Macy’s Balloon Inflation 2024: Timing, Location, Balloons & More Returns to UWS in NYC

UPPER WEST SIDE, Manhattan (WABC) — Thanksgiving is days away, and that means a beloved holiday tradition returns on Wednesday — the annual balloon inflation ahead of the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The event will take place outside the American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side from 12.00 to 18.00

The public is invited to watch the balloons come to life before descending through the streets of Manhattan as the rest of the nation watches on live television.

RELATED | Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024: Start time, balloons, performers and more

There will be six new character balloons this year, including Minnie Mouse, Marshall from “Paw Patrol,” Extraordinary Noorah with The Elf on the Shelf, Gabby from “Gabby’s Dollhouse,” Goku from “Dragon Ball,” and Spider-Man.

Officials estimate it will take at least 45 minutes to complete the loop and see all the balloons.

For families with small children, strollers are not prohibited, but pushing through the path with the crowds can be difficult, so they are not recommended.

The public will be screened before entering the viewing path. Bags or backpacks larger than 12x6x12, coolers, alcoholic beverages, chairs, weapons, drones, pets and umbrellas are not permitted.

The 98th annual parade starts at 8:30 a.m. on the Upper West Side and continues along a two-and-a-half-mile route to Herald Square. The parade is expected to draw 2,000,000 spectators and 10,000 participants.

RELATED | Sneak peek at the new floats for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

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