Back in action: Macy's says crowds can flock to this year's Thanksgiving Parade

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's ... the parade floats!

New York, New York – This November, you'll be able to see the giant floating Snoopy and Garfield in person once again!

In past years, the parade has drawn huge crowds and thousands of spectators from around the world.
In past years, the parade has drawn huge crowds and thousands of spectators from around the world.  © Lena Grotticelli

This year will be special, as it marks the 95th year of Macy's legendary balloon-filled parade.

It will be even more so with the return of spectators, who flock to the city for the event each year from around the world.

The company behind the world's largest department store announced on Wednesday that the public can once again view its annual Thanksgiving Day Parade live on the streets of New York.

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Last year, the Macy's parade was drastically cut down due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The usual 2.5-mile parade route filled with cheering fans gave way to a boring television broadcast.

"We are thrilled to welcome back in its full form the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade," New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said of the announcement. "We applaud Macy's work to creatively continue this beloved tradition last year."

The company said that only fully vaccinated staff and volunteers can take part in this year's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

In order to maintain social distancing along the parade route, the company will reduce the number of participants by 20% to 1,600.

Macy said that it is still sorting out the issue of public viewing of the balloon inflation, which takes place the night before the parade and also draws huge crowds.

The company added it will continue to monitor the ongoing Covid-19 situation and is always prepared for any emergency.

Public viewing of the Macy's parade will be a different experience this year, as spectators can join only at certain public viewing spots, with safety measures in place.

The company said that it has continued to work closely with the City of New York's office to plan the event, which will keep all health and safety protocols in place.

Macy's said it is cutting down its number of participants this year to help with health and safety.
Macy's said it is cutting down its number of participants this year to help with health and safety.  © Lena Grotticelli
Spectators normally gather for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade outside the Museum of Natural History.
Spectators normally gather for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade outside the Museum of Natural History.  © Lena Grotticelli

And as Santa and his reindeer trot down 34th Street this year, they'll be met by cheers in person once again – another gift to be thankful for.

Cover photo: Lena Grotticelli

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