DNA.info.com reports if you want to catch an advance glimpse of the gigantic balloons that are part of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, head to the Upper West Side to watch the inflation happen the night before the big day. A beloved tradition for locals and tourists alike — without the huge crowds the parade itself draws — the balloon inflation starts in the afternoon on Wednesday, Nov. 23, along West 77th and West 81st streets between Columbus Avenue and Central Park West.
You can line up along the street to attend this free holiday event. The area opens to the public at 3 p.m. and the balloons are visible until around 10 p.m. The public entrance for balloon viewing is on the west side of Columbus Avenue at West 79th Street. The line to get past security and into the viewing area can be lengthy, past participants have said.
This is the 90th anniversary of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, which is typically attended by about 3.5 million people. To read this article in its entirety, click here.