2018 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation | Map Details, Route, Info. The Macy's Parade has been an annual tradition for many. Since November of 1924, the Macy's Parade has become synonymous with the start of the holiday season. 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 2018, the balloon inflation will be Wednesday, November 21 beginning at 1:00 pm, a day before Thanksgiving Day. The event continues until 8:00 p.m. 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 line-up will feature 16 giant character balloons; 43 novelty balloons, heritage balloons, balloonicles, balloonheads and trycaloons; 26 floats; 1,200 cheerleaders and dancers; more than 1,000 clowns; and 12 marching bands.

Spectators can witness the balloon inflation at 77th and 81st Streets between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue. The only public entrance is located at 73rd and Columbus Avenue.

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.

2018 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation | Map Details, Route, Info