Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Macy's, Inc.
Floats packed with fun and wild characters, celebrity-laced performances and balloons as big as 40 feet tall. Since its first march in 1924, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been part of America’s most iconic holiday traditions. Close to 30 million households tune into NBC every year, but over 3 million people brave the cold and the 6th Avenue traffic to experience the parade up close — including the Emerald Belles every once in a while. If you’re looking to celebrate the magic of Macy’s while enjoying New York’s take on turkey dinner, venture out to where The Great Pumpkin meets The Big Apple.
Checking In
After landing at JFK or LaGuardia airports, it’s time to unpack your bags and settle into your hotel. There are plenty of options nearby the parade route like The Mandarin Oriental, which is closest to the start of the parade at Columbus Circle and boasts spectacular skyline views from its MO Lounge and Mandarin Ballroom. Parade-view rooms can also be reserved from the JW Marriott Essex House on West 59th Street, and for rooms as pricey as the views are priceless, the Ritz-Carlton’s corner suites can’t be beaten.
With the rest of the route being a straight shot from Central Park to Macy’s Herald Square, there are plenty more great hotels to be found along 6th Avenue. The historic Warwick Hotel was built in 1926 and has been providing a prime front-row seat to the parade for almost its entire history. Meanwhile, the New York Hilton Midtown is one of the tallest hotels in New York with rooms offering a top-down view of the balloons passing by. For those hungry for more, 1 Hotel Central Park’s Thanksgiving breakfast feast from chef Jonathan Waxman is the perfect accompaniment to a beautiful parade view with croissants, parfaits, scones, bagels, eggs and breakfast katsu sandwiches.
Floating On Air
Staying within walking distance of the route is the best way to go if you’re seeking to get closest to the action. Even though the festivities don’t start until 9 a.m., you’ll have the best chances to secure a prime spot before 6 a.m. Don’t forget to dress in layers, bring a chair and pack some snacks for an energy boost. Avoid West 34th and West 38th as that’s where the telecast will be recorded and bystanders won’t be allowed.
The good news is once you’ve secured your spot, the front-row visibility to the parade will have been well worth it. Fan favorites such as Kermit The Frog, Pikachu and Ronald McDonald can all be expected, but updated balloons such as Beagle Scout Snoopy help make the parade feel new yet familiar. Tom Turkey will be gobbling up everyone’s affections in his float, and be sure to wave to Santa as he swings by on his sleigh.
Turkey Time
Once the parade is over, it’s understandable to pack a nap in before continuing the festivities. You’ll want to be rested up to take advantage of New York’s eclectic foodie scene that is sure to serve up Thanksgiving in new and exciting ways. Experience a West African fusion at Lagos TSQ with habanero pepper turkey wings or plantain-stuffed chicken, or try the sausage and mozzarella-stuffed roast turkey at Fresco by Scotto. If you’re looking for a more traditional Thanksgiving dinner, The Garden at The Standard offers a spectacular three-course turkey meal for the family, while Jack & Charlie’s No. 118 has roasted heritage turkey with a seasonal chestnut stuffing.
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without dessert, and there are several bakeries and shops that will guarantee your meal is properly polished off. Junior’s Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake has three delicious layers of pumpkin filling, cheesecake and pumpkin buttercream, while Milk Bar’s nine-layer pumpkin coffee cake is filled with crunchy cinnamon streusel, vanilla cake and pumpkin frosting. But if pie is where your heart is, Le Pain Quotidien bakes all of its pumpkin, pecan and apple pies from scratch. However you spend it, Thanksgiving in New York has never been sweeter.