Thanksgiving in New York City is a bucket list experience that everyone must witness at least once. From the incredible Balloon inflation to the famous Thanksgiving Parade celebration, there is simply no better place to celebrate the holiday. Seeing this excitement in person is an epic experience – but it is important to know that many others share this same wishlist. This means there are (quite literally) hundreds of thousands of visitors that come to the city for the Holiday. It is essential to book ahead and have a plan.
How to get the best view? Truthfully – the front-row seats do not come easy. First, you need to understand that this is an event where there are no tickets, and unfortunately, there is no way to purchase a seat or spot along the parade route. The bleachers you see when watching the parade on TV are reserved for Macy’s employees, VIPs, and guests.
One way is to study the parade route, wake up early morning, and arrive by 6 am on the chilly sidewalk to claim your spot. Don’t forget to wear (multiple) layers, bring snacks to curb hunger, and keep your eyes out for public restrooms! Tricky, but it can be done!
The most convenient (and comfortable!) way to see the parade is to stay at a hotel along the parade route. We stayed at the New York Hilton Midtown, and the experience was EPIC.
NEW YORK HILTON MIDTOWN
New York Hilton Midtown is located on 54th Street and 6th Avenue, which is directly on the parade route. This location provides the absolute PREMIER vantage point for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Your family can stay warm while in comfortable guest rooms that overlook the parade, with a jaw-dropping view of the world-famous balloons, floats, and bands that march directly below on 6th avenue.
ROOM WITH A VIEW – NEW YORK HILTON
The New York Hilton Midtown offers a variety of Thanksgiving packages available, with partial, passing, or full views of the parade from its oversized windows. The lower the floor, the more direct view of the balloons. The higher the floor, the room will have a more topical view. The best part – you watch from the (warm!) comfort of your room.
We are often asked about which floor is best. Here is a visual on the room views:
Good to Know: The balloons typically float around 10-15 feet depending on weather conditions. Information on the package pricing can be found HERE.
AN EPIC VIEW – NEW YORK HILTON MIDTOWN
We valued being able to watch the parade from the comfort of our room. We had the parade commentary on the TV, so we had a full explanation of the floats and a perfect sky-high view of the entire parade. There was no need to go out and find something to eat before or during the parade; we hung out in the room and ordered (a delicious) breakfast from room service. So convenient! There is simply NO BETTER way to watch the parade… it was incredible. They also offer fun pre-parade room packages, events, and activities, be sure to check out their website for full details.
HOTEL CONVENIENCES
Of course, the hotel offers much more than just a view. The New York Hilton Midtown offers gorgeous, contemporary accommodations and conveniences right on location. With exceptional Wi-Fi, an expansive fitness center, and delicious food options, it is the perfect location for work or fun travel plans. A few highlights:
- Central location close to Times Square and Central Park (more on this below!)
- Large fitness center with modern equipment
- Rooms are quiet and well-insulated from NYC noise
- Casual restaurant Herb N’ Kitchen offers grab-and-go meals. Perfect for grabbing dinner on the way to the room, or for a quick coffee, bottle of water, or snacks that you can bring with you
- Two bars on site
- In-room spa and salon treatments
- Concierge on duty daily to help with any NYC adventure planning
- For business travelers – the Midtown Hilton offers the most conference space in the city
LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION
Location is always key and New York Hilton Midtown is premier! As mentioned above, the hotel is conveniently located along Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade route, but it is also convenient for so much more!
On Wednesday before the parade, families can walk from the hotel to the American Museum of Natural History to watch balloons get inflated. The Balloon Inflation Celebration is open to the public from 12 to 6 pm. It’s an amazing event that is not to be missed. Read our tips HERE.
If you’re visiting New York for fun, the Hilton is centrally located — within minutes of Midtown’s most popular sites. The MOMA is right down the street, as is the world-famous Rockefeller Ice Rink. Incredible shopping, Carnegie Hall, Times Square, Radio City’s Rockettes, and most Broadway theaters are within a few short blocks. Central Park, five short blocks north, is equally accessible. The New York Hilton Midtown is literally in the middle of it all, you couldn’t ask for a better location – it’s the perfect launchpad for an epic New York City adventure any time of year.
Happy Thanksgiving!
- The New York Hilton Midtown Hotel
- 1335 Avenue of the Americas
- New York, NY 10019
- More information and to book a room HERE
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