Don’t look up (or down) Broadway this year for the 83rd annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The legendary 2.65-mile procession is taking a new direction along Seventh Avenue.
Said Orlando Veras of Macy’s: “Our route has changed due to the new pedestrian plazas created on Broadway, which span Herald and Times Squares and portions of the famed street to Columbus Circle.
The fixtures constructed for the plazas include lighting and traffic barrier islands which don’t allow for the passage of the parade’s signature floats or balloons.”
This isn’t the first time the parade has changed its course. There have been five route adjustments since the parade’s inception — but up till now, all the Thanksgiving parades have included a stretch of Broadway.
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This year, beginning at 77th Street and Central Park West, the parade will march south on CPW and then east onto Central Park South instead of its usual diversion to Broadway. At Seventh Avenue, it will turn south until reaching 42nd Street. The parade will travel across 42nd Street to Sixth Avenue, where it will transition south and finish at Macy’s Herald Square (34th Street and Seventh Avenue.)
BEST PLACE TO VIEW THE PARADE: Central Park West between 61st and 72nd Streets. Avoid the area in front of Macy’s since it’s where the offi cial viewing area and media platforms are located. The area is inaccessible to the public.
WHEN TO GET THERE: The parade doesn’t officially begin until 9 a.m. but spectators start lining up before 6:30 a.m.
WHAT TO BRING: Anything but folding chairs (you won’t have any space to set them up). Dress warm — it can get chilly while you’re idle on the sidelines.
HOW TO GET THERE: Mass transit is by far the best bet. If you’re driving, expect to pay a premium for parking garages anywhere near the route.
ON TV: Don’t wanna mess with the masses? Stay cozy at home and watch the parade from 9 a.m. to noon on Channel 4 (NBC).