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Going to the 2011 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? Here’s what you need to know about watching the parade and parking.
Parade Route
The parade starts at 9am from Central Park West and 77th Street and goes down Central Park West to Columbus Circle at 59th St. It takes a left on to Central Park South (59th St), then goes down 7th Avenue to 42nd Street. The parade then goes left on 42nd St to 6th Avenue, then down 6th Avenue to 34th Street. Once on 34th St, travels along 34th Street to Macy’s Herald Square.
Where to Park
Ulltra Car Park — 359 9th Avenue @ 30th Street. Outdoor lot. $14 enter by 10am & exit by 7pm, $22 for 10 hours to midnight, $30 for 24 hours or overnight, $10 extra for Vans & SUVs.
Central Parking — 147 W 83rd St & 157 W 83rd St, between Columbus and Amsterdam. $27 for 6 hours, $32 for 12 hours. Print the coupon here to get these rates. Oversized vehicles may have a surcharge.
QuikPark — 305 W 46th St and 328 W 56th St bet 8th & 9th Aves, W 68th & W 70th bet Freedom Place & Riverside Blvd. $30 flat rate at all locations. Oversized vehicles may have a surcharge.
Since the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade is on the West side of Manhattan, your best NYC parking garage deals will be either on the East Side or way West. Most of the NYC parking garages will have an Event Rate on Thanksgiving Day ranging from $30 – $55. Look for:
Early Bird Special near 1st or 2nd Aves from 55th – 80th Sts, then walk or take a crosstown bus to Central Park West. Early Bird Specials will range from $12 – $20, and you have to be in the garage by 9 – 11am and leave usually by early evening. Check out the $14 rate below.
Flat Day Rates farther West, near 11th or 12th Aves.
Park on the Street, because NYC parking meters and Alternate Side Parking regulations are not in effect. But watch those NYC parking signs — if the sign says ‘No Stopping, No Standing, or No Parking Anytime’, then you cannot park there.
Stay Tuned! We’re Waiting for more NYC Parking Garages to Give us their Special Thanksgiving Day Rates!
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Public Viewing Areas
- Central Park West: West side of street from 70th St to Columbus Circle & east side of street from 70th to 65th
- Columbus Circle: West side of street
- 7th Ave: between 58th & 42nd Sts
- 42nd St: from 7th to 6th Aves
- 6th Ave: between 42nd & 34th Sts
- 34th St: south side of street between Broadway & 7th Ave
Watch the Balloons Getting Blown up on Wednesday Night
A long-standing tradition is the annual blowing up of the massive balloons for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. It goes from 3am – 10pm on Wednesday, November 23rd near the American Museum of Natural History just off Central Park West between 77th St. and 81st St.
Check out the Official Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade site.
Margot Tohn of Park It spends her day coming up with ways to make driving, parking and walking in NYC easier. Check out her musings at www.parkitnyc.com.