Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025: Best viewing spots, what to avoid bringing
NEW YORK CITY - For those planning to see the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in person, here are the ideal viewing spots – and where not to watch – in New York City.
JUMP TO: BEST VIEWING SPOTS | WHERE NOT TO WATCH l HOW TO GET TO THE PARADE | WHAT TO AVOID BRINGING
The 99th parade will start in the Upper West Side before marching 2.5 miles through New York City, where it will end at Macy’s Herald Square flagship store on 34th Street.
When does the Macy's Parade start?
The parade begins at 8:30 a.m. on the Upper West Side.
Best place to watch Macy's parade
Local perspective:
According to Macy's, West 59th to West 38th Streets along 6th Avenue will have great views for parade-goers.
Early birds can also head to the west side of Central Park between W. 75th St. and W. 61st St. – near the parade's starting point – starting at 6 a.m. for public viewing.
Where not to watch
In contrast, the public will not be allowed to view the parade at its start on W. 77th St. and Central Park West. Further south, crowds will not be permitted to gather near the parade's turning point at Columbus Circle.
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 28: The traditional Thanksgiving bird float leads the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with performers holding illuminated letters spelling 'Macy's Parade,' as large balloons, including Minnie Mouse, follow behind on a rainy day
The national television broadcast will set up shop between W. 38th St. and W. 34th St. and will be blocked off from the public. Public viewing is also not available at the parade's end at Macy's Herald Square, including W. 34th St. between Broadway and 7th Avenue.
How to get to the parade
According to the MTA, the closest subway stations to the start of the parade are:
- 72nd Street station (1, 2, 3 lines)
- 79th Street station (1 line)
- 81st Street station (C line)
- 59th Street-Columbus Circle station (1, A, C, D lines)
There will also be additional service on the 42nd Street Shuttle, as well as increased early morning service on the 1 line to accommodate spectators.
Certain subway entrances at 59th Street-Columbus Circle will be closed to prevent overcrowding. Select entrances and exits will also be closed at Penn Station.
There will not be service to 57th St. and 6th Avenue on that day, due to the F line being rerouted over the E line. The M line will not be operating to Midtown on Thanksgiving Day.
What to avoid bringing
Parade-goers should avoid bringing the following:
- Large bags
- Umbrellas
- Backpacks
- Strollers
It's important to note that any person entering viewing streets may be subject to a security search.