A quintessential New York event
There are few things more “New York” than the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. Held nearly every year since 1924, it’s one of the biggest events the City has to offer, and one of the most extravagant celebrations in the country. The balloons, floats, celebrities, marching bands and the excitement of the crowds are a memorable way to start Thanksgiving Day and kick of the Christmas season.
In recent years, the parade has been seen by more than 50 million people around the country and more than 3.5 million people along a two-mile stretch of the parade route. Seeing the parade in person is one of those things everyone consider doing at least once.
Macy’s 2016 parade details
This year, the Thanksgiving Day parade will be held on Thursday, November 24, starting at 9 am and continuing until noon. The 90th annual parade will start at Central Park West and West 77th Street, head down Central Park West and travel east along Central Park South to 6th Avenue. From there the parade will move south from West 59th Street to West 34th Street, ending in front of the Macy’s flagship store in Herald Square.
If you’re thinking of going to see the parade in person, there are a few things you can do to make sure your day goes smoothly.
What to bring and what to leave at home
First of all, be prepared: wear layers of warm clothing, in case of cold, rainy or windy weather. Make sure all the cellphones in your group are charged, just in case you get separated. As a last resort, decide on a meet-up spot. And leave your lawn chairs at home. It’s too crowded and someone will invariably stand in front of you.
Get a good spot
Get there early to get a great viewing spot along the parade route. Most visitors arrive after 7 am, so arriving around 6 am should secure you a good location. Here are a few viewing areas to consider:
- Central Park West on the west side of the street from 70th Street to Columbus Circle and the east side of the street from 70th Street to 65th Street
- Columbus Circle on the west side of the street
- 7th Avenue between 54th Street and 42nd Street
- 42nd Street from 7th Avenue to 6th Avenue
- 6th Avenue between 42nd Street and 34th Street
- 34th Street on the south side of the street between Broadway and 7th Avenue
Travel in style
Finally, don’t drive! Other drivers overwhelm the streets and although the parking garages are open, the traffic on parade day can be overwhelming as well as confusing. The subway is an option, but an even better one is hiring a private car. If you’ve ever wanted to see the parade up close but it seemed overwhelming, a private car will eliminate the hassle of driving and parking and bypass the crowds on the subway. Your chauffeur will simply drop you off at a chosen spot before the parade and pick you up wherever you choose at the end. If you choose to stay in the City, you can explore Times Square, Central Park or Manhattan’s many other options.
About Teddy’s
Based in Norwalk, Connecticut, Teddy’s Transportation System provides professionally managed, dependable transportation services in Fairfield and Westchester Counties and the New York metropolitan area. We also provide transportation for groups and private car services for special occasions. For more information on Teddy’s, go to www.teddyslimo.com or call 800-888-3339.
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