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Read the press release here.

Where to Watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation

By Savannah Cox | November 12, 2015 6:35pm
 Here's where to go to see the annual parade come to life.
Here's where to go to see the annual parade come to life.
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Rob Kim/Getty Images

Less than a day before an average of 3.5 million people gather to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in the city, workers undertake the arduous task of bringing 17 massive balloons to life.

New balloons this year include characters from Angry Birds and "Ice Age," among others.

If you want to get in on the action, here's what you need to know:

Public Entrance Location: 79th Street and Columbus Avenue, Upper West Side

Time: Wednesday, Nov. 25 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Balloons featured:

• On 77th Street you'll find Scrat and his Acorn from "Ice Age," Adventure Time with Finn and Jake, Hello Kitty, "Diary of a Wimpy Kid," Ronald McDonald; Red Mighty Morphin Power Ranger; Spongebob Squarepants, Aflac Duck Balloonicle, Kool-Aid Man Balloonicle, "Skylanders" Eruptor

• On 81st Street look for Red from "Angry Birds," Thomas the Tank Engine, Paddington Bear; Toothless from "How to Train Your Dragon," Sinclair Oil's DINO, Pikachu, Pillsbury Doughboy, Elf on the Shelf, Snoopy and Woodstock

Tips:

• The earlier you arrive, the better. A Macy's spokesperson recommends arriving at around 4:30 p.m., as that's when the balloons start to take shape.

• Keep a close eye on your belongings. As with any large nighttime gathering, people should "avoid carrying around oversize backpacks and always pay attention to your surroundings," the spokesperson said.