Mark Your Calendars! The 86th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade® Kicks Off the Holiday Season

NEW YORK, Feb. 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- A global icon of the holiday season returns to bring the nation another year of enchantment, as the 86^th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade® marches down the streets of New York City. On Thursday, November 22, 2012 at 9:00 am, the dazzling spectacle begins! Stepping off with its signature giant helium character balloons, fantasy-filled floats, marching bands, performance groups and a gaggle of clowns, America's Parade promises non-stop pomp and pageantry for spectators young and old.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120222/NY57392-a )
(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120222/NY57392-b )

The Star Attractions

The nation's most beloved Parade will feature a host of new balloons, floats and special performances that will thrill millions of spectators. As the Parade marches on, fans will enjoy seeing returning giant balloon favorites including Kermit the Frog, Paul Frank's iconic monkey Julius, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Buzz Lightyear. Rolling down the center line, the famed spectacular's magical floating stages will transport viewers to worlds of whimsy and delight. For the 86^th march, returning floating wonders include the ZhuZhu Pets® zhany ZHU-NIVERSE!, Discover's Frozen Fall Fun, the Oneida Indian Nation's True Spirit of Thanksgiving, and of course, the one-and-only Santa Claus on his magnificent high-flying sleigh.

Marching Path

As previously announced, the Macy's Parade will inaugurate a new route in 2012. Stepping off from 77^th Street and Central Park West, the Parade will march down to Columbus Circle, where it will turn onto Central Park South, before making its way straight down midtown Manhattan on 6^th Avenue from 59^th to 34^th Streets. The Parade concludes with its final turn onto 34^th Street in front of Macy's Herald Square.

Balloon Giants Take Shape

Long an open secret for many New Yorkers, the Parade's big balloon inflation night has grown to become a grand event attracting more than one million visitors. The revelry begins on Wednesday, November 21^st at 3pm when the entrance to Macy's Parade Balloon Inflation at 79^th Street and Columbus Avenue opens to the public. From there spectators will get an up close peek at the balloon giants as they are inflated in preparation for the big day.  The inflation area is open to the public until 10pm.

A Nationwide Must-See

From the streets of New York City to television screens across the country via NBC-TV, from 9am – 12pm (in all time zones), the holiday season officially begins when the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade steps off at the sound of Let's Have a Parade!

For more information on the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade please visit www.macys.com/parade (starting in Aug. 2012) or call the Macy's Parade hotline at (212) 494-4495.

SOURCE Macy's