmas Village – 530 5th Ave
Christmas Cottage – 871 7th Ave
Christmas in New York – 530 5th Ave
Its Always Christmas – 133 Mulberry St
Some of the hotels, restaurants and bars go all out in decorating for Christmas. It can be fun to visit them. Don't be surprised if you have to make reservations for getting into bars.

You might ask around on the TripAdvisor forums or Reddit for more info.

 

[RENTER]

6 am is when the crowds start to arrive when I went

 

[JohnPaul]

We watched from our room at W 57th St. It was in the 20's outside. Hard to hear the bands and when you open the window the heat goes off and the cold air comes in.

 

[TolmiePeak]

6 am is when the crowds start to arrive when I went

Were people reserving spots and then selling them? I think this would be cheaper than paying for the official reserved spots.

 

[RENTER]

Were people reserving spots and then selling them? I think this would be cheaper than paying for the official reserved spots.

not that I saw

 

[CalGalTraveler]

We watched from our room at W 57th St. It was in the 20's outside. Hard to hear the bands and when you open the window the heat goes off and the cold air comes in.

Do u remember what floor you were on? We will be in Studio Premiers floor 21 and above