NYC Thanksgiving Day Parade FAQ

Where do we watch the parade from in your package?

Our Macy’s Parade brunch package includes a reserved seat in one of our restaurants along the parade route.  We host at several different restaurants, and your viewing location is dictated by your hotel choice. In 2025, all locations were along 6th Avenue.

Each restaurant has some window space with a view of the parade, but more importantly we have a dedicated viewing area on the sidewalk along the front of the restaurant reserved for our group. That is the best viewing and picture taking. However, if it is cold or windy or raining or snowing, you can come back inside. Same thing if you need a restroom or just want to sit down. You can come and go as much as you like without having to fight for a spot. That is truly the benefit to our parade packages.

We have permits to get past the police barricades and will arrive at the restaurant about 7:30AM.   We have approximately a 90 minute brunch prior to the parade’s arrival, with alcoholic drinks included.

Which hotels are a part of your packages?

We offer four nice hotels in midtown Manhattan, the Westin Times Square, the Kimpton Eventi and the Lotte Palace and Towers.

The Westin Times Square Hotel is perfect if you want to experience all the neon and craziness of Times Square. It is a short walk to all the main Broadway Theaters.

The Lotte is a beautiful grand hotel, with a large lobby and a courtyard decorated for Christmas. It is a short walk to Rockefeller Plaza with the giant Christmas tree, and also to Radio City Music Hall where we visit the Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes. The Lotte has both a 4-star option called the Palace, and on the higher floors they offer a 5-star experience they call the Towers.

Full hotel details can be explored HERE

How early do we need to book to guarantee a spot?

If you would like to have your choice of hotel and room type, we advise booking 12-18 months out.

Our 2026 program was 50% booked by the 2025 Parade, and reached capacity in early January of 2026. 

If you would like to be added to the 2026 waitlist, or put down a deposit to reserve your spot for 2027, that can be done HERE. 

Do we watch from a hotel room on the parade route in your package?

No, we do not arrange packages that include a hotel overlooking the parade. We’ve found that experience to feel disconnected from the true energy of the event. From an overhead vantage point, guests typically see only the tops of the balloons and miss the soundtrack that brings the parade to life—marching bands, live performances, and the crowd’s excitement along the route.

Our program features a brunch at a street level restaurant on 6th Avenue. You will have access to a viewing area along the front of the restaurant, and can enjoy the indoor facilities as you wish. 

Where to eat Thanksgiving Dinner in New York City?

There are so many great options in every neighborhood of the city, from pizza to steak to everything in between. Just take a look at some reviews of places near wherever you find yourself.  Many of the higher end Michelin rated restaurants will offer a 5-star take on Thanksgiving dinner. However, for a traditional Thanksgiving spread that won’t break the bank, our favorite choice is the Bryant Park Grill. It is located next to the largest outdoor Christmas market in New York, with a skating rink as well. It is an excellent choice to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday.

What to do in New York City?

Everyone should see Times Square once, but after that, you need to venture out and see the best of the city’s many neighborhoods. Make sure to catch a Broadway show, or two, and we include show tickets and museum tickets in our packages. Ground Zero and the 9/11 museum/memorial should also be at the top of your itinerary. During the holidays, Bryant Park is a great stop for shopping and ice skating. Take a stroll through Central Park, where you will also find a zoo and playgrounds for your kids. Pick a clear day and go up the Empire State Building or the Top of the Rock for great views of the area. Have a drink at Battery Park pier and look out over the Statue of Liberty and the Hudson River.