On Thanksgiving Day 1924, employees at Macy’s Department Store dressed up in eye-catching costumes and paraded to their storied flagship store in Herald Square surrounded by floats, marching bands, live animals borrowed from Central Park Zoo — and Santa. Thanksgiving has never been the same.

If you’re among the thousands who think there’s nothing better than being in the presence of Pikachu, Sponge Bob and 2019 newcomer Astronaut Snoopy when the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade unfurls,  you have choices. You can hit the pavement (the intrepid rise in the wee hours — or camp out overnight — to claim a spot along the route by at least 6.m.).

Or you can check into a hotel along the parade route and and tuck into a room service breakfast as the world’s largest parade passes by. Read more