Since 1924, New York City has been home to a Thanksgiving celebration that, in the minds of many, officially kicks off the holiday season. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is beloved, attracting millions of in-person viewers each year – not to mention the 30 million watching on TV!
About 11 marching bands perform each year, and with hundreds of applicants, it’s one of the most competitive performance opportunities in the world. A band that performs in the Macy’s parade is truly elite.
At Bob Rogers Travel, we’ve had the privilege of hosting 15 marching bands for this unparalleled event in the last decade alone, creating seamless experiences that capture the magic of performing on the wondrous streets of New York City at the holidays. While every itinerary we create is fully customized to the group we’re working with, we’d love to share some highlights that past Macy’s participants have loved – ready to take a walk through Manhattan with us?
Your New York City Adventure
Whether your group flies or drives, you’ll want your performers to have their feet on New York City sidewalks early in Thanksgiving week, so you have plenty of time to take in all the Big Apple has to offer. There’s just so much to do! From clinics with expert instructors to amazing Broadway shows to famous landmarks and attractions, we’ll make sure you make the most of your time in NYC. Most groups we work with have two full days of sightseeing and exploring before the big day. Student favorites include:

Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular
This stunning holiday show is only a few years younger than the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade itself, with the first show premiering in 1933. An annual favorite for New Yorkers and visitors alike, the Christmas Spectacular features the Radio City Rockettes alongside dozens of other performers, vibrant sets and yes, even a live camel or two!
Rockefeller Center
You’ll be visiting Rockefeller Center just days before the famous Christmas tree is lit, but chances are the towering evergreen will already be there, waiting for its big moment. Students love the iconic ice skating rink, Top of the Rock observation deck and shopping possibilities galore.
Observation Decks
Speaking of observation decks, there are so many to choose from! Whether you opt for the iconic deck of the Empire State Building, the 360° view from Edge NYC or venture to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, Manhattan’s tallest skyscraper, your students will see the Big Apple from a whole new vantage point.
Times Square
No trip to New York City is complete without a stop in Times Square. Day or night, it’s the perfect selfie spot!
By Wednesday evening, we make sure everyone is back at the hotel for an early bedtime – tomorrow is the big day, and you’ll need all the beauty sleep you can get!
Your Parade Day Experience
Your students will board motorcoaches on Thursday morning before dawn, bound for Herald Square and an on-camera dress rehearsal with NBC producers (if it hasn’t already happened earlier in the week). Then you’ll be off to an early-morning breakfast buffet to fuel up for the excitement that lies ahead. Can you believe this is really happening?
From the staging area in Central Park West, you and your students will take a moment to look around and breathe deeply, taking in the sights and sounds of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Then, it’s time! After months of hard work, fundraising and preparation, your band steps off in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Fellow performers ahead of you, giant balloons touching the sky above and crowds as far as the eye can see fill this incredible moment – one you’ll all remember for the rest of your lives.

But the fun doesn’t stop after your parade performance – it’s Thanksgiving after all! Following lunch and some much-needed downtime, your group will celebrate the evening together with a full Thanksgiving dinner. Some of our groups spend the weekend in the city, while others head home on Friday morning – whatever your group is dreaming of for this trip of a lifetime, we’ve got the planning handled.
If you’d like to learn more about what we offer for groups bound for Macy’s or other exclusive events like The Tournament of Roses Parade, our Thanksgiving Parade of Bands and more, let’s connect! We specialize in coordinating travel for these renowned events and would love the opportunity to serve you and your students.