The Best Parades in NYC: Dates, Routes and Where to Watch
NYC Celebrations You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
It may be known for its incredible nightlife, but daytime parades in New York City are spectacular soirees. Some of the best and biggest processions in the world march down the skyscraper-lined streets of the Big Apple. You may have watched some from the comfort of your home each year, while others are just waiting for you to discover them.
Attend any of these fantastical events, and maybe you’ll be crowned King Neptune or throw a tea party with the likes of the Mad Hatter. Keep reading to find out all you need to know about the best parades in NYC, including their routes, and when and where to watch.
1. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
A beloved parade that kicks off the holiday season
Good for: Families, Photo
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is considered one of NYC’s most famous parades. This showstopping event is well-known for performances by the world’s biggest musical stars and Broadway acts. But the main draws are the larger-than-life character balloons and detailed floats that make their way along the parade route, ending with an appearance by Santa Claus.
You can’t enter the grandstand area unless you’re an invited guest of Macy’s; however, you can watch the parade in Central Park West, along 6th Avenue, and in Bryant Park in the West Village area. To watch the parade from indoors, book a room at a hotel or a table at a restaurant along the parade route, or watch it live on TV.
Location: Central Prk W & W 77th St, New York, NY 10024, USA
Open: Thanksgiving Day from 8.30 am to noon
Phone: +1 214-802-5534
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
2. NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade
A sea of green in NYC
Good for: Couples, History
If you’re in New York City on March 17, you won’t be able to miss the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade. It’s one of the world’s oldest parades celebrating Irish heritage, dating back to 1762. Each year, it marches up Fifth Avenue right past St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a towering architectural beauty in Manhattan. The parade is led by the National Guard’s 69th regiment and followed by dozens of NYC Irish societies, performers, political figures, and more.
If you’re going to join the party, be sure to arrive early so you’re not battling for a spot among the 2 million other spectators converging on 5th Avenue. Alternatively, it’s also broadcast on TV.
Location: 530 5th Ave, New York, NY 10036, USA
Open: St. Patrick’s Day from 11 am to 2 pm
Phone: +1 718-231-4400
NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade
3. NYC LGBT Pride Fest and March
It all started at the Stonewall Inn in 1969
Good for: Nightlife, Couples
NYC LGBT Pride Fest and March are celebrated in June, the Pride Month, and no one celebrates LGBTQIA+ Pride like New York City. Millions flock to Fifth Avenue in support during the famous march in honor of the Stonewall Riots, a turning point in LGBTIA+ activism. If you don’t want to join the crowds, a ticketed grandstand gives you access to stadium seating to view performances, plus food, drinks, and private restrooms.
Beyond the parade, there is plenty more to celebrate during Pride weekend in NYC. Fill your schedule with the rainbow-tinted street fair, youth pride events, and fundraising activities.
Location: 5th Ave & E 26th St, New York, NY 10001, USA
Open: The last Sunday in June from 11 am to late
Phone: +1 212-807-7433
NYC LGBT Pride Fest and March
4. Mermaid Parade
Inspired by past Coney Island Mardi Gras parades
Good for: Families, Adventure
The Mermaid Parade, held on Coney Island, is one of New York’s most unique parades. It’s whimsy and pageantry rolled into one summer event, which culminates in the crowning of a Queen Mermaid and King Neptune.
Featuring marching bands, floats, antique cars, and mermaid costumes galore, it’s no wonder that the costume contest is a big draw. It has even become a tradition to bribe the judges with creative trinkets and treats. Marchers are divided into 2 categories: artistic and family-friendly. If you’re watching the parade with children, do note that some of the artsy marchers revel in the buff, hence the separate categories.
Location: Surf Ave & W 21st St, Brooklyn, NY 11224, USA
Open: The first Saturday after the summer solstice from 1 pm to 4 pm
Mermaid Parade
5. NYC Village Halloween Parade
Where tricks and treats are in abundance
Good for: Families, Nightlife
Join the masses marching up 6th Avenue on Halloween in one of NYC’s most thrilling parades: The Village Halloween Parade. In an artsy and eclectic showing, giant puppets, thousands of costumed participants, funky themed vehicles, and local bands make up this spectacle.
To participate, arrive in the line-up area on Halloween night and wait your turn to be let onto the parade route in groups of 1,000–2,000 at a time. Then, follow along for free, family fun. Or watch the commotion along Bleeker and 14th Street, just show up early to get a good spot, as it gets crowded.
Location: 6th Ave & King St, New York, NY 10014, USA
Open: Halloween from 7 pm to 11 pm
NYC Village Halloween Parade
6. Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival
A showcase of quirky and extravagant hats
Good for: Families, Budget
For some, Easter is a day of quiet worship. In New York City, the Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival turn the holiday into a loud and lively time. The parade starts just outside of St. Patrick’s Cathedral as Sunday Mass is beginning inside. The procession of colorful revelers can be seen up and down Fifth Avenue.
Whether you’re spectating or joining in the march, the Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival is not to be missed. Anyone can join in the parade for free, even your pets. All that’s required is that you’re wearing a fanciful bonnet. So don’t miss out on the creative costumes, everything from floral top hats to bedazzled bunny ears, and free entertainment.
Location: St. Patrick’s Cathedral, 631 Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10022, USA
Open: Easter Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm
Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival
7. Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade
A historical parade running more than 150 years
Good for: History, Adventure
The Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade is not only one of the best parades in NYC, but it’s also one of the best Memorial Day parades in the country. While all 5 boroughs have their own parade honoring the nation’s heroes, Brooklyn’s is the oldest. It is steeped in decorum and patriotism.
In honoring service members who have given their lives to duty, the day’s celebrations include bagpipes, a 21-gun salute, a flag raising, and a ceremonial wreath laying. The Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade starts on 3rd Ave. and 78th Street and ends at John Paul Jones Park, where a touching memorial service is held. Be sure to arrive early to secure the best spots.
Location: 78th St & 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209, USA
Open: Memorial Day from 11 am to 12.30 pm
Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade
8. Feast of San Gennaro Grand Procession
Held around the third week of September each year
Good for: Food, Families
The Feast of San Gennaro is a big deal in NYC’s Little Italy. The large block party spans 11 days and pays homage to the Patron Saint Gennaro.
Within the street festival is the Feast of San Gennaro Grand Procession. The parade starts at the Precious Blood Church and features a statue of Saint Gennaro hoisted through the streets alongside bands and over-the-top floats. When the procession is over, stick around and enjoy the main attraction of the festival: the food. Savor sausage and pepper sandwiches, chicken parm, cannoli, cheesecake, and more as you watch the celebrations.
Location: Canal St & Mulberry St, New York, NY 10013, USA
Open: The first Saturday of the festival from 2 pm to 5 pm
Phone: +1 929-999-7919
Feast of San Gennaro Grand Procession
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