Another holiday tradition is back for the public to enjoy: The spectacle of seeing dozens of balloons being inflated for Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. However, this year all attendees must be vaccinated (children under 12 can visit with a vaccinated adult).
Last year's parade was a smaller pandemic event, situated by Macy's flagship store in Herald Square. This year, the parade will start again on the Upper West Side and make its way down Central Park West, across Central Park South, then down Sixth Avenue before winding around 34th Street to Macy's at Broadway.
The balloons—dozens of them, from big character balloons like veterans Pillsbury Dough Boy, Snoopy, and Pikachu and newcomers Ada Twist, Scientist and Baby Yoda, aka Grogu, to the smaller holiday balloons—will be inflated on the Upper West Side on Wednesday, November 24th. The inflation will be open to the public between 12 and 6 p.m., and in addition to vaccinated guests, there will be capacity limits to ensure social distancing.
Visitors will need to have proof of COVID-19 vaccination by showing either an original CDC vaccination card, a mobile vaccination app (like NYC COVID Safe, CLEAR Health Pass, NY State Excelsior Pass), or a photo of their vaccination card plus a photo ID that matches the proof of vaccination. Macy's further states, "A negative test will not be accepted in lieu of vaccinated status."
Children under 12 may attend with a vaccinated adult.
The entry to the balloon inflation will start at 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue (much further south than in years past), where there will be a vaccination and security checkpoint. After that, balloon enthusiasts walk east on 72nd Street and up Central Park before seeing the inflation festivities on 77th and 81st Streets around the American Museum of Natural History.
The public attending the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade on Thursday, November 25th, do not need to be vaccinated. According to the retailer, "The Macy’s Parade travels through some of Manhattan’s largest avenues & thoroughfares with broad sidewalks & public plazas, all offering ample space for viewing in a safe manner. There is no vaccination requirement for general public for this outdoor event. Spectators are encouraged to enjoy the festive event safely with appropriate precautions including wearing masks as well as suitable outerwear for the late November weather."
Kickoff is at 9 a.m.; people typically gather hours before for prime spots.
