Watch The Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloons Being Inflated

The Macy’s Balloon Inflation Celebration has been held on Thanksgiving Eve since 1994. For some people, meeting up and watching the balloons being inflated for the Thanksgiving Day Parade is more of an annual event than the parade itself!

During this event, inflation teams and Parade officials prep the giant balloons, novelty balloons, and balloonicles for the following day’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

While historically the balloons were inflated late at night, this event now takes place mostly during the daylight hours.

Entry & Exit Locations
Beginning at 7 AM Wednesday, November 26th, 81st Street and 77th Street from Central Park West to Columbus Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic.

Spectators are advised to enter the inflation viewing area secure checkpoint from Columbus Avenue at West 72nd Street. The balloon viewing path winds around the American Museum of Natural History.

Guests may exit west along any block from West 82nd to West 86th Streets.