Irving Berlin famously wrote about it in 1933, Judy Garland sang about it in a movie in 1948, and most people have heard of it – New York City’s Easter Parade on Fifth Avenue. But many likely think of this parade in the way that a July 4th event or Macy’s on Thanksgiving deliver it. It is in reality more like a procession, quite unstructured, and anyone can show up in costume or with their cameras to experience this very unique event every Easter Sunday. Originating from the process of dressing up for Easter and promenading from one church to another to see the decorations during the 1800s, it became a formal event in 1890. Today, Fifth Avenue is closed to car traffic on Easter Sunday from 10am to 4pm, and I highly recommend wandering these blocks – whether in your elaborate bonnet or as an admirer of such – if you are able.
The above photos are from Easter 2026. I couldn’t get to the parade early enough to beat the rain, and wondered if anyone would be there. But there were more than I had anticipated, even if the crowds were not what I have experienced in other years. I had realized this spring that I never blogged about this very special event in New York City, and was disappointed when Easter looked to be rainy – but still found it very enjoyable. So if you are ever thinking of attending and it shows rain, don’t be put off! My personal favorite was the dress made from Metrocards (which were retired at the beginning of 2026).
On sunny Easters (I took the photos above on Easter 2025) it can be quite crowded, especially in the blocks immediately around St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It is believed that in the height of the parade’s popularity in the mid-20th century that a million people attended at some point during the six hours Fifth Avenue was pedestrian-only. But more recently estimates are closer to 30,000 – 50,000. If you go to take photos, know that the people in costume want their photo taken; they are there to be seen and appreciated!
I took the photos above on Easter of 2024, another sunny Sunday.
The photos above are from 2023.
The photos above are from 2022. I could keep going back for more memories, as I have seen the Easter parade numerous times and always try to make it to Fifth Avenue to view. If you arrive very early, close to 10AM, or later, 3PM or after, the crowds will be lighter but there may be fewer bonnets and costumes to view as well. But why not get a bonnet and costume and show up if you are able? I think I will one day! Who knows, I might even find myself in the “rotogravure” (basically, in a photo in the Sunday magazine – although these days it would be more likely to be in a photo feature in the New York Times online).
In your Easter bonnet
With all the frills upon it
You’ll be the grandest lady in the Easter parade
I’ll be all in clover
And when they look you over
I’ll be the proudest fellow in the Easter parade
On the avenue
Fifth avenue
The photographers will snap us
And you’ll find that you’re in the rotogravure
Oh, I could write a sonnet
About your Easter bonnet
And of the girl I’m taking to the Easter parade
Julie Brannan, NYC residential real estate 