Ever since I was a little girl, the Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was always my favorite event of the year. I love waking up Thanksgiving morning, hanging out in my pajamas, and watching the parade with my family. It has always been something I loved and still love to this day. In 2005, I was lucky enough to go to the parade with my family. I still remember loving it and having so much fun. It was such a beautiful day.
Every year after Halloween, I think more and more people go right into the Christmas season. I feel that we overlook Thanksgiving. Every year, stores advertise Black Friday sales, they are even opening on Thanksgiving day. Christmas commercials even being shown a few days before Halloween. Thanksgiving is such a beautiful and underrated holiday, and one of the reasons why I love it so much is because of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Here are 16 reasons why I love this parade.
1. It is the first thing on Thanksgiving Day
The parade starts at 9am, right when you wake up!
2. It’s a classic New York City event
This is the 90th year of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. It has been a tradition on Thanksgiving Day and has been on broadcast since 1952.
3. It brings everyone together- no matter where they are from
The year I went to the parade, we were surrounded by people from all over the United States. My family and I were right next to a family from Texas, who gave everyone around them donuts! It is so nice that this special holiday even can bring everyone together, even strangers.
4. The ABC commentary
There are different channels that broadcast it, but I watch ABC. I love Al Roker and Matt Lauer!
5. Performances from Broadway musicals
Right before the actual parade, they always have previews of Broadway shows perform right in front of the Macy's store. This year, they will feature performances by "The Color Purple," "On Your Feet!," "School of Rock," "Cats," "Waitress," and NBC's broadcast of "Hairspray." As a huge Broadway goer, this has been exciting for me to watch.
6. The NYPD opening the start of the parade every year
I always found it so exciting to see the NYPD on their motorcycles cutting the sign for the official start of the parade. When I was little, waiting for them was like waiting a century!
7. The balloons!
Who doesn't love seeing the balloons?! They have many popular, lovable characters. Its even more amazing to see them being blown up the night before the parade. It's so cool to see how big they are in person and all of the people holding the balloon.
8. The floats!
It is just as awesome to see the floats as it is to see the balloons. Every float has characters from the scene taking place and usually has a performance along with it. My favorite float is shown above, Sesame Street! I remember when I saw the parade, I clearly remember seeing the Animal Planet float with the Crocodile Hunter himself, Steve Irwin. That is something I treasure seeing.
9. The stars!
Every year, there are a lot of celebrities from movies and TV shows involved in the parade. Many singers are also on floats performing their songs. It is great to see how everyone gets excited for this parade.
10. The new balloons added every year
Every year, the parade adds new, popular characters to their line up. This year, they are adding characters from the "Trolls" movie, a new Charlie Brown (!!!), "The Diary of a Wimpy Kid," and an updated Felix the Cat.
11. Tom Turkey
Tom Turkey has been a float featured in the parade since 1971. He has pilgrims surrounded by him, to honor how Thanksgiving historically began. He is a famous float parade goers always look forward to see.
12. My personal favorite balloon: Snoopy
Anyone who knows me knows Snoopy is my favorite cartoon character ever! Even as a child, I was always so excited to see Snoopy the most. There have been different Snoopy balloons featured throughout the years, as well as Charlie Brown. Since Charlie Brown is a balloon this year, I'm not sure Snoopy will be shown too, but I really hope to see my favorite beagle!
13. The high school marching bands
The parade features over 100 marching bands from different high schools around the United States. It's so great to see these talented students perform.
14. A special appearance from Santa Claus!
The parade ends with an appearance from the man himself, Santa Claus! And you know what that means...
15. The ending float with Santa means it is the official start of the holiday season!
That's right, we can get into the Christmas spirit! This is the OFFICIAL start of Christmas and the holidays, not the day after Halloween (at least according to me)!
16. Right after the parade is the Purina National Dog Show
Need something to watch after the parade? Every Thanksgiving is when the Purina National Dog Show is shown immediately after the parade. It is so fun to see cute dogs and try to predict the winners!
