Today, Nov 11: NYC Veterans Day Parade—Best 5th Ave Viewing Near Subway Stops

Today and everyday, we’re grateful to the men and women who have put on the uniform of our great country. To those who have served in the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, and U.S. Coast Guard, thank you, you are the best of us.

Quick facts for November 11:

What it is: A U.S. federal holiday honoring all who served in the Armed Forces. It marks the Armistice ending WWI (11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month).
Today’s date: Tuesday, November 11, 2025 (observed the same day since it’s not a weekend).
What’s open/closed:
• Federal offices & USPS: Closed; no regular mail delivery.
• Banks: Generally closed.
• Schools/DMV: Often closed (varies locally).
• Markets: U.S. stock markets open; bond markets closed.
Flag etiquette: Fly the U.S. flag at full staff (Memorial Day is the half-staff one until noon).
Ways to observe (simple & meaningful):
• 11:00 a.m. moment of silence.
• Thank a veteran directly or donate to a reputable veterans’ charity.
• Attend a local parade or ceremony.
• Support veteran-owned businesses.

Here’s what’s happening in New York City for Veterans Day (Tue, Nov 11, 2025):

NYC Veterans Day Parade (America’s Parade)
• Opening ceremony: ~11:00 a.m. at Madison Square Park (Eternal Light Flagstaff) with wreath-laying. Madison Square Park Conservancy
• Step-off: 12:30 p.m. on 5th Ave at 26th St, marching up to 47th/48th St; runs to about 3:30 p.m. New York Post+2CBS News+2
• Grand marshals (2025): Suni Williams (Navy), Clinton Romesha (Army), Stephen Peck (USMC). UWVC
• How to watch: Livestream/TV via local outlets (e.g., ABC7). ABC7 New York
Street closures (Manhattan, at NYPD discretion):
• Route: 5th Ave 25th–48th St.
• Formation/Dispersal & misc. closures: Broadway (Flatiron area), cross streets around 23rd–29th, 45th St between 6th Ave & Madison Ave, and nearby segments. Plan for delays in Flatiron–Midtown. FOX 5 New York+2CBS News+2
Transit notes:
• PATH runs a weekday schedule on Veterans Day. Port Authority NY-NJ
• MTA subways/buses generally run normal weekday service; allow extra time near the parade zone due to detours. (City traffic advisories note event-related closures along 5th Ave.) New York City Government
What’s open/closed locally:
• NYC government offices & courts: Closed today. New York City Government+1
• USPS: Closed; no regular mail. (Private carriers may operate.) NBC New York+1

Here are easy, subway-close viewing spots along the NYC Veterans Day Parade route on 5th Ave (26th–48th St). I’ve picked corners that are (a) right by an exit, (b) have room to breathe, and (c) give you good sightlines.

Flatiron “step-off” energy — 28th St @ 5th Ave (26th–29th St zone)
• Best corners: 28th & 5th (either side).
• Closest subways:
– 28 St (R/W) at Broadway & 28th; 2-min walk east to 5th.
– 28 St (6) at Park Ave S & 28th; 3-min walk west to 5th.
• Why here: thinner crowds near the start; you’ll catch units fresh out of formation.
• Street closures confirm route here. New York City Government+2FOX 5 New York+2
Herald Sq spillover without Times Sq chaos — 34th–36th St @ 5th Ave
• Closest subway: 34 St–Herald Sq (B/D/F/M/N/Q/R/W) at 34th & 6th; use east exits and walk 1 block to 5th.
• Why here: lots of food/coffee + restrooms nearby; good mid-route pacing.
• Route/closures cover this stretch. New York City Government
Iconic backdrop — New York Public Library / Bryant Park (41st–42nd St on 5th Ave)
• Best corners: 41st & 5th (library steps backdrop) or 42nd & 5th (NYPL lions).
• Closest subways:
– 5 Av/42 St (7) and 42 St–Bryant Park (B/D/F/M) with exits between 5th & 6th on 42nd.
– Grand Central–42 St (4/5/6/7/S)—short walk west along 42nd.
• NYPL fronts 5th Ave at 41st–42nd (great photos).
• Note: this spot draws bigger crowds.
Family-friendly pocket — 38th–40th St @ 5th Ave
• Closest subways: 42 St–Bryant Park or Herald Sq, then a short walk.
• Why here: usually easier to slide curbside mid-block, quick retreat options toward Bryant Park or Koreatown.
Near the finish — Rockefeller Center area (47th–48th St on 5th Ave)
• Closest subways: 47–50 Sts Rockefeller Ctr (B/D/F/M) at 6th Ave (many exits along 47th–50th), 1 block to 5th; 49 St (N/R/W) at 7th Ave also works.
• Why here: see units wrap up; festive vibe near Rock Center.
• Expect the densest crowds; arrive earlier.

Quick tips

Arrive ~30–45 min before the units you want to see reach your block. Step-off is 12:30 pm at 26th & 5th, marching north to 47th/48th. New York Post
Crossing 5th Ave: NYPD may restrict cross-overs; use 6th or Madison to move around the grid. Official closures list 5th Ave 25th–48th plus adjacent streets. New York City Government
Sun/Photos: Afternoon sun comes from the southwest—standing on the east side of 5th keeps faces better lit as units head north.