How to see balloons early in NYC

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a tradition that goes back a century. But for some, watching the balloons being readied and inflated is as much an event as the parade itself, which celebrates its 100th birthday on Thursday.

The inflation of the play’s 17 character balloons and 15 heritage balloons will be open for viewing the day before Thanksgiving.

Read on to learn how you can experience balloon inflation.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation Celebration

From noon to 18 on Wednesday, November 27th, interested spectators are welcome to go to the American Museum of Natural History, where there will be a balloon viewing trail that goes around the museum.

To attend the event, go to West 72nd Street and Central Park West. The screening takes at least 45 minutes to complete, according to the event information listed on CentralPark.com. Exit the event at West 81st Street and Central Park West.

What new balloons have been added to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

A new Minnie Mouse balloon will debut at the parade this year, joining fellow Disney balloons Mickey, Pluto, Donald Duck and Goofy.

Other balloons to expect at the parade include Extraordinary Noorah, Elf on the Shelf, DreamWorks’ Gabby, Goku from “Dragon Ball Z,” Nickelodeon’s Marshall and Spin Master along with Marvel’s Spider-Man.

Tips and tricks for the best balloon experience

CentralPark.com has provided several rules and recommendations for participating in the balloon inflation:

  • The following items are strictly prohibited: Bags or backpacks larger than 12 by 6 by 12 inches; coolers; alcoholic beverages; chairs; arms; drones; pet; umbrellas.
  • Participants must be prepared to be screened before entering the balloon area.
  • Strollers are not prohibited. However, CentralPark.com recommends leaving the strollers at home. “Carriages, although not prohibited, are difficult to push through the galleries,” reads the event’s website. “Try baby carriers or wait until the kids are older and can handle long periods of standing.”
  • Eat before the event or bring snacks if you get hungry easily. The balloon inflation demonstration route takes at least 45 minutes to complete.

If you are going to the 2024 Macy’s Balloon Inflation Celebration

When: Noon to 6pm, Wednesday 27 November.

Where: American Museum of Natural History, 200 Central Park West in Manhattan. Enter the inflation viewing area at West 72nd Street and Central Park West. The viewing path then winds around the American Museum of Natural History, where spectators will exit West 81st Street and Central Park West.

For more information: Check out the Macy’s Balloon Inflation Celebration webpage at centralpark.com/events/thanksgiving-eve-balloon-inflating.