If you find yourself in New York for Thanksgiving like we were, you should go and watch the balloon inflation for Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. We actually wanted to see the parade live, too, but as this was the coldest Thanksgiving Day since 1901 when we were there, so we decided to watch it on TV instead. Hey, it was -8°C (17°F) out there!
This year’s balloon inflation takes place on Wednesday, November 23, 2022. Inflation starts at 12 noon and ends at 6 pm.
When Does The Macy’s Balloon Inflation Take Place?
The giant balloons for Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade are inflated the afternoon and evening before Thanksgiving Day. It was really fun watching these massive inflatables come to life. Once inflated, the balloons are held down with sandbags and nets to stop them from floating away in the night.
Where Does The Macy’s Balloon Inflation Take Place?
The balloons are inflated in front of the American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side, fairly close to Central Park. You join the queue to enter at West 79th Street and Columbus Avenue.
What Time Does The Macy’s Balloon Inflation Take Place?
The viewing area for watching the balloons being inflated opens at 12 pm, and the latest admission to the site is at 6 pm.
We arrived around 3.30 pm, it was busy but not overly crowded, and many of the balloons were already inflated or in the process of being inflated. Apparently, late afternoon and early evening get really crowded.
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There’s an actual designated path for viewing the balloons. The path winds around the American Museum of Natural History. It starts at 79th Street and Columbus, passes along Columbus Avenue, 77th Street to Central Park South, and then exits via 81st Street.
How To Get To The Macy’s Balloon Inflation
Don’t even think about driving there or taking a taxi. Parking is a nightmare, and many roads are closed. The best way is to go by public transport. The nearest subway is 81st Street/ Museum of Natural History using the B or C lines. However, the stations get crowded, so your best bet is to get off the train one or two stops early and walk.
How Long Should I Allow To See The Balloon Inflation?
Allow yourself one to two hours to walk around and take photos. Note that it’s difficult to find snacks and water near the viewing area, so bring some with you just in case.
Interesting Fact About Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
- The first Thanksgiving Parade took place in 1924 and featured real animals – elephants, tigers, camels – from the Central Park Zoo.
- In 1927, the live animals were replaced with giant balloons that were filled with air and supported with sticks.
- Helium was first used in 1928.
- Felix the Cat was the first character balloon.
- From 1928 to 1933, the balloons were released at the end of the Thanksgiving Parade.
- There was a return address label attached to the released balloons, and if you returned them, you would be rewarded with $100.
- In 1942, the balloons were donated to World War II so that the rubber could be used for life vests, etc.
- There was a helium shortage in 1958, so balloons were filled with air and lifted with cranes.
- Depending on the size of the balloon, up to 100 handlers guide the balloons through the parade.
Have you ever celebrated Thanksgiving in New York or elsewhere in the USA? What is your favourite part?
