Top Spots for Viewing the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in NYC
November 20, 2023The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a yearly New York tradition that people watch nationwide through the TV broadcast. But where are the best places to watch if you’re actually in the city?
A fancy hotel room
Several hotels have rooms that overlook the parade route along Central Park West and above Sixth Ave. The Mandarin Oriental at Columbus Circle offers a gorgeous view of the parade’s turn from Central Park West onto 59th St. The Ritz-Carlton at Central Park provides a similarly stunning view of the turn from 59th St. onto Sixth Ave.
The Shops at Columbus Circle
For anyone who wants an aerial view of the parade but doesn’t want to pay $1,000 per night for a hotel room, The Shops at Columbus Circle are the best bet. The shopping mall has giant glass windows on its second and third floors, providing views of the parade as it comes down Central Park West.
Central Park West (Eighth Ave.)
The starting point of the parade at 77th St. and Central Park West is blocked off to the viewing public. However, 14 blocks on the western side of Central Park West, from 75th St. to 61st St., are open and allow for great views of the parade as it picks up steam.
Sixth Ave.
The parade’s crosstown jaunt from Central Park West to Sixth Ave. is closed on the ground, but Sixth Ave. is open to viewers from 59th St. to 38th St.
Where not to go
Portions of the parade are closed off to in-person viewers. Columbus Circle itself is shut down, while Sixth Ave. from 38th St. to 34th St. is also blocked. Members of the public are also barred from attending the performances at the end of the parade route at Macy’s Herald Square on 34th St.