2011 and 2012 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City
Planning Ahead for the 2012 Macy's 86th Anniversary Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York
The 2011 85th Anniversary Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has passed, and organizers are already planning for 2012.
I hope that you'll enjoy the resources available on this page to help you plan your day in New York for the parade, as well as the pictures, videos, history, and more. Please don't miss our poll, let us know if you have ever attended the parade...and then please tell us about your experience if you have time, it may be helpful to those visiting that are making plans to attend the parade this year.
The route was slightly altered this in 2011, we'll be back to provide information about the 2012 Macy's Thanksgiving Parade route in plenty of time for the parade. One thing you can be sure of, the parade route always ends at Macy's on Herald Square. You'll find almost everything you need here, and links to other helpful sites about the 2012 Macy's 86th Anniversary Thanksgiving Day Parade will be updated as needed until the day of the parade.
Image Credit
Claudia a/k/a happynutritionist
Updated 6/1/12
Contents at a Glance
- Date of 2012 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Par...
- This was the 2011 Macy's Thanksgiving Da...
- Best Places to Watch the Macy's Thanksgi...
- Need a New York Hotel, Flight or Rental...
- Thanksgiving Eve Balloon Inflation Celeb...
- Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon I...
- Have You Attended the New York Thanksgiv...
- Photos of People Enjoying the Macy's Tha...
- Macy's Thankgiving Day Parade Pop-up Boo...
Thursday, November 22, 2011
Countdown to Thanksgiving Day
This was the 2011 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Route
Ends at Macy's at Harold Square, 151 W. 34th Street, NY, NY
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Route changed slightly 2011, using 6th rather than 7th Avenue for part of the route. We'll be back with information about the 2012 route when we have it. In 2011, the route was:
1. Starts at 9 am at 77th Street & Central Park West
2. Continues on Central Park West to Columbus Circle
3. Turns onto Central Park South
4. At 7th Avenue goes South at then marches to 42nd St. and goes East onto 6th Avenue
5. Will continue on 6th Ave. until 34th Street and then travels West.
6. The parade route ends, as always, in front of Macy's at Harold Square on 34th St.
Best Places to Watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Besides home in your warm house in front of the TV
According to about.com, the best viewing areas for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2011 included...will update later for 2012:Central Park W - on the West side of street from 70th Street to Columbus Circle and on the east side of street from 70th to 65th
Columbus Circle - the west side of street
7th Ave. - between 58th & 42nd Streets
42nd St. - 7th* to 6th Avenues
6th Ave. - between 42nd & 34th Streets
34th* St. - on the south side of street between Broadway & 7th* Avenue
*Note: the south side of 34th Street between Broadway and 7th Avenue will have limited public viewing
Image Source: "Insurance Delivered" who in turn sourced "New York Times"
Need a New York Hotel, Flight or Rental Car?
This online tool is a great help:
Thanksgiving Eve Balloon Inflation Celebration
Usually open to the public
In past years, the balloons for the parade have been inflated the Wednesday before Thanksgiving on both sides of the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. The balloons are split between 77th and 81st Streets between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue. The inflation team consists of various volunteers from Macy's as well as students from Stevens Institute of Technology, a local university in Hoboken, NJ. There are links below with more information about inflating the balloons for the Thanksgiving Day parade, called the "Thanksgiving Eve Inflation Celebration". The inflation is open to the public the afternoon and night before the parade.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation and Storage
Where the balloons are stored and inflated
Visit the link below for article about the place where the balloons are stored between parades, and where to be the day before Thanksgiving to see the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons inflated. I will add information for the 2012 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation later.
Have You Attended the New York Thanksgiving Parade?
When you take the poll, a text window will open in case you want to share anything!
Jolene Euken
Photos of People Enjoying the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Plus some sights from the parade
Macy's Thankgiving Day Parade Pop-up Book
"Opening with a pop-up spread of the two-million-plus crowd gathering in eager anticipation, Macy's On Parade!: A Pop-Up for Children of All Ages by Pamela Pease includes the parade route on a tiny map tucked into a pocket, and sparkly confetti so readers can join the festivities. The Radio City Rockettes spring up in front of the Macy's storefront in one spread; the climax is a 3-D float of Santa's sleigh."
Macy's on Parade: A Pop-Up Celebration of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Amazon Price: $36.00 (as of 06/03/2012)
Used Price: $11.77
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Watching on TV vs Being in New York
Which do you prefer?
Some like to be in the middle of all the action in downtown New York, others like to sit home in their PJ's with the smell of turkey cooking in the background and watch with a cup of hot something...cider, coffee, tea...which do you prefer?
Would you rather watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade in New York or at home on TV?
I'd rather sit home in my warm house and watch the parade
KimGiancaterino says:
I like to be warm and not have to rely on porta potties.
BuckHawk says:
I have been to one parade in person and froze! So I'm quite happy to stay nice and warm in my own house and watch on TV, now.
happynutritionist says:
I like visiting New York....but after the holidays when the lights and things are still there, but the crowds are gone...so, you'll find me snuggled in my corner of the couch in my jammies with a warm cup of coffee watching between trips to the kitchen preparing food for Thanksgiving.
I love the hustle and bustle and excitement of the crowds, I'd love to be there!
nitinslash says:
ya why not.
Margo_Arrowsmith says:
Well, New York, even though I lived there for 25 years (NJ) and never saw it. :-(
What would be really nice is to watch it from an apartment on the parade route!
sheilamarie says:
In NY. I never have and it would be fun!
capriliz says:
It would be a worthwhile experience to attend at least one time in person.
ohcaroline says:
I think it would be exciting to see it in person. These pictures are really great.
WindyWinters says:
It's on our trip list!
aishu19 says:
I have never been to the Parade but I think I would love to be there in person. Its right in front of you and no distractions!
Thanksgiving Day Parade Gifts and Collectibles
Great gifts that bring back great memories!
Tell us about your experience at the parade
The "official" guestbook is further down on the page
If you have been to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and have any tips that may help visitors who are considering going to the parade in New York, please share them.
Helpful information may include where you stood, whether you liked the location and if not, what location along the route might be better, how to dress, anything you can think of that may help.
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RetiredRebel
Dec 1, 2011 @ 5:10 pm | delete
- Excellent lens
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agent009
Nov 28, 2011 @ 12:25 pm | delete
- I've always been in NY around this time of year but have never had the want to go to the parade!
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KimGiancaterino Nov 12, 2011 @ 9:56 pm | delete
- A wonderful Thanksgiving Day tradition. I can't believe it will be here so soon. Yikes!
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TheLeftFitz
Mar 8, 2011 @ 12:29 pm | delete
- Thanks for the wonderful parade pictures & helping me complete the Mardi Gras quest! *blessed by an Angel*
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Margo_Arrowsmith
Nov 18, 2010 @ 7:33 pm | delete
- Great pictures! Love it and thumbs up!
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capriliz
Oct 21, 2010 @ 3:07 pm | delete
- I used to watch this parade every year, and I have since I was verrrry young. But, I won't say how many years it has been. ;)
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annmackiemiller Oct 19, 2010 @ 10:58 am | delete
- great lens, well done - wonder if I'll ever make it over the pond for this event?
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BuckHawk
Oct 19, 2010 @ 9:17 am | delete
- My one chance to vist, I was so excited. But, the crowds prevented us from seeing much of the parade and the weather was so cold and damp, we all froze. The only good part was coming back to the hotel and sharing Hot Cocoa!
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TapIn2U Oct 19, 2010 @ 2:46 am | delete
- Rain or shine, the Macy's Thanksgiving day Parade will always be one of the most anticipated events every year. I am enjoying the photos and looking forward to watching the parade this year. I follow you on Twitter – and love your tweets. I found Squidoo through them. I have just finished my first Lens and now have great ideas to add thanks to you. Sundae ;-)
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happynutritionist Oct 19, 2010 @ 8:51 am | delete
- Glad you found Squidoo, it's fun, isn't it? Thanks for following me on Twitter and joining Squidoo through a "tweet":-) and thanks for stopping by.
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lizziebeth
Oct 18, 2010 @ 7:41 pm | delete
- I had a lot of fun when I went to the Macy's parade. If I remember right, it was downright chilly that day. There was a man in the crowd who wanted to bother us, but we ignored him. All in all, it was a really fun day.
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tssfacts
Oct 18, 2010 @ 7:06 pm | delete
- I will be watching from home again this year.
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Video from Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parades
Live videos by people who attended
Movies Playing in New York City
In the Macy's Area
If you plan to stay in New York City for the day, or more, after the parade, maybe you'd like to take in a movie if you're not already planning to attend a show on Broadway or at Radio City Music Hall.
- 1. Men in Black 3 - $54.5M
- The Men in Black are back, and this time Agent J (Will Smith) must take a trip into the past in order...
- 2. Marvel's The Avengers - $36.6M
- Marvel Studios delivers the ultimate comic-book film, which ties together such characters as Iron Ma...
- 3. Battleship - $11.0M
- Milton Bradley's enduringly popular strategic board game makes the leap to the big screen in Hancock...
- 4. The Dictator - $9.2M
- Comic Sacha Baron Cohen re-teams with director Larry Charles (Borat, Bruno) for this satirical tale...
- 5. Chernobyl Diaries - $7.9M
- An extreme vacation turns terrifying when a group of friends visit the Chernobyl disaster site, and...
Maureen O'Hara is the Organizer for the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade in "Miracle on 34th Street"
And of course Santa, or "Kris Kringle" is real..did you have any doubt?
Here's a selection of clips from the movie and the movie trailer for "Miracle on 34th Street
This 1947 movie is a great one to watch on Thanksgiving Day to welcome the Christmas season, as the story is about a Mom who works for Macy's helping to organize the Thanksgiving Day Parade...and whether or not a wonderful man from an "insane asylum" as they were called then, named Kris Kringle, is, indeed, the real Santa Claus. "Miracle on 34th Street
Miracle on 34th Street Special Edition
Also available in BluRay...click through and search
If you are looking for a different format for "Miracle on 34th Street", or a set of Christmas movies that includes this one, click through and search for "Miracle on 34th Street" in the DVD category.
Miracle on 34th Street (Special Edition)
Amazon Price: $1.00 (as of 06/03/2012)
Used Price: $1.11
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Local Flavor in New York City
Less obvious places to see in NYC
Everyone thinks of visiting Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, the World Trade Center site and other well known places in New York. Below are some interesting places you may not think to visit while you are in New York...and from what I see in the reviews, some places you may want to avoid.
You can find even more information about places to see in New York at "Celebrating Christmas in New York City". When you're in New York, don't miss the chance to buy a hot pretzel from a street vendor...sprinkled with salt, and if you like, a packet of mustard. It's a MUST whenever we are in the City!
Here's what Yelpers have to say about Local Flavor in 10001
- Yelp's Hummus Day Elite Event @ The Hummus & Pita Co. (New York)
- "Well THIS is long overdue. My second Yelp Elite event and I LOVED it. Everything was perfect, with the exception of just a few minor shortcomings...." more
- Whispering Gallery (New York)
- "Every time I'm going to visit a city, I check yelp's "local flavor" to discover any quirky things to see when I'm in town. This feature always delivers as..." more
- Yelp's Sunday Funday Elite Event @ Ken & Cook (New York)
- "I was taught how to Ruggy." more
- Manhattan (New York)
- "Goodness the love hate relationship I have with Manhattan is of Epic proportions. I've lived in Manhattan my entire life first starting out in Washington..." more
- Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir (New York)
- "In the middle of nowhere in the middle of somewhere, you sit. Open. Picturesque . I look across as if to see a distant land but it all seems likeI'm looking..." more
Food in New York City
Not necessarily Restaurants
You don't have to walk far to find a Restaurant in New York City, they are all around, but what about the places that people who live in the City might go to pick up a bite and eat?
Here are a few ideas for you, as well as some places to avoid. And don't forget what I said above, it's just not a visit to New York if you don't stop and buy from a street vendor at least once...whether it be a hot pretzel, a hot dog, or any other little thing.
There are more places to try at "Celebrating Christmas in New York City".
Here's what Yelpers have to say about Food in 10001
- Tinto Fino (New York)
- "Just a gem of a wine shop built and designed by people who know Spanish wine. Expertise and service is on full display here, especially if Keren is around,..." more
- Japan Premium Beef (New York)
- "I have been buying only the highest quality beef from this fine establishment since inception. The service is outstanding, and I even use their exceptional..." more
- Max Delivery (New York)
- "I'm a Canadian tourist renting an apartment on the LES, and when I got food poisoning this morning I didn't know what to do - I'm not familiar with where..." more
- Hemispheres (New York)
- "best cafeteria food. hands down... not to mention its free and comes with a view! Hot, cold, fish, meat, Asian fusion. salad bar. burgers. juice. ice..." more
- Saxelby Cheesemongers (New York)
- "The prices are steep and the staff can be hit or miss, but they will give you damn fresh cheese. Really delicious stuff to be had, especially their fridge..." more
New York City Street Vendors and Street Food
Hot Dogs, Hot Pretzels and More
- Street Vendors in New York - a Local Custom
- What kinds of foods are popular fair from New York Street Vendors
- About New York City Street Vendors and Vending
- .
New York Restaurant Reviews
By bloggers...see what people are saying!
- A Review of Del Fuego Restaurant, in St. James
- Two evening specials received mixed reviews; both were over-orchestrated. A New York strip steak was properly cooked to order, but the accompanying nuggets of chipotle-butter-poached lobster, crumbled goat cheese and chimichurri-rum sauce gilded the ...
- A Review of Sofrito Restaurant, in White Plains
- Jimmy Rodriguez of Jimmy's Bronx Cafe, among others, opened Don Coqui in New Rochelle in 2009. Its elegant setting and authentic Puerto Rican cuisine quickly made it a meeting place for New York's political and cultural leaders. Also in New Rochelle, ...
- Restaurant Reviews Blue Nile Ethiopian Cuisine
- Back in the 1980s, when I was living in New York City, the budget airline People Express offered flights to Washington, DC, and Boston for a mere $19 each way. You simply got on the plane and paid cash. Ah, those were the days!
- Hotel Review: W Paris-Opéra
- By CHERYL LU-LIEN TAN / The New York Times A modern hotel that tries to give off a super-hip vibe; rooms start at 340 euros, about $425 at $1.25 to the euro. The first W Hotel in Paris, this 91-room establishment, which opened in February, ...
News About Macy's Thanksgiving Parade
Updates Every 30 Minutes
- Macy's and March of Dimes Win Silver Halo Award
- Macy's is known for such epic events as Macy's 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Building on a 150-year tradition, Macy's helps ...
- X Marks the Spot: COMPANION by KAWS Joins the Line-Up of the 86th Annual ...
- NEW YORK, May 18, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Ready to put his stamp on another pop culture phenomenon, KAWS joins the balloon line-up of the 86th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade(R). World-renowned artist, KAWS takes to the skies of New York City ...
- Wildcats to perform in NBC's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
- NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) ? Two underclassmen at New Hanover High School will be participating in the 86th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on NBC. Sophomore Ellie Kerr and freshman Thomas Lee have been invited to participate in the Macy's ...
- Indy 500 Festival Parade: 9 balloons, 13 floats, 14 bands, 1 good time
- That number puts the parade among the top three in the nation. Only the Tournament of Roses Parade and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade draw more spectators. That's really no surprise when you consider everything that goes into putting on this ...
Twitter Tweets About the Parade
I cannot control the content and hope it's all appropriate
Searching for Thanksgiving?
Look within your heart...or below:-)
Here are results for the search term "Thanksgiving", hover over an item that interests you to enlarge it, or enter your own search terms and the results will come up right on this page.
% Donated to Food for Everyone
You can also give directly
The Food For Everyone Foundation's mission is to teach and assist families everywhere to grow successful and sustainable vegetable gardens, and really enjoy the experience.
Macy's and New York City Snow Globes
Many more available, feel free to search
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This is a Squid Angel Blessed Lens
Thank you!
We appreciate it when special people called "lensmasters" on Squidoo visit, and like what they see enough to "bless" our lens. If the terms Squidoo, lensmasters, lenses, and Squid Angel are foreign to you, you should join us on Squidoo and in time, it will all make sense:-)Say hello or tell us about a parade in your area
Guestbook
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OneFootPutt
Nov 24, 2011 @ 10:58 am | delete
- Happy Thanksgiving. I am thankful for wonderful lensmasters like yourself.
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tarheel1776
Nov 15, 2011 @ 2:06 pm | delete
- Great and thorough lens! Very informative and useful. If you're looking for other food places to eat in NYC, check out my lens here for great places for foodies in NY. http://www.squidoo.com/top-5-foodie-places-to-visit-in-new-york
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sheilamarie Oct 21, 2010 @ 6:49 pm | delete
- This is a really fun lens! Maybe I'll see you there someday. (I'm not sure whether my last comment went through.)
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sandyspider
Oct 20, 2010 @ 12:09 am | delete
- I have seen it on TV but I am sure it isn't the same as being there.
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WindyWinters
Oct 19, 2010 @ 12:25 pm | delete
- Thanks for your info on the Macys Parade! Can't wait to see it in person one day!
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BuckHawk
Oct 19, 2010 @ 9:18 am | delete
- What a great lens. The parade is such a tradition for my family. But, on TV, thanks!
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boutiqueshops Oct 18, 2010 @ 10:39 pm | delete
- I'd sure love to see the Macy's parade in person one day. Amazing pictures!
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Heather426
Oct 18, 2010 @ 10:21 pm | delete
- I don't plan on going to the parade ever, but it's fun to watch it on Tv on thanksgiving.
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aishu19
Oct 18, 2010 @ 8:24 pm | delete
- The parade looks wonderful I would really love to visit around Thanksgiving sometime
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Sylvestermouse
Oct 18, 2010 @ 6:42 pm | delete
- Our family always enjoys watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on tv. We usually see only snippets as we come and go, but a howl always goes up when Snoopy is on :) We also love Pikachu.
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Table of Contents
- Date of 2012 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
- This was the 2011 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Route
- Best Places to Watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
- Need a New York Hotel, Flight or Rental Car?
- Thanksgiving Eve Balloon Inflation Celebration
- Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation and Storage
- Have You Attended the New York Thanksgiving Parade?
- Photos of People Enjoying the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
- Macy's Thankgiving Day Parade Pop-up Book
- Watching on TV vs Being in New York
- Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV
- Thanksgiving Day Parade Gifts and Collectibles
- Tell us about your experience at the parade
- Video from Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parades
- Movies Playing in New York City
- Maureen O'Hara is the Organizer for the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade in "Miracle on 34th Street"
- Miracle on 34th Street Special Edition
- Local Flavor in New York City
- Food in New York City
- New York City Street Vendors and Street Food
- New York Restaurant Reviews
- News About Macy's Thanksgiving Parade
- Twitter Tweets About the Parade
- Searching for Thanksgiving?
- % Donated to Food for Everyone
- Macy's and New York City Snow Globes
- "Thumbs up", Pins, Facebook and Tweets
- This is a Squid Angel Blessed Lens
- Say hello or tell us about a parade in your area
- After Thanksgiving Comes Christmas in New York!
- Random unrelated pages you might like
- Follow Me on Twitter
This Thanksgiving Magazine page written by
happynutritionist
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is an annual not-to-be-missed tradition in our house. Almost all you need to know is on this page. Enjoy!
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Inside Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
DVD
Inside Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Amazon Price: $11.58 (as of 06/03/2012)
"You can t have Thanksgiving without turkey, and you certainly can't have Thanksgiving without the Macy s Thanksgiving Day Parade....has become a full-scale American institution...."
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Historic Photo Picture Book
Images of America
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (NY) (Images of America)
Amazon Price: $13.47 (as of 06/03/2012)
"...In 1924, employees of the R. H. Macy and Company store in Herald Square, many of whom were immigrants and first-generation Americans, chose to give thanks for their good fortune in a manner reminiscent of the festive parades held in their native countries..."
The Thanksgiving Day Parade Surprise
For your child or grandchild
The Thanksgiving Parade Surprise
Amazon Price: $1.48 (as of 06/03/2012)
"Join Elsie as she scrambles after her new puppy, Freddie, at the Thanksgiving parade. The feisty puppy just won't stay put...."
