Macy's Plans To 'Reimagine' Thanksgiving Day Parade For Pandemic

NEW YORK CITY — The coronavirus won't deflate Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, but the balloon-strewn spectacle likely will take on a new shape.

"Following our successful, safe and innovative production of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, it is our intention to similarly reimagine Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade this November," Macy's announced Friday on its website. "Stay tuned for more details later this fall."

Macy's declaration and promise followed Mayor Bill de Blasio's comments Thursday that holiday traditions like Halloween and the parade will continue this year.

But they will make changes to avoid large crowds that can spread the coronavirus, he said.

De Blasio pointed to Macy's Fourth of July fireworks plans this year as a model.

Macy's held mini-fireworks displays throughout the city in the days before the main event, which was significantly shortened.

The Thanksgiving Parade could be similar, de Blasio said.

"I think some is going to be virtual," he said. "It might be some small in-person pieces, spread out pieces. It's not going to look at all, of course, like what we are used to. But the important thing is that traditions will be kept in some way."