Here's How To Watch The Macy's Thanksgiving Parade Balloon Inflation

NEW YORK CITY — This Thursday is the 98th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and on Wednesday night, there's a special chance to watch the gigantic character balloons get inflated and come to life on the Upper West Side.

Every year, the inflation takes place around the perimeter of the Museum of Natural History.

To see the balloons come to life before the parade, head over to 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue on Wednesday between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m., where there will be a "secure checkpoint" entry, according to the Macy's website. Large backpacks, coolers, alcoholic beverages, chairs, weapons, drones, pets, and umbrellas are not allowed.

People looking to beat the long line can start queuing up at noon, but the viewing doesn't officially begin until 1 p.m. The event is free and no tickets are required.

From there, visitors will be able to line up to see eight of the inflatables — including Minnie Mouse, Spider-Man, and Dora The Explorer — come to life.

Bring a raincoat just in case, since there is a chance of rain on Wednesday night, according to the latest forecasts from Accuweather.

This year, the parade will include 22 floats, 17 massive balloons, 11 marching bands, 700 clowns and 5,000 volunteers. Headlining performers are actor and singer Jennifer Hudson, pop star Kylie Minogue, and Broadway icon Billy Porter.

The parade starts at 8:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning and follows a 2.5-mile route from the Upper West Side to Herald Square in Midtown.

For questions and tips, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.