The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is widely recognized as the most surreal parade in existence today. Every year over two million Americans choose to commemorate Native American generosity to European visitors, by watching giant balloons shaped like cartoon characters carreen through a narrow corridor of skyscrapers.
As strange as the concept may be, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade is nevertheless one of the best parades for spectators, thanks to the elevation of the spectacle. Unlike most parades where children find themselves unable to see much at all over the heads of adults, the Macy's parade can be viewed from a respectable distance, and people of all heights can get pretty good look at the main attraction.
The parade runs down from 77th St and Central Park West to Macy's at 34th St and Broadway. However, if you want to get close you'll have to get there absolutely no later than 7am (preferably 6am). You can forget about getting one of those seats you see on TV in the viewing area near Macy's unless your well connected. So, instead head up to Central Park between 72nd and 61st and bring a lawn chair for the most comfortable viewing.
