You Can Once Again Watch The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade In Person This Year

Enlarge this image

The 94th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was held on Nov. 26, 2020, in New York City. Macy’s said the 2021 parade will include new precautions as in-person viewing resumes.

Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Macy’s Inc.

hide caption

toggle caption

Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Macy’s Inc.

Coronavirus Updates
Yes, The Macy’s Parade Is Still Happening This Year — But It’ll Be A Bit Different

Behind The Scenes: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

While the annual parade is set to march down the streets of Manhattan, city and parade officials say several precautions will be in place to ensure the health and safety of parade viewers and participants.

All volunteer participants and staff must be vaccinated against COVID-19 and will be required to wear face coverings and other protective equipment, Macy’s said.

Coronavirus Updates
NYC Becomes Largest U.S. City To Require Proof Of Vaccination For Indoor Activities

In order to follow social distancing guidelines along the parade route, Macy’s will also cut the overall number of participants (everyone from balloon handlers to marching bands) by up to 20% — or approximately 1,600. That’s down from the normal figure of about 8,000.

Last year, parade officials held a modified version of the event due to the rise of COVID-19 cases across the country, with much of the parade being pre-taped over a span of three days for the televised event.

It’s unclear how many people will line the streets this year to watch the parade, which typically draws 2-3 million spectators along the route. Details on public viewing locations and entry guidelines and restrictions will be announced in November.

• Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
• thanksgiving day
• Macy’s
• New York City