NYC Thanksgiving Day Parade FAQ
Every year growing up, maybe you watched the NYC Thanksgiving Day Parade with your family. It has special meaning, but you’ve never tried to attend the parade in person because of the logistical challenges involved. Of course, once you’ve got a family of your own, all that changed. You need to experience the parade with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
A New York City tradition since 1924, the NYC Thanksgiving Day Parade is on a lot of bucket lists. So in recent years our clients have joined the 3.5 million people flocking to the streets of Manhattan to see the more than 1,200 dancers and cheerleaders, 11 marching bands, 30 parade floats and 16 giant character balloons. Now we want to help your family experience this magical morning.
Where is best to watch the NYC Thanksgiving Day Parade?
On television, the broadcasters and the performances all take place at the end of the parade at NYC Herald Square. But in person, spectators are lined up and down the 2.5 miles of official parade route.
Our Macy’s Parade brunch package includes a reserved seat at one of our five restaurants along the parade route on 6th Ave. 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, and usually some live entertainment.
Each restaurant has windows with a view of the parade, but more importantly we have the sidewalk in front of the restaurants 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.
Where to stay in New York City?
We offer two nice hotels in midtown Manhattan, the W Times Square and the Lotte. The W Hotel is perfect if you want to experience all the neon and craziness of Times Square. It is literally in the heart of the action, and 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.
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.
