The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York is a Christmas tradition across the country. More than 40 million people tune in on television each year to see giant floats, marching bands and entertainers making their way through the streets of New York. But luckily for Seattle residents, we have our very own Seattle Macy’s Christmas Parade. Head downtown the day after Thanksgiving to see floats, marching bands and workout equipment, and more fill the streets of Seattle with the holiday spirit.
After the parade, the holiday season also begins in front of downtown Macy’s, so you can fill your vacation day. Get started with the parade in the morning, visit Santa inside Macy’s, visit the nearby Westlake Center to see the tree, and seize the day of Christmas celebrations.
Parade route and details
The 2018 Seattle Thanksgiving Parade will take place on Friday, November 23 at approximately 9 a.m.
Parade Route: Parade starts at 7th Avenue and Pine, goes two blocks to 5th Avenue and turns left, continues on 5th Avenue from Pine to University, turns right at University and continues for one block, turns right on 4th Avenue and continue to Westlake Center where the parade ends. Click for a map of the parade.
Parade route street closures and many cars going downtown for the event often combine to create worse-than-normal traffic. Get downtown early to give yourself time to park and get a viewing spot or consider taking the bus or monorail (stops at Westlake Center). If you’re driving, your best bet is to park a few blocks away, or park near Downtown Seattle and hop on the monorail or walk to Westlake to avoid disaster and save yourself some stress.
What’s in the parade?
Seattle Macy’s Christmas Parade includes inflatable floats, but instead of the massive floats that the New York parade is known for, most of Seattle’s floats stay closer to the ground. Floats range from snow globes with real people inside them to giant cupcakes and Christmas animals like reindeer and polar bears. Expect tons of holiday-themed floats and characters, too, of course, as well as marching bands, pro athletes, mascots and cheerleaders, vintage cars, and workout gear.
The end of the parade is brought by Santa himself! The parade route ends at the Macy’s store in downtown Seattle, where you can look forward to more fun vacations. After the parade, Santa takes his place inside Macy’s, where he stays for the rest of the Christmas season to snap photos and find out what local kids have on their wish lists.
Where to see the parade
Anywhere along the parade route is perfect to see, but if your plan is to hit Santaland at Macy’s afterward, pick a spot not too far from Westlake so you can (possibly) beat the crowds!
If you are visiting the city or just enjoying unique views of the parade, there are also a few downtown hotels along the parade route, namely Motif Seattle and Fairmont Olympic. Book well in advance if that idea floats into your boat, but count on a unique (and probably much warmer and drier) point of view.
After the parade: Santa, stars and fireworks
After the parade it’s just as fun. Another Seattle tradition begins at the Macy’s store. Venture into the annual Santaland, where Santa goes once he’s done with his parade duties. Children and families can take photos with Santa until December 24, and you can request photos and take them home the same day as your visit.
Around 5 or 6 p.m., Macy’s also lights the star in the front of its store, another Seattle Christmas tradition that has continued for more than 50 years. After the star is lit, and as long as it does not rain, there will be fireworks to end the night well. The star stays on throughout the season, so if you miss the festivities, it will still be there to wish you a happy holiday season later.
Just a couple of blocks away, Westlake Center also has a large Christmas tree that is lit for the first time of the season, usually on the same night. Get there early and maybe you can secure a spot where you can see Macy’s star and tree lit up!
