Wednesday, November 21st, 2012 | 3 p.m. -10 p.m.
Pedestrians are advised to enter the viewing area from the West side of Columbus Avenue at 79th Street
The balloon inflation can be viewed by pedestrians on 81st and 77th streets from Central Park West to Columbus Avenue. This year marks the 86th annual parade. Kermit the Frog, Hello Kitty, Spider-Man, Spongebob Squarepants and more will all be among the giant balloons of the parade.
The Macy's Thanksgiving Parade
The Macy's Thanksgiving Parade has a new route for 2012 and is going to be the longest one ever - 2.5 miles! Join thousands of people and many a floating character for what will be a few hours of joyous fun!
Formation for the parade begins at 8 a.m. at the following locations:
West 77th Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue
West 81st Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue
Central Park West between West 77th and 86th streets
The parade will kick off early Thursday at 77th and Central Park West as usual. It will head down along CPW to Columbus Circle, before making a left and heading along Central Park South to 6th Avenue. Once at 6th Avenue, the parade will continue south until 34th Street, where it will make a right and head to Macy’s at Herald Square.