The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will not be live this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the news at a press conference Monday.
“It will not be the same parade we’re used to. It will be a different kind of event. They’re reinventing the event for this moment in history,” he said.
The event will be for television only and will not be held on the traditional 2.5 mile route. The floats will instead be secured by vehicles in Herald Square in Midtown Manhattan. Additionally, out of state marching bands will give way to local musicians and performers.
“This year the celebration will shift to a television only special presentation, showcasing the Macy’s Parade’s signature mix of giant character helium balloons, fantastic floats, street performers, clowns and heralding the arrival of the holiday season with the one-and-only Santa Claus,” Macy’s said.
The event draws about 3.5 million in-person viewers and 50 million TV viewers annually.