BALLOONACY. The Thanksgiving Day Parade is known all over. The pre-parade balloon inflation is known — and beloved — in the Big Apple. The experience, akin to being in a small town’s Winter Festival, enhances one’s appreciation of the parade, too.

The balloon inflation starts in the late afternoon and continues past sunset, near the Museum of Natural History. Dress warmly and prepare yourself for crowds.

Here’s a Photo_a_Day souvenir from last year.

Photo: David Marc Fischer