2017 Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation | Map Details, Route, Info. The Macy's Parade has been an annual tradition for many. Visitors who want to see the big balloons before they get to fly up in the air won't want to miss them being inflated. This is a big event in itself as many people grab the opportunity to see the balloons grow at the Macy's Parade Balloon Inflation that takes place on Thanksgiving-eve on the Upper West Side. There is a designated viewing path for observers as balloons are inflated at the American Museum of Natural History. Nets and sandbags are used to keep them from escaping during the night.

For 2017, the balloon inflation will be Wednesday, November 22 from 3-10 p.m, a day before Thanksgiving Day. The balloons begin to come to life around 4:30-5pm and the last admission to the balloon inflation area is at 9:15pm.

The public entrance to the Macy's Parade Balloon Inflation is located at 79th Street and Columbus Avenue. Subway to the Macy's Parade Balloon Inflation: B or C to 81st Street/Museum of Natural History

If you want to see the Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons get inflated, the map will help you navigate the crowds that will be vying to get a good view as the balloons grow over the course of the afternoon before Thanksgiving. Be sure to arrive early as there will surely be a handful of people who will also be coming to see these big and beautiful balloons come to life. Visitors can come straight to the Museum of Natural History and enter through Columbus Avenue.