Central Park West Fills Up for the 100th Macy's Parade

The 100th parade starts at 8:30 AM at 77th Street and Central Park West. Macy's viewing guide marks that corner as no public viewing. The stretch that does work runs from 75th down to 61st Street in past years, where balloons pass at eye level and handlers lean back into their lines. Arrive around 6 AM. These blocks fill first, and the block between 59th and 60th is left out of the viewing stretch.

Sixth Avenue carries the parade from 59th down to 38th Street in past years, and the avenue stays straight the whole way. A balloon stays in sight for several blocks before it reaches you, which makes this the stretch for watching an approach rather than one passing moment. Congestion builds closer to Herald Square. Stand farther south for more room, and keep in mind that viewing stops at 38th Street.

The parade ends in front of Macy's Herald Square, and the broadcast runs until 12 PM. Macy's viewing guide marks Sixth Avenue from 38th to 34th Street, plus 34th Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenues, as the national telecast area with no public viewing. Plan on watching the closing units from north of 38th Street, then walk north on Sixth Avenue once the last group passes.