Central Park West is where the parade is still fresh: the balloons have just turned onto the route, the performers have not yet worn out their smiles, and the park side gives you sky behind the balloons instead of buildings. It is also the stretch New Yorkers claim before dawn, which tells you something.
What to expect
Street-level viewing along the west side of Central Park West as the parade moves south, from around 8:30am.
Good to know
- Macy's designates the WEST side of Central Park West as public viewing
- People arrive before dawn for a front-row spot on this stretch
- The B/C runs directly under the route — use the 72nd, 81st or 86th Street stops
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Common questions
Which side of Central Park West can I stand on?
Macy's designates the west side of Central Park West as public viewing.
What time should I arrive?
For a front-row view on this stretch, people arrive before dawn; the parade reaches here from around 8:30am.
