Before the giant balloons float through Manhattan on Thanksgiving, they have to be inflated. At the Balloon Inflation event the day before the parade, you can usually watch those preparations up close.
What to expect
Around the American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side, the balloon characters are traditionally filled with helium and prepared for the parade. Instead of floating above the buildings, they’re still down at street level. You get to see the characters gradually take shape, giving you a different perspective from watching them in the parade itself.
The balloons aren’t all ready at once. Arrive early and you’ll see more of the preparations. Later on, more characters are usually fully inflated, but the lines can be longer. It’s worth thinking about which part you’d most like to see.
If the opportunity comes up and a staff member has a moment, you can ask about their work, too.
Viewing Area
Good to know
- Public-access details for 2026, including viewing hours and the entrance location, have not yet been announced.
- Allow time for security screening and possible lines. Aim for early in the official viewing window rather than arriving just before it closes.
- Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes. Even though you aren’t waiting for the parade to start, you may still spend quite a while outside.
