Bells are about to jingle, halls are going to be decked, and pretty soon we will be walking in a winter wonderland. There is perhaps no better tradition that marks the start of the holidays than the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. According to Trip Savvy*, over 40 million people tune in to watch the parade every year!

The good news for Seattlites and city visitors is that we don’t have to take a cross-country trip to experience the magic firsthand, because we have our own version of this timeless tradition. The day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 29th beginning at 9am, it’s Seattle’s Macy’s Holiday Parade! Watch as incredible floats, talented drill teams and marching bands, plenty of characters, mascots, pro sports team players, vintage cars and even Ol’ St. Nick himself make their way through the streets of Seattle.

After the parade, the fun continues in front of downtown Macy’s with a holiday kick off. Ol’ Saint Nick will take his place in the Macy’s store where he will remain for the holiday season to make his list and check it twice, as well as get his photo taken with kids both naughty and nice! Somewhere between 5 and 6pm, Macy’s will light the giant star atop their store, a tradition that has been continued for over 50 years- followed by the Westlake tree lighting at Westlake Center just down the street.

Holiday hints:

• The parade begins at 7th Ave. and Pine and winds its way through the city, ending at Westlake Center. Click here for a parade map, so you can find your perfect vantage point.
• Plan to get there early. Roads are closed throughout the parade route which makes traffic more congested than usual.  You’ll also want to stake out your front row seat!
• This is the Pacific Northwest, so the show goes on rain or shine.
• Tripsavvy.com suggests that if you want a very unique parade view, you reserve a hotel room along the parade route. Check out the Motif Seattle and Fairmont Olympic for a few options.
• Looking for a place to park? Try parking near or in Seattle Center and taking the monorail over to Westlake for a total Seattle experience.

*https://www.tripsavvy.com/seat...