Get Ready for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation Event and Parade Spectacular
Experience the magic of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons up close and personal at the balloon inflation event on Wednesday afternoon. This family-friendly event is a great way to kick off the holiday season and witness the iconic helium balloons that will float through New York City during the parade. With 32 balloons, 3 hot air balloons, 27 floats, 4 special units, 33 clown groups, 11 marching bands, and performances by top music artists, the parade promises to be a spectacular celebration welcoming Santa Claus and the festive season.
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon inflation will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 26 from 1 to 6 p.m. Public viewing will open at 12 p.m. and the event will be held on the Upper West Side outside the Museum of Natural History between West 77th and West 81st Streets. NBC 4 New York will provide live coverage of the balloon inflation at 2 p.m. ET on their streaming channel and app. Spectators can enter the viewing line at West 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue until 6 p.m.
To accommodate the parade preparations, Central Park West will be closed from West 72nd Street to West 86th Street, and West 72nd Street to West 85th Street will be closed from Central Park West to Columbus Avenue until 12 p.m. on Thursday. The 79th Street Transverse will also be closed until 12 p.m. on Thursday. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade itself will take place on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., starting at West 77th Street and Central Park West.
The parade route will run along Central Park West from West 77th Street to West 59th Street, around Columbus Circle, and east on Central Park South before turning down 6th Avenue towards Macy's Herald Square on West 34th Street. Spectators can enjoy the parade from various spots along the route, such as Central Park West between West 60th and West 77th Streets, Central Park South, or 6th Avenue between West 38th Streets and Central Park South. Be sure to avoid areas that do not allow public viewing to make the most of your parade experience.