Anyone been to the Macy's Parade?

[singtopher]

Posted: 11/15/11 at 9:34am

Even though I've lived in NY for nearly three years, this will be my first Thanksgiving here and I want to make a little boyhood dream come true and go to the Parade. I understand there are no tickets for the general public and like any other parade you just stand along the route. Does anyone have advice on where along the route is best, and what time I should get there to get a decent view?

[Marianne2]

Posted: 11/15/11 at 9:48am

I've been there plenty of times. I was actually going to go again this year. From what I understand, Central Park West is one of the better views. I think I would agree, it's just been so long since I've been up in that area for viewing. I think it also gets the least crowded.

Here is more info: http://gonyc.about.com/od/thanksgiving/tp/2011-Macys-Thanksgiving-Day-Parade.htm

[madbrian]

Posted: 11/15/11 at 9:52am

We did it once, and that was enough. We were in midtown, and it was very crowded, so I'd recommend trying up around the park.

[SNAFU]

Posted: 11/15/11 at 10:45am

it is better to go watch them blow up the balloons the night before then go home and watch it on TV.

[jacobtsf]

Posted: 11/15/11 at 11:47am

I went oncc and it was one of the worst experiences of my life. It is disgustingly over crowded, you can't see a thing and it brings out the worst of the stereotypical New Yorker attitude in everyone.

I saw a little girl who could not be more than four stampeded over, as her mother was yelling at everyone to stop and the girl was screaming, and crying, but no one would stop (I bet half didn't even realize they ran over a child and the other half obviously didn't care). Truly disgusting behavior.

[tazber]

Posted: 11/15/11 at 11:53am

I also went once and won't make that mistake again.

[Marianne2]

Posted: 11/15/11 at 11:53am

^ Interesting. I've never actually witnessed that sort of thing before. I agree, it does get crowded, but I've never not been able to see.

[singtopher]

Posted: 11/15/11 at 12:06pm

I'd love to see the balloons get inflated, but I won't be able to.

I figured it would be crowded and what not, but that may be more towards midtown. I live in Queens, so midtown is more convenient, but I don't mind having to walk a little out of my way in an effort to get a more civilized experience.

It it worth getting there early?

[wexy]

Posted: 11/15/11 at 12:09pm

Went once as well. Was crowded but was fun. Probably wouldn't go again.

[Marianne2]

Posted: 11/15/11 at 12:25pm

Yes, you need to get there early. I think that also could help with experience. The later you are, the less likely you be able to get close to the streets the parade is on. If I could afford it, I would stay over night in the city the night before, but I can't.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 11/15/11 at 4:26pm

Going to watch the balloons get inflated the night before was my tradition when I lived in the city. I steered clear away from the parade though. I don't like crowds, so I had no desire to try.

[Baiseur82]

Posted: 11/15/11 at 11:00pm

I went last year. It was absolutely amazing! We were viewing from Central Park West and it was great! We arrived at like 4 am and were right up front. I would suggest that you bring some kind of lawn chair since you will be sitting for a long time. We didn't because Macy's website said it suggests you don't, however everyone else had them and we were really uncomfortable for the hours we were sitting on the street (not to mention frozen bottoms!) Honestly it was the most amazing Thanksgiving ever. I didn't find it to be too crowded or there to be any rude people there at all! We also went to the balloon inflation the night before. It was not nearly as good. There were about a million people there all pushing. I'm glad I did it, but I would never do it again! I am planning on going to the parade next Thanksgiving though! I had a great time and I loved being in the city for the Holiday! Enjoy the parade!

[supportivemom]

Posted: 11/15/11 at 11:39pm

My daughter performed in the opening number 4 years ago and had the time of her life. She also got to be in the end to escort Santa- pretty funny for a Jewish girl! My sister and I watched from the top of the hotel Pennsylvania so I didn't see much. We were just so glad to be there! My daughter was right up close to Meredith Viera and said she was amazed at how television lighting can cover up so many wrinkles!

[jakebloke]

Posted: 11/16/11 at 5:48am

If you decide to go, and since you said it was a childhood dream than you probably should go at least once in your life, I definitely suggest upper west side in the 70's or so. It does seem to be much less crowded (however it's still can be a ****show). Plus you get the benefit of seeing the whole thing over and done quicker. :)

[Marianne2]

Posted: 11/16/11 at 10:52am

^ That's another way to look at it. The further up you are, the less time you have to wait. One year we ended up at the end of the parade route. We couldn't see anything in front of Macy's, but we had to wait for things during commercial breaks, meaning we were there for the entire 3 hours to see the whole parade, plus the time we were there waiting.

[tazber]

Posted: 11/16/11 at 11:10am

It's also usually very cold. Check the weather forecast and remember that you'll be out there for a loooong time.

[singtopher]

Posted: 11/16/11 at 3:00pm

Okay, uptown it is. And I used to hand out flyers in Times Square in the dead of winter, so the cold thing doesn't faze me.

[winston89]

Posted: 11/16/11 at 6:47pm

Going to the parade is a family thanksgiving tradition for me. However, it is a little different when your aunt and uncle live in a building that overlooks Central Park West. However, I do have a lot of great memories about the parade. I remember that before The Cat In The Hat balloon almost killed a woman on Central Park West many years ago, the balloons used to be flying at around ten stories high. That is a guess since around that time it looked like they were right up against the window at times and she lives on the tenth floor.

However, it is a little different physically going to the parade every year verses gathering around and watching it indoors with family. But, I think that if it wasn't for being able to see it from a window overlooking the route, I would never have gone to see it. I am not one that is big on parades but the way that I do this one is a little different.

[singtopher]

Posted: 11/16/11 at 9:24pm

I just found out that the Marching Band from the other High School in my hometown will be in the parade. Now I HAVE to go.

[SNAFU]

Posted: 11/16/11 at 10:42pm

Egg em!!!

[singtopher]

Posted: 11/16/11 at 11:00pm

...well, that's why I need to go, SNAFU.