Some might call it a true American classic, others might call it entertainment while awaiting a turkey dinner, and some might skip it altogether, saving their TV time for football.
Whatever camp you might fall into, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a timeless tradition that promises a one-of-a-kind spectacle to mark the beginning of the holiday season in the USA (and abroad).
Think: gigantic balloon characters crowding into the sky, celebrity appearances, intricately constructed decorative floats, and the grand finale: Santa Claus himself.
Some locals might be lucky enough to see it live from the streets of New York City while others can tune in, staying cozy in their jammies—in either case, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a sweet and wholesome tradition that never fails to get viewers into the spirit of autumn and get ready for the other holidays of the season to come.
Why the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is worth the watch
It’s a timeless tradition
More than just about the glitz and glam of the latest new float of hot celebrity of the moment, the parade itself has been part of Thanksgiving mornings across the USA since way back in 1924, which is more than long enough to classify it as a true and cherished piece of American history.
Year after year as it has grown in popularity, becoming ubiquitous with New York Thanksgiving weekend, it has also become a symbol of holiday magic.
Viewers of every age can enjoy the experience of breath-taking over-the-top floats, the magnificence of gigantic balloons of iconic characters, and one-after-the-next performances all celebrate the spirit of togetherness and fun.
Music and theatre on a moving stage
Whether it’s beloved old-school characters like Snoopy or childhood favourites like SpongeBob who soar overhead of the crowds, or perhaps it’s the thrill of show-stopping musical performances, there’s something for everyone of every age and every belief.
Not to mention, the rhythm and beats of marching bands, Manhattan’s best Broadway numbers, and too many celebrity appearances to count, and you’ve got a spectacle that always dazzles.
Fun for the family
With a proven record of consistently pleasant enjoyable content scheduled for the duration of the event, it’s clear that the parade is designed with families and individuals of all types and all ages in mind.
Children will be captivated by the rainbow array of colours and sound, and the enormous balloons floating through the streets, while adults can look forward to the musical performances and appreciate the thoughtful creativity behind the parade’s elaborate floats. It’s the ideal family-friendly event to celebrate the season.
Tips for attending the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
If this is your first time coming to New York City to attend the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, it helps to be prepared for crowds, weather, delays, and more.
Arrive early to secure your spot.
As you can imagine, millions of people attend the parade every year. So don’t leave it to chance – it’s important to arrive early if your goal is to secure a spot with a good view!
Make sure to dress warm… and check the weather!
New York is about as tropical as an ice cube in November. So if you plan to arrive early to secure a spot, make sure to grab your winter jacket, boots, gloves and a blanket to stay warm!
Snag a nearby hotel.
There are tons of hotels scattered right along the parade route. Snagging a room in one of them will make it much easier to secure a good spot. If you’re looking to save a buck or two, staying at a hotel a block or so away is a great option too.
Double check the parade route.
Every year, the parade route gets released on the Macy’s website. Make sure to double check the route to make sure there haven’t been any changes.
Be prepared to wait for a while.
You may be waiting a while before the parade starts, so make sure to bring your device, lots of snacks, and something to keep the kids entertained while you wait.
Bonus tip: Enjoy New York with prepaid mobile data
If you and the fam jam are planning on heading to New York to catch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in person this year, staying connected is a must.
With aloSIM, you can keep in touch wherever you are throughout the event—whether you’re snapping photos of your favourite float or Facetiming family to share an incredible performance.
In addition to posting highlights from the parade, you can also check the latest traffic updates, order food, or check into your hotel—all with an aloSIM eSIM for New York, no need to arrive home to roaming charges or expensive carrier roaming fees.
Just install your eSIM before your trip, and activate your data package on arrival. Easy as pumpkin pie. 🥧
