Tag Archives: Holidays in NYC

Photo Highlights: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Officially Kicks Off Holiday Season

Santa comes to town! The climax to the 97th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, NYC © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

By Karen Rubin, News & Photo Features, news-photos-features.com

Returning for its 97th edition this year, The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® officially ushered in the holiday season on November 23 with the time-honored phrase 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…Let’s Have A Parade™

Returning for its 97th edition this year, The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® officially ushered in the holiday season on November 23 with the time-honored phrase 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…Let’s Have A Parade™ © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

The Macy’s Parade is a massive extravaganza with 16 featured character balloons, 26 floats, 32 heritage and novelty balloons, more than 700 clowns, 12 marching bands and nine performance groups and 5,000 volunteers.

The 97th edition of the beloved tradition kicked off at 8:30 am, extended by 30 minutes, to accommodate more entertainment and spectacle than ever before featuring performances by music legend Cher, Jon Batiste; Bell Biv DeVoe; Brandy; Broadway’s “& Juliet,” “Back to the Future: The Musical,” “How To Dance In Ohio,” “Shucked” and “Spamalot,” with a special appearance by Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells of “Gutenberg! The Musical!;” Chicago; U.S. Olympic Silver Medalist Jordan Chiles; En Vogue; ENHYPEN; U.S. Paralympian Ezra Frech; David Foster and Katharine McPhee; Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors; Jessie James Decker; U.S. Paralympic Gold Medalist Jessica Long; Ashley Park with the cast and Muppets of Sesame Street®; Pentatonix; the Radio City Rockettes®; Paul Russell; Amanda Shaw and Alex Smith; Miss America 2023 Grace Stanke; and Manuel Turizo, many of whom floated down the parade route, enroute to 34th Street.

Jon Batiste, who kicked off the parade, poses with Alabama A&M University Marching Maroon and White (Huntsville, AL) © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

“For nearly 100 years, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been synonymous with the beginning of the holiday season, celebration and togetherness,” said Will Coss, Executive Producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “Our talented team of Macy’s Studios artisans and production specialists work year-round to deliver the nation’s most beloved holiday event, live on Thanksgiving morning. We are proud to hold this responsibility and look forward to sharing our unbelievable designs, larger-than-life character balloons and first-class entertainment, all sure to create lifelong memories for Parade fans nationwide.”

Returning for its 97th edition this year, The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® officially ushered in the holiday season on November 23 with the time-honored phrase 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…Let’s Have A Parade™ © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
TODAY’s” Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker hosted the Emmy®-Award winning celebration © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Ballooning Icons

Taking flight on Thanksgiving were the Parade’s signature character balloons. Since their introduction in 1927, these larger-than-life balloons showcase some of the world’s most beloved and iconic characters.

This year, seven new featured balloons made their debut, including Beagle Scout Snoopy by Peanuts Worldwide; Blue Cat & Chugs by Cool Cats, a digitally native character; Kung Fu Panda’s Po by Universal Pictures’ Dreamworks Animation; Leo by Netflix, Inc.; Monkey D. Luffy by Toei Animation Inc.; Pillsbury Doughboy™ by Pillsbury™; and Uncle Dan by Illumination.

Beagle Scout Snoopy by Peanuts Worldwide© Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Blue Cat & Chugs by Cool Cats, a digitally native character © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
97th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, NYC © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Monkey D. Luffy by Toei Animation Inc. © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Kung Fu Panda’s Po by Universal Pictures’ Dreamworks Animation © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Pillsbury Doughboy™ by Pillsbury™ © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Making a return appearance were featured character balloons including Bluey, joined for the first time by her favorite “Keepy Uppy” red balloon, by BBC Studios; Diary Of A Wimpy Kid® by Abrams Books (who suffered a bit of a mishap on his way down Central Park West); DINO and Baby DINO by HF Sinclair; Goku by Toei Animation Inc.; a Funko Pop!-inspired Grogu™ by Funko ; Chase from Paw Patrol® by Spin Master & Nickelodeon; Pikachu™ & Eevee™ by The Pokémon Company International; Red Titan from “Ryan’s World” by Sunlight Entertainment and pocket.watch; Ronald McDonald® by McDonald’s® USA; SpongeBob SquarePants & Gary by Nickelodeon; and Stuart The Minion by Illumination.

Diary Of A Wimpy Kid® by Abrams Books (who suffered a bit of a mishap on his way down Central Park West) © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Bluey, joined for the first time by her favorite “Keepy Uppy” red balloon, by BBC Studios © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
SpongeBob SquarePants & Gary by Nickelodeon © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
DINO and Baby DINO by HF Sinclair© Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Goku by Toei Animation Inc. a Funko Pop!-inspired Grogu™ by Funko © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Ronald McDonald® by McDonald’s® USA © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Chase from Paw Patrol® by Spin Master & Nickelodeon © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Stuart The Minion by Illumination© Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Funko Pop!-inspired Grogu™ by Funko © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Red Titan from “Ryan’s World” © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Pikachu™ & Eevee™ by The Pokémon Company International © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Balloon handlers showed their strength and skill in keeping the balloons afloat against the cross-town gusts of wind.

Balloon handlers wrestle to keep Goku afloat © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Careful balloon handling © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Keeping the Pillsbury Doughboy flying © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Careful balloon handling © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

The inflatable lineup also included HF Sinclair’s Baby DINOs, the Go Bowling™ balloonicles; Smokey Bear by the USDA Forest Service; A Merry Moment by Universal Orlando Resort featuring candy cane & poinsettia balloons, stilt walkers and dancing Christmas trees; and Macy’s very own special reindeer Tiptoe.

Stiltwalkers delight spectators at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Stiltwalkers delight spectators at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Entertainers on Board

Throughout the streets of New York City and on-board Macy’s signature floating stages spectators enjoyed exhilarating performances from artists including Bell Biv DeVoe; Brandy; Chicago; En Vogue; ENHYPEN; David Foster and Katharine McPhee; Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors; Jessie James Decker; Ashley Park with the cast and Muppets of Sesame Street®; Pentatonix; Paul Russell; Amanda Shaw and Alex Smith; and Manuel Turizo. U.S. Olympic Silver Medalist Jordan Chiles (Gymnastics), U.S. Paralympian Ezra Frech (Track and Field), U.S. Paralympic Gold Medalist Jessica Long (Swimming) and Miss America 2023 Grace Stanke will also join the festivities.

Brandy © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Jimmy Fallon & Roots © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Chicago © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
En Vogue © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Ashley Park with the cast and Muppets of Sesame Street® © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
David Foster and Katharine McPhee © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Miss America 2023 Grace Stanke© Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
En Vogue on Colossal Wave Of Wonder by Kalahari Resorts and Conventions © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Harlem Globetrotters © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Tap Dancing Christmas Trees from California © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Floating Fantasy

The skilled artisans of Macy’s Studios work year-round to create the whimsical designs that float down the streets of New York City on Parade morning. Conceived, designed, engineered and built at the Macy’s Parade Studio – a design and production facility that includes carpenters, engineers, electricians, painters, animators, balloon technicians, sculptors, metal fabricators, scenic and costume designers – these magical stages are created to transport Parade fans across the country to fantastical places.

This year four new floats debuted in the Macy’s Parade celebration. The floating stages, along with their scheduled performers, include Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem by Nickelodeon & Paramount (Bell Biv DeVoe); Palace of Sweets by Brach’s® (Brandy); Igniting Memories by Solo Stove (Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors); and The Deliciously Delectable World of Wonka by Warner Bros. Pictures.

Palace of Sweets by Brach’s® (Brandy) © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem by Nickelodeon & Paramount (Bell Biv DeVoe) © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
The Deliciously Delectable World of Wonka by Warner Bros. Pictures© Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Drew Holcomb © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Returning floats and respective scheduled performers included 1-2-3 Sesame Street® by Sesame Workshop™ (the cast and Muppets of Sesame Street® & Ashley Park); Big City Cheer! by Spirit Of America Productions (Miss America 2023 Grace Stanke); Big Turkey Spectacular by Jennie-O (Paul Russell); Birds Of A Feather Stream Together by Peacock® (with an appearance by U.S. Olympic Silver Medalist Jordan Chiles and U.S. Paralympic Gold Medalist Jessica Long); The Brick-Changer by The LEGO Group (Manuel Turizo); Camp Snoopy by Peanuts Worldwide; Celebration Gator by Louisiana Office of Tourism (Alex Smith & Amanda Shaw).

Toys R Us float © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Birds Of A Feather Stream Together by Peacock® (with an appearance by U.S. Olympic Silver Medalist Jordan Chiles and U.S. Paralympic Gold Medalist Jessica Long © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
The Brick-Changer by The LEGO Group © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Also: Colossal Wave Of Wonder by Kalahari Resorts and Conventions (En Vogue); Deck The Halls by Balsam Hill® (Jessie James Decker); Elf Pets® by The Lumistella Company®; Fantasy Chocolate Factory by Kinder® (Pentatonix); Geoffrey’s Dazzling Dance Party by Toys“R”Us; Harvest In The Valley by Green Giant®; Heartwarming Holiday Countdown by Hallmark Channel (David Foster & Katharine McPhee); Magic Meets The Sea by Disney Cruise Line (Captain Minnie Mouse, Captain Mickey Mouse and Friends); Pinkfong Baby Shark by The Pinkfong Company & Nickelodeon (ENHYPEN); People Of First Light ; Santa’s Sleigh (Santa Claus); Tom Turkey; Winter Wonderland in Central Park; and The Wondership by Wonder (Chicago).

Magic Meets The Sea by Disney Cruise Line (Captain Minnie Mouse, Captain Mickey Mouse and Friends) California © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Fantasy Chocolate Factory by Kinder® (Pentatonix) California © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Heartwarming Holiday Countdown by Hallmark Channel (David Foster & Katharine McPhee) California © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Specialty units for the 2023 Macy’s Parade included Big Red Shoe Car ® by McDonald’s® and the Good Burgermobile by Nickelodeon & Paramount+ .

Kennan & Kel aboard the Burgermobile California © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Completing the float lineup was a special appearance by the Macy’s Singing Christmas Tree, featuring a holiday choir comprised of Macy’s colleagues with Bigs and Littles from Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS). The creation of this special ensemble furthers Macy’s commitment to youth empowerment through its social purpose platform, Mission Every One, celebrating the power of mentorship and a multiyear partnership between Macy’s and BBBS.

Macy’s Singing Christmas Tree, featuring a holiday choir comprised of Macy’s colleagues with Bigs and Littles from Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) California © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Performance Spotlight

Completing the entertainment lineup were dynamic performance groups, charged with entertaining the crowds along the streets of Manhattan and delivering a show-stopping performance on 34th Street. These groups include the Big Apple Circus; Cornell Bhangra from Ithaca, NY; Tiptoe’s Winter Guard, accompanying Tiptoe; the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters; Maria Verdeja School of Arts (MVSA) dancers from Miami; St. John’s Dance; and the Tap Dancing Christmas Trees from California.

Cornell Bhangra from Ithaca, NYCalifornia © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Tiptoe’s Winter Guard, accompanying Tiptoe

Rounding out the performance lineup are the young dancers and cheerleaders of Spirit of America Dance and Spirit of America Cheer. These two groups together include more than 1,200 of the best dancers and cheerleader performers.

Spirit of America cheerleaders California © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Spirit of America Dance (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Strike Up the Band

The Macy’s Parade holds a cherished and longstanding tradition of showcasing the nation’s finest marching bands, including NYPD Marching Band (New York, NY). Also:.

Macy’s Great American Marching Band (United States) California © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
The Band Directors Marching Band (United States) California © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Rutgers University Marching Scarlet Knights (Piscataway, NJ) California © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Greendale High School Marching Band (Greendale, WI) California © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Texas Tech University Goin’ Band from Raiderland (Lubbock, TX) California © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
O’Fallon Township High School Marching Panthers (O’Fallon, IL) California © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Jenison High School Marching Band (Jenison, MI) California © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Alabama A&M University Marching Maroon and White (Huntsville, AL) California © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Marjory Stoneman Douglas Eagle Regiment High School Marching Band (Parkland, FL) California © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Fishers High School Marching Tiger Band (Fishers, IN) California © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Clowns, Clowns!

What’s a NYC parade without a NYC yellow cab? California © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
What’s a NYC parade without a NYC yellow cab? California © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Clowns add to the cheer of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Clowns add to the cheer of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Clowns add to the cheer of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Clowns add to the cheer of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Clowns add to the cheer of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Clowns add to the cheer of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Santa Comes to Town!

The arrival of Santa is the exciting climax to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Santa comes to town! The climax to the 97th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, NYC © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Santa comes to town! The climax to the 97th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, NYC © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Santa comes to town! The climax to the 97th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, NYC © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Santa comes to town! The climax to the 97th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, NYC © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Santa comes to town! The climax to the 97th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, NYC © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Santa comes to town! The climax to the 97th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, NYC © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Delighted spectators welcome Santa to town. Santa comes to town! © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
The Barrett Family has made coming to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade its tradition since 1980. © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Santa comes to town! The climax to the 97th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, NYC © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

The procession marched down its signature 2.5-mile route taking it from Central Park West to Columbus Circle, turning onto Central Park South and then marching down 6th Avenue/Avenue of the Americas. At 34th Street, the Parade made its final turn west and end at 7th Avenue in front of Macy’s iconic Herald Square flagship.  TODAY’s” Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker hosted the Emmy®-Award winning celebration.

The Macy’s parade people are already planning for the 2024 edition, which will mark the 100th anniversary since the first parade, in 1924.

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© 2023 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com, www.huffingtonpost.com/author/karen-rubin, and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near and instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/ Send comments or questions to [email protected]. Tweet @TravelFeatures. ‘Like’ us at facebook.com/KarenBRubin 

NYC Celebrates Holiday Season

The famous Christmas Tree above the Rockefeller Center ice skating rink is a hallmark of the holidays in New York © Karen Rubin/goingplacefarandnear.com

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

The arrival of Santa on his sleigh to close out the 96th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade ushers in the beginning of or the holiday season throughout New York City and the tree lighting at Rockefeller Center means festivities are well underway. 

As one of the most iconic holiday destinations, NYC once again hosts a potpourri of festive experiences, attractions and events across dining, shopping, culture and entertainment throughout the city. Here are highlights:

HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES

A New York City holiday staple: Radio City Rockettes performing Christmas Spectacular Wooden Soldiers © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
  • DREAM BIG: Big Apple Circus Returns to Lincoln Center for 45th Anniversary, Nov. 9–Jan. 1. For eight weeks, Big Top at Lincoln Center will be home to astonishing wonders and daring acrobatics, setting imaginations soaring to the most astounding, awe-inspiring heights.
  • Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes, Nov. 18–Jan. 2 has dazzled audiences of all ages for nearly a century with incredible costumes, festive songs, synchronized high kicks, new acts and several shows daily.
  • A Christmas Carola one-man show on Broadway, Nov. 21–Jan. 1. In this astonishing Broadway adaptation, Tony Award–winning actor Jefferson Mays tackles more than 50 roles in this season’s limited run of A Christmas Carol at the Nederlander Theatre. The beloved Dickens story featuring notable characters—Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the four ghosts—is making its return for the first time since 2019 and will enchant theatergoers with its redemptive story.
  • George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker Presented by New York City Ballet, Nov. 25–Dec. 31 at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center returns for its annual performance featuring exquisite costumes, magnificent sets and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score that transports audiences to a land of twirling snowflakes, leaping candy canes, waltzing flowers and more. On November 27, TDF Autism Friendly Performances will present the first-ever Autism-Friendly Performance of New York City Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker.
  • Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at New York City Center, Nov. 30–Dec. 24, returns to New York City Center for a season that has become a joyous winter tradition. Led by Artistic Director Robert Battle, Ailey’s extraordinary dancers will move audiences with world and company premieres by Kyle Abraham, Jamar Roberts, Paul Taylor, and Twyla Tharp. In addition to repertory favorites, founder Alvin Ailey’s choreography is spotlighted with a new production of Survivors and the staging of over a half dozen classic works, including the must-see American masterpiece Revelations.
  • The Magic Flute Holiday Presentation at The Met Opera, Dec. 16–Jan. 6. The Met Opera’s abridged, English-language version of Mozart’s magical fairy tale is a classic holiday treat for audiences of all ages, bringing the charming story and enchanting music to life. This year’s series features Maestro Duncan Ward, making his company debut conducting Julie Taymor’s irresistible production.

CULTURAL EVENTS

The NY Phil annual tradition returns Dec. 16-17 with the holiday Brass and former Philharmonic Principal Trumpet Philip Smith as host, conductor, and trumpet (Photo by Jennifer Taylor)

HOLIDAY LIGHTS

Amaze Light Festival is the newest holiday attraction in New York City © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
  • Shine Bright Only at Hudson Yards, throughout the holidays, Hudson Yards, Manhattan. Featuring over 2 million twinkling lights, Shine Bright Only at Hudson Yards, presented by Wells Fargo, adorns the neighborhood with 115-miles of string lights, 725 evergreen trees dressed and 16-foot-tall illuminated set pieces in the shape of hot air balloons arranged through the Public Square and Gardens with a 32-foot hot air balloon centerpiece suspended in The Great Room of The Shops and Restaurants.
  • Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Nov. 16–Jan. 8, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn. Explore the garden after dark at the illuminated Lightscape, celebrating the beauty of nature with an enchanting one-mile trail through BBG’s 52-acre landscape. Sold out in its first season, this year’s after-dark, illuminated spectacular features new works of art alongside returning favorites. Enjoy the Winter Cathedral tunnel, Fire Garden and Sea of Light, as well as new site-specific light works by local artists, accompanied by a curated soundtrack.
  • Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights, Nov. 18–Jan. 8, Bronx Park, The Bronx. With more than 360 lanterns representing nearly 90 animal and plant species, Bronx Zoo’s family-centric holiday lights festival will connect visitors with real wildlife and wild places. During the evenings, the park comes to life with holiday cheer as immersive light displays, custom-designed animal lanterns (with some life-size, some larger-than-life-size) and animated light shows sparkle across the zoo. The celebration is complete with seasonal treats, classic holiday music and other festive entertainment. The beloved tradition is sure to enchant visitors of all ages, making it the perfect way to kick off the holidays this year.
  • NYBG GLOW, Select dates from November 18–January 14, Bedford Park, The Bronx. Discover the beauty of New York Botanical Garden through NYBG GLOW, which will illuminate the garden’s landmark landscape and historic buildings after dark with a newly expanded 1.5-mile colorful experience. Building upon sold-out evenings the past two years, the event is expanded across more of the garden’s collections.
  • Amaze Light Festival at Citi Field, Select dates from Nov. 20–Jan. 8, Flushing, Queens. Guests are greeted by the lovable characters Zing and Sparky from the Amaze storybook, who bring the stage dancers, singers and light show to life with their magic powers. Visit the holiday market and grab a treat at Sparky’s Sweet Spot. Enjoy culinary treats, specialty drinks and cocktails. Zip down Zing’s icy Thrill Hill, take in the wonder on a train ride, and write a letter to Santa.
  • NYC Winter Lantern Festival: Journey to the East, Oct. 21–Jan. 8, St. George, Staten Island. The NYC Winter Lantern Festival is back for its fourth year to transform a new venue, SIUH Community Park in Staten Island, into an immersive world of light. Enjoy over eight acres of luminescence, live DJ, projection mapping, food vendors.
  • NYC Winter Lantern Festival: Illuminate the Farm at Queens County Farm Museum, Nov. 11–Jan. 8, Glen Oaks, Queens. Back for its second year, the NYC Winter Lantern Festival transforms Queens County Farm into an immersive and radiant oasis with festive lights and handmade lanterns in the shape of flowers, tractors, farm animals.
  • Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights from A Slice of Brooklyn Bus Tours, Dec. 1–31 (except 24 & 25), Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. Experience the extravagant Christmas light displays in Dyker Heights, also known as “Dyker Lights.” This guided bus tour, departing from Manhattan, offers visitors a special experience to view the uniquely decorated homes, learn about the history and stories of the neighborhood tradition.

ICE-SKATING, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES:

Holidays in New York City: Ice skating at Bryant Park © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
  • The Rink at Rockefeller Center, Nov. 5 throughout the holidays. Skate under the iconic Christmas tree, a quintessential NYC experience on the world-famous rink. In collaboration with Coach, Rockefeller Center will unveil this year’s activations, including a bespoke holiday gift shop, custom hospitality cart serving special treats, and live onsite patch customization for a curated line of Coach products. Santa will join visitors on the ice in December.
  • The Rink at Bryant Park, Oct. 28 throughout the holidays, Midtown Manhattan. Enjoy NYC’s free 17,000-square-foot outdoor ice-skating rink at Bryant Park’s Winter Village. Visitors can also enjoy the Holiday Shops, free shows, events, activities, and eats and drinks at The Lodge.
  • Wollman Rink in Central Park, Oct. 23–throughout the holidays, Midtown Manhattan. Enjoy skating in Central Park with the picturesque Manhattan skyline in the background. This year, Wollman Rink is partnering with Culture Pass.
  •  Classic Harbor Line Holiday-Themed Cruises, throughout the holidays, Manhattan. Enjoy four-course holiday brunch cruises, a Cocoa and Carols cruise and more holiday themes, while sailing across the East and Hudson Rivers with views of the NYC skyline and Lady Liberty.
  • City Cruises Holiday-Themed Cruises, throughout the holidays, Manhattan. Enjoy a NYC dining cruise (available Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s) featuring festive decor, meals and stunning views of the City while sailing across the East and Hudson Rivers from the glass-enclosed deck.

FESTIVE HOLIDAY SHOPPING

  • Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, Oct. 28 throughout the holiday season, Bryant Park, Manhattan.
  • Shop at Grand Central Terminal, Nov. 14–Dec. 24, Midtown Manhattan. Grand Central Terminal welcomes back its famous indoor Holiday Fair to the splendor of Vanderbilt Hall after a two-year hiatus. The Grand Central Holiday Fair is one of New York City’s most coveted attractions, welcoming thousands of locals, commuters and visitors for a curated holiday shopping and gifting experience. This year’s event features 36 vendors, including Ekologic, Garden of Silver and Rebel Designs.
  • Union Square Holiday Market, Nov. 17–Dec. 24, Union Square, Manhattan. Urbanspace’s longest running holiday market returns with over 160 vendors featuring unique gifts created by local craftsmen, artists and entrepreneurs.
  • Brooklyn Flea Holiday Market, Sundays, Nov. 24–Dec. 24, Dumbo, Brooklyn. Come to Pearl Street for Dumbo’s iconic Brooklyn Flea Holiday Market. One of the borough’s most popular attractions, shoppers support local vendors and cross off holiday shopping with vintage and antique items, crafts and gourmet food stands.
  • Grand Holiday Bazaar, Sundays, Nov. 27–Dec. 18, Upper West Side, Manhattan. Find one-of-a-kind handmade holiday decoration and giftable items: candles, skincare, fashion, handbags, vintage accessories and collectibles, handmade jewelry and furniture, rare antique silver and glassware, and of course delicious artisanal treats and foods. Annually, the market provides 1,000 independent local merchants with much-needed affordable retail space.
  • Columbus Circle Holiday Market, Nov. 28–Dec. 24, Upper West Side, Manhattan. Internationally known as one of the most elegant places for holiday shopping, visitors will lose themselves in aisles of art, jewelry, home goods and delicious eats from local artisans and designers, with the backdrop of NYC’s iconic Central Park.

NEW YEAR’S  

New Year’s Eve in Times Square, NYC
  • New Year’s Eve Times Square Ball Drop, Dec. 31–Jan. 1, Times Square, Manhattan: The Waterford Crystal Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball will sparkle in Times Square all season, but watching its descent in person on New Year’s Eve is a spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime way to ring in the New Year. Guests can also stop by the New Year’s Eve Confetti Wishing Wall from December 1 on to submit (in person and online herefor nye wishing wall) a wish for the New Year on a piece of official NYE confetti that will be dropped at midnight as the ball drops. 
  •  NYRR Midnight Run in Central Park, Dec 31–Jan. 1, Midtown Manhattan: Start the new year off on the right—and left—foot at the NYRR Midnight Run. Join the fun and celebrate as 2022 comes to a close; the countdown to 2023 begins at 11:59pm, and at the stroke of midnight, a fireworks display will light up the night sky and kick off the start of the 4-mile race.
  • Coney Island Polar Plunge, January 1, Coney Island, Brooklyn: Each year on January 1, members of the Polar Bear Club and anyone else brave enough to participate venture into the frigid waters at Coney Island. Watch hundreds of daring souls plunge into the Atlantic Ocean, where the temperature of the water hovers right above 40 degrees Fahrenheit and the air temperature can be well below freezing. The event is free, but in lieu of admission, participants are encouraged to donate to community organizations.

For additional holiday celebrations and itineraries, visit nycgo.com/holidays.

For the official source on all there is to see and do in New York City, go to nycgo.com

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© 2022 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com, www.huffingtonpost.com/author/karen-rubin, and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near and instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/ Send comments or questions to [email protected]. Tweet @TravelFeatures. ‘Like’ us at facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Photo Highlights: Holiday Season Officially Underway, With Arrival of Santa at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

The 96th edition of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® got underway with more than 5,000 volunteers, 16 giant character balloons, 28 floats, 40 novelty and heritage inflatables, 700 clowns, 12 marching bands and 10 performance groups, plus a host of musical stars and celebrities, climaxed with the arrival of the one-and-only Santa Claus on his grand sleigh © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® returned to full strength on Thursday, November 24 to usher in the holiday season. The 96th edition of Macy’s iconic spectacle got underway with the cheer 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…Let’s Have A Parade During the course of the parade, hundreds of thousands of onlookers thrilled to see more than 5,000 volunteers, 16 giant character balloons, 28 floats, 40 novelty and heritage inflatables, 700 clowns, 12 marching bands and 10 performance groups, plus a host of musical stars and celebrities, climaxed with the arrival of the one-and-only Santa Claus on his grand sleigh.

Will Coss, Executive Producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, cuts the ribbon to launch the  96th edition of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

 “Since its first march in 1924 and through the decades, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has served to bring joy to the millions who gather nationwide each year to experience it with friends and family,” said Will Coss, Executive Producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, who cut the ribbon to launch the parade. “This November, as we once again set the stage for the start of the holiday season, we are thrilled to showcase another spectacle full of magic and wonder that will help create everlasting memories with loved ones during this special time of year.”

 
Mario Lopez and family ride in the iconic turkey float that leads the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade down Central Park West to 34th Street  © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Stars on 34th Street

Arriving at 34st Street by float were Paula Abdul; Big Time Rush; Cam; Jordan Davis; Blue’s Clues & You! host Josh Dela Cruz; Gloria, Sasha and Emily Estefan; Jimmy Fallon & The Roots; Fitz and the Tantrums; Kirk Franklin; Mario Lopez and family; Ziggy Marley; Miss America 2022 Emma Broyles; the cast and Muppets of Sesame Street®; Sean Paul; the cast of Peacock’s Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin (Adam Devine, Sarah Hyland and Flula Borg); Joss Stone; Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue; Jordin Sparks; Dionne Warwick; Betty Who; and Santa Claus.

Mario Lopez and family ride in the iconic turkey float that leads the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade down Central Park West to 34th Street  © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Ballooning Icons

Conceived during the Parade’s infancy, the giant character balloons have become a signature of the annual celebration. Since 1927, the world’s most popular characters have been transformed into high-flying art in the sky. Originally inspired by marionettes, the Parade’s balloons first debuted as upside down puppets filled with air, which were carried down the Parade route on sticks. The design later evolved to include helium, making them high-flying giants. Over time Macy’s artists innovated creating several types of inflatables including balloonheads (inflated heads sitting atop of a costumed participant), balloonicles (hybrid inflatables with vehicles inside) and most recently, trycaloons (tandem tricycles with an inflated balloon character).

Diary of A Wimpy Kid® by Abrams Books © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
New giants joining the line-up this year included Bluey by BBC © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
DINO and Baby DINO by Sinclair Oil © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
Stuart the Minion from Illumination © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

New giants joining the line-up this year included Bluey by BBC; Diary of A Wimpy Kid®by Abrams Books; DINO and Baby DINO by Sinclair Oil; and Stuart the Minion from Illumination.

A Funko Pop!-inspired Grogu™ by Funko and in partnership with Lucasfilm © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
The classic Pillsbury Doughboy by Pillsbury © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
The Boss Baby from DreamWorks Animation © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Making return appearances to the skies above New York City were giant balloon favorites including Ada TwistScientist by Netflix; Astronaut Snoopy by PEANUTS Worldwide; The Boss Baby from DreamWorks Animation; Goku by Toei Animation; a Funko Pop!-inspired Grogu™ by Funko and in partnership with Lucasfilm;Chase from PAW Patrol®by Nickelodeon; Pillsbury Doughboyby PillsburyRed Titan from “Ryan’s World” by Sunlight Entertainment and pocket.watch; Ronald McDonald®by McDonald’s®USA; Papa Smurf from The Smurfsby Nickelodeon; Pikachu& Eevee™ by The Pokémon Company International; and SpongeBob SquarePants & Gary by Nickelodeon.

Ada TwistScientist by Netflix © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is famous for its giant balloons, a signature of the event since 1927 © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
Goku by Toei Animation © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
SpongeBob SquarePants & Gary by Nickelodeon © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
Smokey Bear by the USDA Forest Service © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
Ronald McDonald® by McDonald’s®USA © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
Astronaut Snoopy by PEANUTS Worldwide © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
Papa Smurf from The Smurfsby Nickelodeon
Red Titan from “Ryan’s World” by Sunlight Entertainment and pocket.watch;

The inflatable lineup also included a new balloonicle of Striker, the U.S. Soccer Star by FOX Sports. Returning inflatables include Sinclair’s Baby DINOs, the Go Bowlingballoonicles; Hot Air Dolly by Universal Orlando Resort, Smokey Bear by the USDA Forest Service; and Macy’s very own special reindeer Tiptoe and Toni the Bandleader Bear.

The inflatable lineup also included a new balloonicle of Striker, the U.S. Soccer Star by FOX Sports, in honor of the US Mens Team playing at the World Cup in Qatar © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
The inflatable lineup also included a new balloonicle of Striker, the U.S. Soccer Star by FOX Sports, in honor of the US Mens Team playing at the World Cup in Qatar © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Floating Fantasy

The Parade’s signature floats transported spectators to magical worlds. Conceived and crafted by the incredible artisans of Macy’s Parade Studio – a design and production facility that includes carpenters, engineers, electricians, painters, animators, balloon technicians, sculptors, metal fabricators, scenic and costume designers – this year’s line-up of floats showcased the animated theatricality that the Macy’s Parade has become world-famous for.

Paula Abdul arrives by Big Turkey Spectacular by Jennie-O float © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
Geoffrey’s Dazzling Dance Party by Toys“R”Us with Jordin Sparks © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

This year five new floats debuted in the Turkey Day celebration, carrying performers: Baby Shark by Pinkfong and Nickelodeon (Ziggy Marley); Geoffrey’s Dazzling Dance Party by Toys“R”Us (Jordin Sparks); People of First Light by Macy’s; Supersized Slumber by Netflix (Ballet Hispánico); and The Wondership by Wonder (Cam).

The cast and Muppets of Sesame Street® © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
The Brick-changer by The LEGO® Group carries Fitz and the Tantrums © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
Big City Cheer by Spirit of America Productions float carries Miss America 2022 Emma Broyles © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
People of First Light by Macy’s © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
Colossal Wave of Wonder by Kalahari Resorts and Conventions carries Sean Paul © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
Everyone’s Favorite Bake Shop by Entenmann’s® © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
Blue’s Clues & You! host Josh Dela Cruz© Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
Birds of a Feather Stream Together by Peacock® © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
Macy’s Singing Christmas Tree (Macy’s Choir) © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The returning float roster and its scheduled performers included 1-2-3 Sesame Street®by Sesame Workshop™ (The cast and Muppets of Sesame Street); Big City Cheer by Spirit of America Productions (Miss America 2022 Emma Broyles); Big Turkey Spectacular by Jennie-O (Paula Abdul); Birds of a Feather Stream Together by Peacock® (Adam Devine, Sarah Hyland and Flula Borg); Blue’s Clues & You! by Nickelodeon (Josh Dela Cruz); The Brick-changer by The LEGO® Group (Fitz and the Tantrums); Celebration Gator by the Louisiana Office of Tourism (Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue); Christmas in Town Square by Lifetime® (Kirk Franklin); Colossal Wave of Wonder by Kalahari Resorts and Conventions (Sean Paul); Deck the Halls by Balsam Hill® (Gloria, Sasha and Emily Estefan); Elf Pets®by The Lumistella Company®Everyone’s Favorite Bake Shop by Entenmann’s®Fantasy Chocolate Factory by Kinder™ (Big Time Rush); Harvest in the Valley by Green Giant® (Jordan Davis); Heartwarming Holiday Countdown by Hallmark Channel (Joss Stone); Her Future is STEM-Sational by Olay (Betty Who); Macy’s Singing Christmas Tree (Macy’s Choir); Magic Meets the Sea by Disney Cruise Line (Captain Minnie Mouse and Friends); Santa’s Sleigh (Santa Claus); Snoopy’s Doghouse by PEANUTS Worldwide; Tom Turkey (Mario Lopez and family); Toy House of Marvelous Milestones by New York Life (Dionne Warwick); and Winter Wonderland in Central Park (Jimmy Fallon & The Roots).

Dionne Warwick on Toy House of Marvelous Milestones by New York Life © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
Sean Paul © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
Ziggy Marley © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
Trombone Shorty © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
Jimmy Fallon & The Roots © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
Gloria, Sasha and Emily Estefan © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Strike Up the Band

Bringing the beat to the holiday revelry were some of the most gifted marching ensembles in the country:  Benedict College (Columbia, SC), Bourbon County High School (Paris, KY), Carmel High School (Carmel, IN), Clovis North Educational Center (Fresno, CA), Delfines Marching Band (Veracruz, Mexico), Macy’s Great American Marching Band (United States), NYPD Marching Band (New York, NY), The Queer Big Apple Corps (New York, NY), South Dakota State University (Brookings, SD), Tarpon Springs High School (Tarpon Springs, FL), University of Missouri (Columbia, MO), and Vandegrift High School (Austin, TX).

University of Missouri Marching Mizzou © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
Queer Big Apple Marching Band © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
 Clovis North Educational Center (Fresno, CA) © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
South Dakota State University (Brookings, SD) © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Performance Spotlight

This year’s lineup of performance groups featured the dazzling dancers of Ballet Hispánico, the hilarious Big Apple Circus, the rhythmic movement of Boss Kids, the artistry of the Fusion Winter Guard, two-steps and high kicks from the Kilgore Rangerettes, the puppeteering skills of Phantom Limb, the iconic stepping of The Sigma Gamma Rho Centennial Steppers, the energetic moves of the St. John’s Dance Team, and the exuberance of Spirit of America Cheer and Spirit of America Dance Stars.

Ballet Hispánico © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
Spirit of America Cheer © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
Big Apple Circus performers © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

More than 700 clowns add to the joy of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

More than 700 clowns add to the joy of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
More than 700 clowns add to the joy of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
More than 700 clowns add to the joy of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
More than 700 clowns add to the joy of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
More than 700 clowns add to the joy of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Spectators lined the parade route from its traditional starting line at 77th Street and Central Park West, down its signature 2.5-mile route from Central Park West to Columbus Circle, turning onto Central Park South and then marching down 6th Avenue/Avenue of the Americas. At 34th Street, the Parade made its final turn west to end at 7th Avenue in front of Macy’s Herald Square.

The crowds erupted with delight as Santa Claus came to town.

Santa Claus comes to town on his sleigh at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
Santa Claus comes to town on his sleigh at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
Spectators line the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® route from the start at 79th Street down Central Park West to 34th Street © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
The crowd erupts with cheers and delight at the sight of Santa Claus on his sleigh to close out the 96th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

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