Every year, the holiday season brings with it a magical transformation across the United States, and Macy's is at the forefront of this enchantment. Known for its grandeur and festive spirit, Macy's department stores are a central hub for holiday shopping, entertainment, and festivities. Let's delve into when Macy's decked the halls for Christmas in 2019 and explore what this entails.
The Pre-Season Hype
Before the official decorations hit the stores, there’s an unspoken excitement in the air. In 2019, Macy’s started the holiday buzz even before the traditional Thanksgiving parade. Here’s what happened:
- Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: On the last Thursday of November, the parade traditionally heralds the holiday season. The parade, a cultural icon, was on November 28, 2019, featuring a spectacular array of floats, balloons, and marching bands, ending at Macy’s Herald Square.
- Holiday Windows: Macy’s begins unveiling its world-famous holiday window displays shortly after Halloween. In 2019, these windows began to appear around early November, captivating passersby with animatronic figures, stunning lighting effects, and intricate scenes that tell holiday stories.
- Early Shopping: The anticipation of Black Friday deals also acts as a pre-holiday season hype. Shoppers start visiting Macy’s in droves, looking for early bargains and holiday outfits.
The Official Decking of the Halls
While the early decorations and events set the stage, the grand transformation of Macy’s stores into holiday wonderlands typically follows a meticulously planned timeline:
- Post-Parade: The transformation typically begins right after the Thanksgiving Day Parade. In 2019, the weekend after the parade saw the interior of Macy’s stores become a festival of lights, decorations, and festive music.
- Weekend Blitz: The weekend following Thanksgiving, usually known as Black Friday, marks the official start of Macy’s holiday decorations. This is when Santa arrives in-store, greeting children and shoppers, and decorations like the Christmas tree, seasonal villages, and snow effects are at their peak.
- The Big Tree Lighting: A highlight in many Macy’s locations is the lighting of a giant Christmas tree. For instance, the tree lighting at Macy’s Herald Square took place in early December 2019, often accompanied by celebrity appearances or performances.
Inside Macy’s at Christmas
Macy’s takes the holiday spirit to a new level with:
- Decorations: From ornate garlands to towering Christmas trees, every department transforms into a winter wonderland, with special attention to iconic sections like Toys, Cosmetics, and Home.
- Santa Experience: Santa Claus’s visit is a beloved tradition, with lines stretching across stores to meet him. In 2019, the Santa experience was updated with more interactive elements, photo opportunities, and even Santa’s elves assisting in gift wrapping.
- Holiday Villages: Many Macy’s stores create entire holiday villages, complete with model trains, miniature houses, and simulated snowfalls, providing a picturesque backdrop for shopping and dining.
- Performances and Events: Choirs, carolers, and special holiday events add to the festive atmosphere. A few Macy’s locations even host live ice sculpting or gingerbread house workshops.
Holiday Sales and Promotions
Macy’s Christmas season isn’t just about decoration; it’s also about the sales. Here’s a glimpse into the promotional activities:
- Black Friday and Cyber Monday: These sales events kick off the holiday shopping season, with doorbusters and special deals.
- Friends and Family Sales: Typically, Macy’s holds multiple Friends and Family sales, allowing shoppers to buy gifts at a discount.
- Holiday Gift Guides: Macy’s prepares gift guides for every taste and budget, helping customers find the perfect present.
🎄 Note: The exact dates for in-store events can vary based on location. Always check Macy's events calendar or call your local Macy's for specific event times.
The festive atmosphere created by Macy's each Christmas season is a testament to the enduring magic of the holiday spirit. Whether you're there for the shopping, the sights, or the spirit, Macy's transforms into more than just a department store; it becomes a centerpiece of holiday traditions.
In summary, Macy's decking of the halls in 2019 began in earnest right after Thanksgiving, with a crescendo of events and decorations peaking in December. From the iconic parade to the glow of a thousand lights, Macy's offers a holiday experience that captures the essence of Christmas for people of all ages.
When does Macy’s start decorating for Christmas?
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Macy’s typically begins its Christmas decorations immediately following the Thanksgiving Day Parade, with the bulk of the in-store decorations appearing over the subsequent Black Friday weekend in 2019.
Are there any special events at Macy’s during the holiday season?
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Yes, Macy’s hosts a variety of holiday events such as the Santa Experience, holiday performances, tree lightings, and more. Check your local Macy’s event schedule for details.
Do Macy’s have sales during the Christmas season?
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Macy’s runs various sales throughout the holiday season, including Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Friends and Family events, and special holiday gift guides.
