Updates: 2018 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation. Since November of 1924, the Macy's Parade has become synonymous with the start of the holiday season. 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.

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.

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.