From 3pm until 10 this evening, the public can come and watch the yellow-jump-suited crews inflating the the huge balloons that will fly tomorrow for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

We walked by at 3pm and here are a few photos: Horton who will fly tomorrow for the first time, and a long line of small balloons waiting for parents to buy them for their children.

Horton Balloon Waiting to Fly

The streets are filled with excited parents and children, both visitors and locals, making their way to 77th Street and 81st street and Columbus Avenue to enjoy the fun. The restaurants in the surrounding area are pleasantly full, but you can get in. There is a great air of holiday celebration. People are strolling down the streets SMILING and wishing each other a Happy Thanksgiving. Come in good spirit with a good dose of patience for the crowds that come later on.

Balloon Sellers by Jeff French Segall

Bundle up for the wind- it’s getting cold.

IMPORTANT: You can not drive by in your car and expect to see the balloons - you will see nothing! Columbus Avenue traffic is crawling and the balloons can not be seen from the avenue. You must walk down the streets on the 3 sides of the Museum of Natural History to enjoy the balloons.