Thousands of people braved the cold on Wednesday (November 27) to watch the inflation of the balloons for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

The event draws about 1 million people over the course of the seven-hour window, all captivated by the opportunity to see the giant balloons take shape and come to life.

Sandbags and netting are used to anchor the balloons in place.

The 93rd annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade begins with the tradition of filling those giant balloons that float down the avenues of Manhattan each year. Spectators are allowed to view the balloons being filled around the American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side from 1pm to 8pm the evening before Thanksgiving.

This event draws about 1 million people over the course of the seven-hour window, all captivated by the opportunity to see the giant balloons take shape and come to life. Sandbags and netting are used to anchor the balloons in place.