The Best Hotel to Watch the 2026 NYC Thanksgiving Day Parade
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Last Updated on January 8, 2026 by Erin Donahue
Looking for the best hotel to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC? The Mandarin Oriental New York offers unmatched views of the parade from its high-rise rooms and suites. It’s perfect for those who want a warm, luxurious, and crowd-free experience. Even though I had lived just outside NYC in New Jersey during my formative years, I didn’t go see the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade until after I moved into the city. At that point, I had already been in New York for nearly a decade! I’d always avoided parades because of the street closures, packed sidewalks, and the reality of standing outside in the cold for hours.
In 2021, that changed as I had a last-minute opportunity to photograph the parade. In collaboration with the Mandarin Oriental New York, I had exclusive access to their property! Talk about manifesting and hitting the ground running as a photographer since I only quit my 9-5 a few months before. I might be a little biased, but since I got to photograph the parade from this luxury property, I’d say this is the best hotel to watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade!
Why the Mandarin Oriental is the Best Hotel to Watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade
Most people won’t have exclusive access as I did, but if watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is on your bucket list, consider booking a hotel room with a view instead of braving the crowds on the street. The Mandarin Oriental New York offers one of the best parade-watching experiences in the city, but be prepared to spend a pretty penny (rooms start around $2000 per night).
For the best view, reserve a room between the 45th and 52nd floors with a Central Park view. These rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows and overlook the entire parade route. You used to be able to book a regular room and head to the Mandarin Ballroom on the 36th floor to watch the parade, but when I photographed it from there, it was nearly empty, just me and one family. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and hands down the most comfortable way to see the parade.
Tips for Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade from the Street
If you’re planning to experience the parade from the streets of NYC, here’s everything you need to know to make it memorable and stress-free. Seeing the floats up close on the ground is the main (and probably most lively) way to experience the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The parade starts at 9:00 a.m., but make sure to secure your spot along the route early (like 7:00 a.m.). The floats start walking from 77th Street and walk down Central Park West, turn and walk along Central Park South, and proceed to finish up walking down 6th Ave until the flagship Macy’s at Herald Square.
Tips for Watching the NYC Thanksgiving Day Parade (from a Local)
- Dress warmly, and don’t forget to bring hot hands and feet warmers!
- Arrive early, ideally by 7:00 a.m., to get a good viewing spot before the parade starts at 9:00 a.m.
- Best places to stand: Central Park West and Central Park South for unobstructed views.
- Avoid 34th Street, it’s blocked off or reserved for official press.
- Check street closures ahead of time so you’re not caught off guard.
- Wear your backpack on your front and keep valuables close. Pickpocketing can happen in large crowds.
- Bring your camera gear, especially if you want to capture the floats up close.
FAQ About Watching the Thanksgiving Parade from a Hotel
Q: What’s the best hotel to watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC?
A: The Mandarin Oriental New York is widely considered the best hotel for viewing the parade, thanks to its high-rise rooms overlooking Central Park and the parade route.
Q: Can you see the Thanksgiving Day Parade from your hotel room?
A: Yes—if your hotel room faces the parade route, you can watch it from the comfort of your room. Hotels like the Mandarin Oriental offer premium views from higher floors.
Q: How much does it cost to stay in a hotel with a view of the parade?
A: Expect to spend at least $2000 per night at a luxury hotel like the Mandarin Oriental for Thanksgiving weekend.
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is the creative studio of Erin Donahue, offering photography, videography, and content creation services for brands, hotels, tourism boards, and publications.
Based in New York City, but available globally, this multi-disciplinary digital creative left a career in the hedge fund space to pursue her passion as a travel and brand photographer, creating imagery that resonates with audiences. She approaches every project with a focus on storytelling, producing visuals that engage and inspire.
Her work has been commissioned by brands like Sony, Apple, and Google, and the content she has created has reached millions across social media.
To keep up to date with everything she shares, follow along on social media and read up on what camera gear she uses to capture the shot.
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My daughter and I and her boyfriend would like to go for the 100th Anniversary, and would like to get some information on prices and best hotels to watch the Macy’s Parade. If you could please send me the information, I would really appreciate you.
If God’s willing to allow us to live to see this. It’s been a dream for us. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Virginia Lopez