NYC Veterans Day Parade 2025: Street closures, parade route, and viewing guide.

More than 20,000 marchers and 150-plus vehicles will roll up Fifth Avenue on Nov. 11. This makes the veterans day parade nyc the nation’s largest salute to service. It also marks 250 years of the U.S. military, adding to the tradition that started in 1919.

The parade starts at 12:30 p.m. It begins right after an 11 a.m. wreath-laying at the Eternal Light Flagstaff in Madison Square Park. The parade route goes north on Fifth Avenue from 26th Street to around 47th–50th Streets. It runs until about 3 p.m.

Expect street closures at NYPD discretion around Madison Square Park, Midtown, and along Fifth Avenue. If you’re planning to catch the parade in nyc today, use this guide. It will help you find the best blocks and understand the veterans day parade route. FOX 5 NY streams the march live at 12:30 p.m., so you can watch from anywhere.

Grand Marshals include Medal of Honor recipient Clinton Romesha, Marine Corps veteran Stephen Peck, and NASA astronaut Sunita “Suni” Williams. Mayor Eric Adams will lead the procession. Units representing every era from World War II will step off to honor service, sacrifice, and city pride.

Overview of the NYC Veterans Day Parade 2025

The veterans day parade nyc is back in Midtown Manhattan on Tuesday, Nov. 11. It focuses on service and sacrifice. The United War Veterans Council organizes it, making sure everyone knows the nyc parade today time and what time does the parade start.

Nation’s largest Veterans Day celebration in New York City

This is the biggest Veterans Day event in the country. It features units from every war era, starting with World War II. The parade’s grand scale and beauty make it a big topic in the city, helping people plan where to watch.

Honoring Army, Navy, and Marine Corps during America’s 250th anniversary

The 2025 parade celebrates America’s 250th birthday. It focuses on the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. Marching bands and color guards add to the celebration, and knowing the military parade 2025 time helps guests arrive on time.

20,000 marchers, 150+ vehicles, and 25+ floats expected

Expect 20,000 marchers, over 150 vehicles, and more than 25 floats. This means more people and a need for early arrival. Knowing the nyc parade today time helps viewers move along the parade route without missing anything.

What time does the parade start and end

A wreath-laying ceremony starts at 11 a.m. at the Eternal Light Flagstaff in Madison Square Park. The parade begins at 12:30 p.m. and ends around 3 p.m. This gives a clear idea of when to arrive and when it will finish.

Mayor Eric Adams will join the parade, and major media will cover it. This makes the veterans day parade nyc a big event for the region. Knowing the start and end times helps families and supporters enjoy the day fully.

Veterans Day Parade route: Fifth Avenue details

The Veterans Day Parade route runs along Midtown’s main street, Fifth Avenue. It moves north, passing by famous spots and open views. People watching the parade in NYC today can easily find good spots along Fifth Avenue.

With the start near Madison Square Park, the parade flows smoothly. This makes it easy for both the participants and the viewers.

Start: 26th St. and 5th Ave. stepping off northbound

The parade starts at 26th Street and 5th Avenue, moving north. Units gather west and northwest of Madison Square Park. This makes it easy for everyone to get to their place.

Core route on 5th Avenue between 25th Street and 48th Street

The main part of the parade is on Fifth Avenue from 25th Street to 48th Street. This section is where most people watch. It’s well-organized, with clear spaces and breaks managed by the NYPD.

End point near 47th–50th Streets on Fifth Avenue

The parade ends near 47th to 50th Streets on Fifth Avenue. This helps keep traffic moving. Some plans might go up to 50th Street.

Tip: Get there early to see the parade up close. The best spots are around 34th to 42nd Streets.

Street closures today NYC: where and why 5th Avenue is closed

New Yorkers will see street closures around Fifth Avenue for the Veterans Day Parade. The closures ensure marchers and viewers can move safely. Limited vehicle access and controlled crossings are in place.

Plan ahead: Street closures start before the 11 a.m. ceremony and get tighter before the 12:30 p.m. start. Most blocks reopen after the parade and cleanup. But, the exact time depends on NYPD operations.

New York City street closures at NYPD discretion

NYPD and the NYC Department of Transportation manage street closures in real time. Traffic agents adjust barricades and regulate crosswalks. They also keep emergency lanes open.

If you wonder why 5th Avenue is closed longer on one block, it’s often due to crowd volume or cleanup needs.

5th Avenue closed today between 25th Street and 48th Street

The parade corridor makes 5th Avenue closed to cars from 25th Street to 48th Street. This stretch supports floats, military vehicles, and viewing pens. Nearby turns and bus routes may be restricted during the parade.

Why is 5th Avenue closed: parade nyc today 5th ave details

Organizers need a secure path for 20,000 marchers, 150 vehicles, and 25 floats. That’s why 5th Avenue is closed during peak hours. Barricades guide foot traffic and staging near Madison Square Park.

Street closures generally lift after the parade concludes near mid-afternoon. This is pending NYPD clearance.

Road closures NYC: formation, route, and dispersal zones

Plan ahead for road closures nyc tied to the Veterans Day Parade. Expect blocks near Madison Square Park, the core Fifth Avenue route, and Midtown dispersal. These new york city street closures reflect NYPD operations and can shift in real time. Readers asking about philadelphia road closures or washington, dc road closures this weekend should note those are separate advisories.

Formation areas: Broadway W 23rd–W 29th; Broadway between 5th Ave and E 23rd; 5th Ave W 23rd–W 26th

Units form on Broadway between West 23rd Street and West 29th Street. Broadway also closes from Fifth Avenue to East 23rd Street. Fifth Avenue is closed from West 23rd Street to West 26th Street as staging builds.

These nyc streets closed today support lineup, security screening, and vehicle positioning. Arrivals should use alternate north–south corridors west of Seventh Avenue or east of Park Avenue whenever possible.

Cross streets closed near Madison Ave and 6th Ave: 24th–28th Streets

Expect cross-street closures on West 24th Street between Fifth Avenue and Seventh Avenue and on West 25th Street between Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue. East/West 26th, 27th, and 28th Streets close between Madison Avenue and Sixth Avenue for crowd control.

Local deliveries should stage outside barricades and schedule off-peak windows. These new york city street closures are timed to reduce conflicts with parade step-off.

Dispersal: E/W 45th Street between 6th Ave and Madison Ave

Dispersal occurs on East and West 45th Street from Sixth Avenue to Madison Avenue. Marching units clear the route and break down floats here, so curb space is restricted.

Drivers should avoid Midtown crosstown hops through 45th Street. Use 42nd Street or 50th Street as alternates when nyc streets closed today tighten near Rockefeller Center.

Miscellaneous closures: 29th–26th between Madison and 5th; Madison Ave 45th–48th; 6th Ave W 23rd–W 27th

Additional holds include 29th to 26th Streets between Madison Avenue and Fifth Avenue, Madison Avenue from 45th to 48th Streets, and Sixth Avenue from West 23rd to West 27th Streets. Broadway between Liberty Street and Battery Place closes for the Veterans Day Festival.

The core route remains Fifth Avenue between 25th Street and 48th Street. All road closures nyc are at NYPD discretion and may change. For context, searches for philadelphia road closures and washington, dc road closures this weekend refer to different local rules and should be checked separately.

Best viewing spots and tips along the parade in NYC today route

For the veterans day parade nyc, smart placement makes all the difference. The parade in nyc today route rewards early planners with clear sightlines, shorter waits, and better photos. Dress in layers, carry water, and bring a portable charger to keep the camera rolling for service bands and historic units.

Insider tip: Use open cross streets per NYPD guidance to slip into your preferred block. The fifth ave parade today draws big crowds, so plan a meet-up point and stick to it.

Top blocks on Fifth Avenue for unobstructed views

Look to Fifth Avenue between 30th and 40th Streets. Barricades are consistent here, and there are fewer light poles, which means fewer visual hurdles. This stretch offers steady pacing and a great angle on marching units and vehicles.

Fans seeking a calmer scene can slide north toward 45th–48th Streets. As units approach dispersal, the cadence eases, making it easier to frame shots and keep groups together during the parade in nyc today.

Arrive early near Madison Square Park for opening moments

Those who want the first drumbeat should aim for Madison Square Park between 23rd and 26th Streets. Units form up and step off at 12:30 p.m., and the atmosphere is electric. Expect formation closures around 23rd–29th Streets, so enter from open east or west cross streets.

Arriving before noon helps secure curb space and a clean line of sight along the parade in nyc today route. Keep an eye on NYPD barricades and follow directions to avoid bottlenecks.

Accessibility, restrooms, and family-friendly areas

Most corners on Fifth Avenue have curb ramps, and NYPD-designated accessible viewing areas are typically near major intersections. Families often prefer the quieter upper blocks near 45th–48th Streets, where the pace slows during the fifth ave parade today.

Restrooms are available near Madison Square Park, Bryant Park, and retail corridors along Fifth Avenue. Many cafés open facilities to paying customers—plan ahead during the veterans day parade nyc to avoid long waits.

How to watch and where to stream parade coverage

Want to know where to stream parade coverage? Tune in as the NYC broadcast starts. The parade begins at 12:30 p.m. EDT. So, start your stream a few minutes early.

For those wondering about the military parade in DC, note the timing. New York starts at 12:30 p.m. and usually ends around 3 p.m.

Quick tip: Make sure to check your audio, captions, and Wi-Fi for HD before the parade starts. This helps avoid buffering when the parade reaches Fifth Avenue.

FOX 5 NY live stream begins at 12:30 p.m. EDT

FOX 5 NY offers live coverage that starts right at the parade’s official time. Start watching a bit before 12:30 p.m. to catch the parade’s start at 26th Street and Fifth Avenue. You’ll also see appearances by Clinton Romesha, Stephen Peck, and Sunita “Suni” Williams.

Watch on FOX LOCAL app, smart TV, phone, or YouTube

Stream via the FOX LOCAL app on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, or Android TV. You can also watch an un-anchored feed on the FOX 5 NY YouTube channel. If you’re looking for paid options for parade events nationwide, check this streaming price rundown for major services.

Nyc parade today time and broadcast tips

• Join the stream at 12:25 p.m. EDT to check audio, captions, and picture quality before the parade starts.
• Use a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network or a wired connection for stable HD during crowd shots and flyovers.
• Enable notifications on the FOX LOCAL app so you never miss Grand Marshal moments or branch tributes.
• Remember, what time is the military parade in DC doesn’t affect New York’s schedule; follow nyc parade today time for local viewing.

For where to stream parade coverage, start FOX 5 NY a few minutes before the parade starts. Keep captions on for interviews. And stick with New York’s schedule, not DC’s.

Grand Marshals, ceremonies, and notable participants

The veterans day parade nyc celebrates service, courage, and community. People ask when the parade is, but they also want to see the leaders and honor the sacrifices. This year, Fifth Avenue will see a mix of tradition and new energy.

Grand Marshals: Clinton Romesha, Stephen Peck, Sunita “Suni” Williams

Leading the parade are Clinton Romesha, a Medal of Honor winner; Stephen Peck, a Marine Corps veteran; and Sunita “Suni” Williams, a NASA astronaut. Their stories of duty and service highlight the parade’s theme.

Each Grand Marshal shows service beyond the uniform. Their stories make the parade more than just a question of when it is—it shows its importance.

11 a.m. wreath-laying ceremony at Madison Square Park

The day starts with a wreath-laying at the Eternal Light Flagstaff in Madison Square Park at 11 a.m. It honors those who have fallen and brings families, Gold Star survivors, and active-duty personnel together in a moment of silence before the parade.

People often follow updates on social media, like michael weiss twitter, and official guidance for the parade’s schedule and program.

More than 280 marching units representing all eras from WWII

Over 280 units, more than 150 vehicles, and 25-plus floats will march up Fifth Avenue. They represent every era from WWII to today. Service bands, ROTC contingents, and veteran groups keep the parade’s rhythm and spirit alive.

Among the marchers are families across generations and centenarian veterans. Their presence connects the past to the present, making the parade both lively and respectful.

Mayor’s participation and veteran spotlights

Mayor Eric Adams joins the parade and greets units along the way. His presence shows the city’s support for veterans and those currently serving.

Spectators get to meet heroes, from recent veterans to those who served in the 1940s. Community ruck marches and outreach across the city extend the tribute, reminding everyone that remembrance lasts beyond the parade’s end.

Conclusion

The NYC Veterans Day Parade 2025 starts at 12:30 p.m. on Fifth Avenue from 26th Street. It ends around 3 p.m. With 20,000 marchers, over 150 vehicles, and 25 floats, it’s a big event. Grand Marshals include Clinton Romesha, Stephen Peck, and Sunita “Suni” Williams, plus Mayor Eric Adams.

Is there a parade in NYC today? Yes, it’s the city’s main way to honor service on Nov. 11.

Expect NYPD to manage traffic on the route and nearby. Fifth Avenue is closed from 25th to 48th Streets. There are also formation and dispersal zones in Midtown.

For those checking nyc streets closed today, cross-street controls near Madison Avenue and Sixth Avenue are key. The best way to get there is by transit. Arriving early ensures a good spot near Madison Square Park.

Can’t make it in person? Stream the parade on FOX 5 NY, the FOX LOCAL app, or YouTube starting at 12:30 p.m. This year, Fifth Avenue is closed, ensuring safety. For updates, follow official guidance and enjoy the parade.

The parade honors all who served, from World War II to recent times. The answer to is there a parade in NYC today is a proud yes. New York makes it easy to watch, keeping this tradition alive for everyone.