Kids (and big kids) love to see the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon inflation on the streets around the American Museum of Natural History on the day before the parade. It’s definitely something you want to do once in your New York life.
There is a festive atmosphere on the streets nearby. Take some cash to get your kids a light toy or some silly stuff. It’s really fun. Parade Information.
2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation takes place on the streets around The American Museum of Natural History in the Upper West Side on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, from 12-6pm. FREE.
Enter the viewing line on 72nd St at Columbus Ave. After seeing the balloons, you will exit on Central Park West at 81st St. Stadium security applies, so no big backpacks and so on.
The line usually closes an hour before closing time, so arrive early! Balloons start to take shape around 1-3pm. It’s less crowded early, but there are more inflated balloons later.Take public transportation because the area is crowded.
2023 Balloons
Can you catch them all?
- Acorn
- Beagle Scout Snoopy (NEW)
- Blue Cat & Chugs (NEW)
- Bluey
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid®
- Goku
- Grogu™
- Ice Cream Cone
- Kung Fu Panda’s Po (NEW)
- Leo (NEW)
- Monkey D. Luffy (NEW)
- Opening Macy’s Stars
- Paw Patrol®
- Pikachu™ & EeVee™
- Pumpkins
- Red Titan from Ryan’s World
- Ronald McDonald®
- Sinclair’s Dino®
- Smokey Bear
- Snow Crystal Ornaments
- SpongeBob Squarepants & Gary
- Stuart the Minion
- The Pillsbury Doughboy™ (NEW)
- TipToe
- Uncle Dan (NEW)
Event Map
This map is from 2021. We think it is still accurate.
