| Many visitors to New York choose to head to the | | | | starts on 6th Avenue and finishes on 23rd Street. |
| city in the winter months and it is no surprise - with | | | | However, probably the most famous winter event in |
| the city turned into a beautiful and romantic setting, | | | | New York is the Macy's parade, which is held on |
| with twinkly trees, ice rinks and crisp snow at this | | | | Thanksgiving day in November. This incredible carnival |
| time of year. | | | | marks the beginning of the festive season and |
| Ice skating and a visit to the world famous | | | | features an appearance by Santa himself. |
| Rockefeller Centre Christmas tree are two things | | | | The parade is most famous for its inclusion of giant |
| which those heading to one of the many hostels in | | | | helium balloons of famous TV and film cartoon |
| New York should include on a trip but as well as | | | | characters, with Mickey Mouse, Hello Kitty, Barney |
| these activities, there is the chance to catch one of | | | | the dinosaur, Kermit the Frog, the cast of Sesame |
| the Big Apple's incredible parades. | | | | Street and SpongeBob SquarePants all making an |
| No other city throws a parade quite like New York | | | | appearance in recent years. |
| and during the winter, there are two big events | | | | The carnival travels down 77th St towards Central |
| which area ideal for youth hostel visitors. | | | | Park and then onto Columbus Circle. Then the |
| One of these is the Greenwich Village Halloween | | | | festivities head down one of New York's most |
| Parade, which is held on the evening of All Hallow's | | | | famous streets, Broadway, before finishing up in |
| Eve (October 31st) and promises visitors a spooky | | | | Herald Square. |
| time. | | | | You may well recognise some of the Macy's events |
| The parade starts at 7pm local time and in order to | | | | from Hollywood movies as the parade has featured |
| make sure you get as close to the ghost and ghouls | | | | in a few well known films, including children's favourite |
| as possible, you may want to head out of your | | | | A Miracle on 34th Street. |
| hostel in New York as early as you can. This parade | | | | |