Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2020: What to Know

Heading into Thanksgiving week it’s clear that this year will be much different than those in the past. Family traditions are being adjusted and put on hold,  and family time will take on a definite different look for many. 

One Thanksgiving day tradition that’s been a staple in many household for years has been watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade from New York City.  Due to COVID-19, that too will take on a different look this year.

We told you back in October that for the first time in their history there will not be a Santa Claus at Macy’s department store this holiday season.  Santa Claus has been a fixture for children to enjoy for 159 years at the New York City department store, but due to COVID-19 Santa will be skipping this year.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving day parade itself also will have notable adjustments, but you can still take in all the excitement. This year there won't be the traditional two-mile route or the mega crowd of millions. Instead, it will be held around Herald Square in Manhattan, where the Macy's flagship department store is located.

This year's parade in New York City will be more of a made-for-TV presentation than usual because of the coronavirus pandemic, but it will feature the signature giant balloons this year although not anchored by human handlers this year, but will instead be pulled by specially-designed vehicles driving in precision.

The floats and Broadway performances that have become a standard of the parade that began back in 1924 will also still be part of the big event. Instead of the many high school marching bands that usually travel in from across the country, the parade will rely on a handful of local marching bands.

 "Safety is our No. 1 priority, and we can't do this without people in the city of New York and the state really supporting us and guiding us along the way," Susan Tercero, the executive producer of the parade said in a interview. 

So gather the family Thanksgiving morning and enjoy a little bit of tradition. The Macy's Thanksgiving Parade will air nationwide on NBC starting at 9 a.m.