The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade returns for the 84th year, kicking off the holiday season once again. 2010 promises to deliver even more fantastical giant helium balloons, floats, marching bands, performance groups, celebrity guests, and of course, the jolly man himself, Santa Claus.
If you're fortunate enough to be in the NYC area this Thanksgiving, trekking down to Manhattan with 3.5 million other spectators will be an experience your family will never forget.
The 2010 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade route is the same as the 2009 route.
* The parade begins at 77th Street and Central Park West, heading south on Central Park West.
* Once at Columbus Circle and 59th Street, the parade will turn east along Central Park South.
* When the parade reaches 7th Avenue, it will travel south until 42nd Street.
* The parade then travels east on 42nd Street between 6th and 7th Avenue.
* At 6th Avenue (Avenue of Americas), the parade turns south to 34th Street.
* Finally, at 34th Street the parade heads west to Herald Square, ending in front of Macy's.
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade officially begins at 9:00am on Thursday, November 25th. If you want to view the parade, you'll need to get there early. Many start lining the streets at 6:00am. Public transportation is the only way to travel as many roads are closed and parking will be hard to find and expensive.
Parade Day Tips
* Dress warm and in layers.
* Leave strollers/chairs at home.
* Bring snacks and a thermos for hot drinks.
* Use the restroom before staking your spot. Public restrooms are very limited.
* Your best bet is to find a spot closer to where the parade begins along Central Park West.
This years performers include, Kylie Minogue, India Arie, Miranda Cosgrove, Big Time Rush, the cast and Muppets of Sesame Street, Gladys Knight, Mannheim Steamroller, Jimmy Fallon & The Roots, Jessica Simpson and Kanye West.
Two new giant character balloons will join the parade this year- Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Kung Fu Panda. This is in addition to returning favorites including, Buzz Lightyear, Hello Kitty, Kermit the Frog, Ronald McDonald, Sailor Mickey, Shrek, Smurf, Snoopy and SpongeBob SquarePants.
If you're just interested in viewing the balloons, you can get an up-close look at inflation on Thanksgiving Eve (Wednesday, Nov. 24) from 3-10pm at 77th Street and 81st Street between Central Park West and Columbus Ave. This is just outside the American Museum of Natural History and is a great way to experience the excitement and history of the parade, with fewer crowds
Guess this all helps make Macy's one of the favourite Christmas Tree Stores.
