If you’re a New Yorker, chances are you won’t be anywhere near the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as it makes its way across 34th Street.
Seeing a giant Power Ranger, Hello Kitty or Spider-Man, cool as it may be, just isn’t worth all that, especially in the cold with no clear path to a bathroom.
But what if there were a way to see those massive and awesome balloons up close without having to brave the insanity of the actual parade?
Well, you’re in luck.
We’ve mapped out a happy holiday compromise between the two, getting you access to the parade that many never get to experience.
Here’s your guide to traversing the colorful Thanksgiving Parade balloon inflation on the Upper West Side (all taking place this year on Wednesday, November 25th from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.).
1. Take the 1 train, not the B or C
The inflating grounds stretch from 77th Street and Columbus up to 81st Street and Central Park West, completely surrounding the Museum of Natural History.
Most would take the B or C train right to the 81st Street stop. However, do not do this.
Trying to come up amidst all the action isn’t what you want to do here.
Besides, the public entrance into the sectioned off grounds is all the way on 79th and Columbus, and now you’re trapped on Central Park West with a long, slow trek to get inside behinds dozens of others who made the same mistake.
Instead, take the 1 train to 79th and Broadway. From there, it’s a straight shot across the Avenues towards Central Park and right to where people are being let in. Save yourself some time, not to mention stress.
2. Grab a balloon map
Keep in mind that these balloons are still being blown up so, depending on what time you go, that Pikachu you’re dying to see may not be all charged up quite yet.
Luckily, by the entrance there are handy location maps showing where each balloon is stationed.
This isn’t just a good method to avoid accidentally missing a balloon, but it will also let you know where the exit is, as the area will be crowded (though it's nothing compared to the actual parade) and knowledge of how to make a swift exit can come in handy.
Knowing what’s coming up next and what you’ve already passed is a crucial asset to you if you want to get through this smoothly and still see all the ones you're aiming for, especially when we come to our next item.
,3. Don’t go backwards
We all know how annoying it is when someone walking in front of you on the street abruptly stops and turns to go the opposite way.
Now imagine that in a more crowded space where people are trying to get pictures with their favorite giant-sized character.
There’s definitely a flow here, and it mostly moves clockwise around the museum form where you walk in. If you suddenly realize you’ve passed one you wanted to see, you’re faced with a serious decision.
Do I go back and face the incoming wave of puffer jackets and selfie sticks surging behind me or continue walking in the direction I’m going and keep my sanity in tact?
Don’t get me wrong. There will be people who still do this, even NYC locals who should know better. Be part of the solution.
4. Go with a buddy
We’ve been taught this since grade school. Call it what you want, partner, buddy, random coworker you decide to drag along, just try and bring someone to accompany you. There are a few reasons why.
Having a friend with you not only enriches the experience, obviously, but it also gives you someone to tackle the gauntlet with, Hunger Games style.
OK, not really. But not only are you less likely to get skipped when trying to get close to a picture spot for a balloon, but now you don’t have to resort to selfies when you finally get close enough. Those things are huge. Trust me, a selfie here doesn’t work as well as you’d like it to.
5 It’s actually OK to act touristy
There are very few times us New Yorkers get to experience the glee and awe that tourists feel when they come to the city. And admit it, you’re sometimes kind of jealous of that feeling of wonder they get because you’ve seen it all.
This is one of those experiences where you can finally let that flag fly!
No matter what age you are, when you’re coming up on a towering SpongeBob while being flanked by an extra-soft Pillsbury Doughboy or Snoopy & Woodstock, the kid in you tends to spill out.
So take that extra picture. Wait in line to get up close to Toothless. Say yes when someone random asks you to take a picture for them.
The Thanksgiving Parade is the unofficial start to the holiday season in NYC after all. Save the humbug for later in December.
Check out 6 Ways to Celebrate the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (Without Actually Going to It).