Thanksgiving is a holiday PACKED with tradition. For what other holiday is the star of the menu set so firmly in stone as the Thanksgiving turkey? There are plenty of other Thanksgiving traditions that are similar from family to family across the U.S. There's even one tradition that families all across the country can take part in together – watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!
Watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a tradition for my family ever since I was a tiny tot. I remember starting to watch it at home in the morning and being so upset if we had to leave for Grandma's house DURING the parade! I was happy if the drive was quick and we got to her house while the parade was still on. Then it was even more fun to finish watching it with more of my relatives. I love that in the modern era we don't have to worry about missing any of the parade since we can rewind it on the DVR! It means we can watch it all morning long and
Now we still watch the parade every year. It's a nice cozy start to the day just snuggled up on the couch eating breakfast (a LIGHT breakfast since we have to save room for that turkey!) and watching the festivities. Since both my husband, Mario, and I were in marching band during high school, the marching bands are our favorite part of the parade. I just soak in the awesome music and flashy uniforms, while he studies the TV to make sure they are all properly in step.
Since Mario was born in the Bronx and raised in New Jersey, he grew up next door to the parade. When we lived there together we had the opportunity to see the parade in person a couple of times. But, in all honesty, I think I like it even better on TV! Besides seeing the parade with its famed giant character balloons, on TV we get to see so many performances in full view.
This year Macy's is adding even more fun to the mix with a new opening of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Grab the whole family and tune in on Thanksgiving morning starting at 9am to see an an all-star ensemble cast of our favorite celebrities from pop culture, stage and TV coming together to sing and dance in an epic performance of Dancin’ in The Street! I can't wait to see that! PLUS, Gwen Stefani will be performing White Christmas at the Bryant Park ice rink surrounded by fans and skaters. I have a feeling the setting will be just beautiful for that – and I actually can't wait to see what Gwen will be wearing!
For more info about the Parade lineup, visit: https://www.macys.com/social/parade/
I want to hear about YOUR traditions, memories and plans for watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!
robin rue says
It’s not officially Thankssgiving until the parade comes on. This year I will be AT the parade and I am so excited.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
We watch the Parade every year. Then we eat a ton of food, watch football, and pass out on the couch. Good times.
Christie Cronan says
We LOVE the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! We watch it every year. We always close out the Thanksgiving holiday by starting our Christmas decorating the day after.
Makeba Giles says
We used to watch the parade, but it was on while we were eating. Plus, the older kids have football on the television.
Liz Mays says
This is such a great tradition! It’s always fun to watch the performances and see what kinds of floats there are each year.
Claudia Krusch says
Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a part of our Thanksgiving tradition. I love to see all the amazing floats and balloons. I would love to go in person one day.
AnnMarie John says
That’s really awesome! I love that you have a tradition like this during Thanksgiving! The parade is definitely fun to watch and it was even more awesome when we lived in NYC! These days, we definitely just watch it on TV.
Diana Elizabeth says
This is a great tradition to bring the entire family even closer on Thanksgiving. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade is a must watch and also a tradition itself!
Carol Cassara says
Watching the parade is a lovely tradition! It’s really amazing when you experience the whole thing live but watching it on TV makes it all convenient. I think it’s one of the things to look forward to this season!
Jocelyn @ Hip Mama's Place says
It’s really awesome to watch the parade with the whole family gathered by the TV! It’s a really nice way to just settle down and enjoy the morning during Thanksgiving.
Theresa says
It’s tradition for us to get up and watch the parade too. I think it would be fun to see it in person, but like you, I think seeing it from the warmth of my home in front of the t.v. sounds like a better option for me.
Kelly || Food, Fun & Faraway Places says
We love watching the parade each year! I love that you have that tradition, it’s so much fun. I love watching it and listening to the different songs that the shows sing!
Sara Welch says
I went to the parade once and it was so amazing. I think this is a really great idea!
Annemarie LeBlanc says
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is such a grand event to witness. I have never been to one but I wish I could someday. For now, as it has been for years, we’re going to watch it on TV.
Pam says
We always try to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. It’s definitely a family tradition.
Shannon Gurnee says
I’ve only ever watched Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on television, but I would love to watch it in person. Sounds like you have some fun family traditions.
Our Family World says
I have never seen the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in person. But I do watch it every year on TV. It is such a spectacular event! Me and my kids never miss watching it. I guess you could consider that tradition too. 🙂
Nicole @ Bento Momentos says
I love watching the parade on TV!! It really gets the Christmas and warm fuzzy feelings going. Since we live on the West Coast, we have to wake up a little earlier to be able to catch up. 🙂