Time for the Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade and all the insane fun of watching it live from the streets of Manhattan.  The parade celebrates its 95th anniversary this year, taking over the streets of Manhattan on Thursday, November 25, 2021. Especially celebratory this year as we continue to get back to normal. Here are some tips on the best vantage points along the route as it marches around Central Park – and a link to Macy’s official Parade Route Page.

Central Park West — if you’re an early bird
Each year, Central Park West between 59th and 75th streets is filled with excited parade viewers before most people have gotten out of bed. Macy’s says people will start lining up along this section of the parade route at 6 a.m.

A balloon of Red, from Angry Birds, is followed by a Spongebob Squarepants balloon along Central Park West during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)

Columbus Circle
Head up to the second and third floors of the Shops at Columbus Circle for an elevated — and warmer — view of the parade.

Central Park South at Sixth Avenue
The intersection of Central Park South and Sixth Avenue is another spot with several vantage points. It also offers a great view of the parade as it heads south toward Herald Square.

Sixth Avenue between West 59th and 38th streets
Macy’s suggests parade viewers stay above 38th Street; the closer you get to Herald Square, the less space there will be for the public.

Worst spots for viewing:
77th Street and Central Park West: The start of the parade offers little to no public viewing options.
Sixth Avenue between 34th and 38th streets: The national television broadcast limits space in this area.
34th Street between Sixth and Seventh avenues: The national television broadcast limits space in this area.
Herald Square: There is almost no public viewing here, and grandstand tickets are not for sale to the general public.

You can find more parade viewing tips here.