Macy’s Balloon Inflation 2024: Timing, Location, Balloons and More Return to UWS of NYC

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

The event will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in front of the American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side

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

Spectators wishing to view the balloons should enter the viewing area at West 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue. The path winds around the museum before ending at West 81st Street and Central Park West.

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

This year there will be six new character balloons 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.

The list of road closures can be found here. Visitors are strongly advised to use public transport.

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 due to the crowds it can be difficult to push them through the path, so they are not recommended.

The public will be screened before entering the spectator path. Bags or backpacks larger than 12 x 6 x 12 inches, coolers, alcoholic beverages, chairs, weapons, drones, pets and umbrellas are not permitted.

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

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

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