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NYC Parades: Free Fun For the Whole Family!
NYC Parades are renowned for their lavishness, uniqueness and just plain fun. From the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade to the Easter Bonnet Parade, NYC Parades provide FREE fun for tourists and residents alike.
JANUARY: Chinese New Year and Parade
The Chinese New Year takes place on the first full moon of the year between January 21 and February 19. So, it does not fall on the same day every year. Chinese New Year is a significant holiday to the Chinese. In celebration, Chinese spend this holiday with family, exchanging gifts, and feasting on delicious food specialities! This year’s Firecracker Ceremony and Cultural Festival takes place on
Thursday, February 3, 2011, 11:00 am - 3:30 pm in Roosevelt Park, located between Grand & Hester Streets. You’ll experience cultural performances complete with lion, dragon and unicorn dance troupes! The 12th Annual Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & Festival takes place on Sunday, February 6, from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm and goes throughout Chinatown along Mott, Canal, and Bayard Streets, and along East Broadway. You’ll see incredible floats, acrobats, lion and dragon dancers, magicians and more. At the parade’s conclusion, enjoy an outdoor cultural festival with additional performances and fun.
MARCH: St. Patrick’s Day Parade
One of the great NYC Parades, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is in its 250th consecutive year that! The first one took place on March 17, 1762! New Yorkers, even those who are not Irish, seem to enjoy taking part by marching and wearing green! This year’s parade takes place on Thursday, March 17 starting at 11:00 am on 5th Avenue at 44th Street and ending at 86th Street at approximately 2:00 or 3:00 pm. Although there are no traditional floats, expect to see more than 150,000 marchers. Be forewarned, there is a lot of drinking that takes place during and around this parade.
APRIL: The Easter Parade
The Easter parade is one of the NYC parades that is most unique. On Easter Sunday, walk in or gawk at the annual parade beginning at 10:00 am and running until 4:00 pm. This tradition dates back to the 1800s and the Civil War days when society ladies and gentlemen would parade their new Easter outfits after attending church. You’ll see unusual paraders with very unique bonnets stroll along Fifth Avenue from 49th to 57th Streets. You will also enjoy seeing a myriad of pets in their Easter finest. There is always plenty of entertainment, beautiful floral displays, and, of course the Easter bunny.
OCTOBER: Columbus Day and Halloween Parades
Columbus Day Parade
The Columbus Day Parade celebrates the spirit and courage that inspired Christopher Columbus’s 1492 expedition and the significant contributions Italian-Americans have made to the United States. You’ll see more than 35,000 marchers, fantastic floats, and more than 100 marching bands! More than 1 million spectators watch the parade from 11:30 am – approximately 3:30 pm which marches up 5th Ave from 47th to 72nd Streets.
Greenwich Village Halloween Parade
If you’ve never attended this parade, you must do it at least once. It’s one of the most unique of all NYC Parades. The October 31st parade begins at 7 pm and proceeds on 6th Avenue from Spring Street to 23rd Streets. You’ll see unbelievable costumes, dancers, and artists and hear lots of music! Get there early for a good viewing spot as it gets very crowded. Remember, you can participate in the parade too! Click here for details
NOVEMBER: Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving Day Parades
Veteran's Day Parade
One of the NYC Parades that makes you proud to be an American. Sponsored by The United War Veterans, this parade takes place on Veteran’s Day, November 11 and marches on 5th Ave from 39th to 23rd Streets.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
New York City's most televised parade, You’ll enjoy gigantic helium character balloons,fantasy-filled floats, marching bands, clowns, special guest stars, and more. It begins at 77th Street and Central Park West, travels down 7th Avenue, turns east to 6th Avenue where it arrives at 42 Street, and ends at Macy’s at Herald Square. The parade takes place on Thanksgiving Day beginning at 9:00 AM. Click here for information on the parades and lots of awesome ideas on additional ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in New York City.
