In This Article:
- The History of the Macy’s Day Parade
- Dance in the Macy’s Day Parade
- Our Macy’s Parade Traditions
- How to Watch the 2024 Macy’s Day Parade
Are you watching the Macy’s Day Parade this Thanksgiving? It’s the 98th Macy’s Day Parade, and for many of us, it marks the official start of the Christmas season. Even though I know some of y’all jump right into holiday mode on November 1st at 12am just as soon as the last trick-or-treater leaves for the night. For me, the Thanksgiving parade has always been that joyful signal to embrace the season.
Since childhood, Thanksgiving mornings have been about waking up early, coming down to the couch, and joining my family to watch the parade on TV. These days, I continue the tradition with my own kids, snuggling on the couch with a cozy blanket and a cup of coffee in hand. Thanksgiving simply wouldn’t feel like Thanksgiving without it. Maybe one day, we’ll even attend in person and see all the excitement up close!
Is the Macy’s Day Parade part of your Thanksgiving tradition too? From the iconic Rockettes to stunning Broadway performances, this parade is a showcase of dance in so many forms, bringing joy to millions and creating unforgettable family memories.
The History of the Macy’s Day Parade
The Macy’s Day Parade has been a staple of American Thanksgiving celebrations since its debut in 1924. Initially intended as a Christmas-themed event, the parade has grown over the decades, showcasing everything from massive character balloons to intricate floats and high-energy dance performances. Originally led by Macy’s employees, the event included real animals from the Central Park Zoo and brought in over 250,000 spectators.
Each year, the parade has grown in size and scale, adapting to modern audiences while keeping some of its original elements intact. Now, nearly 100 years later, millions gather on the streets of New York City or watch on television from home, making it one of the longest-standing Thanksgiving traditions in the United States. If you’re planning on catching it this year, find out more about the 2024 Macy’s Day Parade here.
Dance in the Macy’s Day Parade
The Macy’s Day Parade is an annual highlight for dance lovers, featuring an array of dance styles from ballet and Broadway to majorette teams and contemporary pieces. Dance is on display throughout the entire event, with high-energy performances that bring movement and rhythm to the streets of New York.
The Rockettes are always a crowd favorite, known for their precision, high-kicks, and elaborate costumes that bring the holiday spirit to life. Each year, they deliver an awe-inspiring performance that captivates viewers of all ages. Broadway performances are also a staple of the parade, often featuring top shows from the season, giving us a taste of New York’s famed theater district.
For those of us who love dance, it’s thrilling to see these performances up close, especially from the comfort of home. The range of dance forms on display during the parade offers something for everyone, and the Macy’s Day Parade has truly become a celebration of movement, art, and holiday cheer.
Our Macy’s Parade Traditions
Watching the parade has become an important part of our Thanksgiving Day routine. Whether you’re surrounded by family, preparing a holiday meal, or snuggled up with loved ones, the Macy’s Day Parade is a beautiful reminder of togetherness, joy, and the start of the festive season. I love watching the dancers and sharing this special tradition with my kids.
Do you have any traditions around the Macy’s Day Parade? Share them with us! For some, it’s a morning filled with cooking and family, while for others, it’s all about soaking in the performances and dreaming of the day they might see it live.
How to Watch the 2024 Macy’s Day Parade
If you’re ready to enjoy this year’s parade, tune in to the live broadcast on Thanksgiving morning. It’s a chance to experience the magic of the Macy’s Day Parade from wherever you are and create lasting memories with your loved ones.
If you’re a dance enthusiast or simply love the spirit of Thanksgiving, you’ll enjoy exploring more seasonal dance-related articles on our site. Check out our Thanksgiving & Fall Dance Class Ideas for inspiration, learn about the Nutcracker Season with our resource guide, or discover the joy of community dance events with Ballethnic Fall Festival: A Community Affair.
Happy Thanksgiving, and here’s to keeping our dance and holiday traditions alive!
Happy Dancing!
Taylor B.
