The holidays are coming up quick, and that’s more than OK with us. (Even Black Friday will be early this year.) We could all use holiday cheer right now, and for many, that cheer arrives in the form of yearly traditions—like watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade before your feast..
Like everything from shopping to eating at restaurants, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has had to change because of COVID-19. Here’s what to expect from this year’s show.
There Will Be Major Changes
It seems like the parade will look quite a bit different this year, in everything from the lead-up to the event itself. The most obvious change is that there won’t be live spectators allowed (so no wide shots of gigantic crowds packed along NYC streets). The parade itself has been scaled back, and its route changed; it won’t travel its usual 2.5-mile Upper West Side route, instead shifting to a 2-day event recorded by TV cameras. Parts of the show will be broadcast live, while others will be pre-recorded.
Other changes include having 75% fewer participants (and no one under the age of 18, so no high school or college marching bands), and, perhaps most shockingly, the balloons themselves will be anchored to cars—there won’t be anyone holding them and waving.
How Can I Watch the Parade?
If this is your annual Thanksgiving tradition, you’ll be relieved to know that you can tune in to NBC at 9 a.m. ET to catch a mix of floats, balloons and performers. And YES, Santa Claus will still be there!
Snacks to Munch on During the Parade
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Pumpkin Pie Dip
I came up with this rich, creamy pumpkin dip when I had a small amount of canned pumpkin left in the fridge after my holiday baking. It's also great served with sliced pears and apples, or as a spread on zucchini bread. —Laurie LaClair, North Richland Hills, Texas
Pilgrim Hat Cookies
We dreamed up this combination for a yummy treat to take into school before our Thanksgiving break. Everyone loved them! —Megan and Mitchell Vogel, Jefferson, Wisconsin
Gingerbread Caramel Crunch
If you love gingerbread, you won't be able to resist this crispy, crunchy popcorn. Munch it yourself or share it as a tasty gift! —Lynne Weigle-Snow, Alexandria, Virginia
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
My kids start begging me for these cakelike sandwich cookies as soon as autumn arrives. I haven't met a person yet who doesn't like these fun treats. —Deb Stuber, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Roasting pumpkin seeds is easier than it seems. Just hollow a pumpkin out, spice 'em and bake 'em for a fun snack. —Dawn Fagerstrom, Warren, Minnesota
Tom Turkeys
With a little prep work by Mom or Dad, these make a great before-or after-dinner craft project for the kids to enjoy while adults at the feast converse. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Almond-Bacon Cheese Crostini
For a change from the usual toasted tomato appetizer, try this baked crostini recipe. If you like, slice the baguette at an angle instead of making a straight cut. —Leondre Hermann, Stuart, Florida
Easy White Chocolate Party Mix
I get rave reviews every time I prepare this crispy combo of cereal, popcorn, pretzels, nuts and candies. Coated in white chocolate, this mix is great for meetings, parties and gift giving. —Rose Wentzel, St. Louis, Missouri
Turkey Sliders with Sweet Potato "Buns"
In this healthier take on sliders, I sandwich a burger between roasty slices of sweet potato. My wife took one bite and approved these tasty little guys. —Guy Martino, Charleston, South Carolina
Cranberry Nut Swirls
This recipe originated with my sister-in-law. It gets used a lot over the holidays when we want to pull a fast one on the guys in our family. They claim they don't like cranberries in any shape or form, but everyone enjoys these. —Carla Hodenfield, Ray, North Dakota
Pretty Pumpkin Wontons
This is a sensational, easy recipe that is perfect for an appetizer, snack or dessert. Everyone loves how the flavors meld beautifully. I made it up after wanting to put my own twist on some squash ravioli I had at a restaurant. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
Hot Spinach Spread with Pita Chips
Warm and cheesy, this spread is absolutely scrumptious served on toasted pita wedges. Its colorful appearance makes a stunning addition to any buffet. —Teresa Emanuel, Smithville, Missouri
Lemony Gingerbread Whoopie Pies
These spiced-just-right whoopie pies combine two popular flavors in one fun treat. The moist cookies are rolled in sugar before baking for a bit of crunch. —Jamie Jones, Madison, Georgia
Cranberry Brie Pinwheels
People may wonder when you found the time to make these crisp, flaky pinwheels—but they’re really quite easy to do. And the filling is bursting with savory goodness and a touch of sweetness. —Marcia Kintz, South Bend, Indiana
Acorn Treats
You only need three ingredients to make these super simple acorn cookies! —Jane Stasik, Greendale, Wisconsin
Candied Pecans
I pack these easy candied pecans in jars tied with pretty ribbon for family and friends. My granddaughter gave some to a doctor at the hospital where she works, and he said they were too good to be true! —Opal Turner, Hughes Springs, Texas
Holiday Salsa
When we offer this cream-cheesy salsa of fresh cranberries, cilantro and a little jalapeno kick, everyone hovers around the serving dish until it’s scraped clean. —Shelly Pattison, Lubbock, Texas
Spice Cookies with Pumpkin Dip
My husband and two kids are sure to eat the first dozen of these cookies, warm from the oven, before the next tray is even done. A co-worker gave me the recipe for the pumpkin dip, which everyone loves with the cookies. —Kelly McNeal, Derby, Kansas
Turkey Pilgrim Cookies
These darling little gobblers are fun to make and will make all your Turkey Day guests smile. —Taste of Home, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Peanut Caramel Corn
A sweet, crunchy, lighter alternative to traditional caramel corn, this can't-stop-eatin'-it treat won't stick to fingers or teeth! Wonderful for gifts, too. —Lois Ward, Puslinch, Ontario
Rosemary Walnuts
My Aunt Mary started making this recipe years ago. Each time we visited, she would have a batch ready for us. The use of cayenne adds an unexpected zing to the savory combo of rosemary and walnuts. When you need a good housewarming or hostess gift, double the batch and save half for yourself. —Renee Ciancio, New Bern, North Carolina
Spicy Almonds
We like to venture out into the mountain range that surrounds our family cabin. These nuts never taste better than when we enjoy them together at the peak of an amazing hike. Almonds are extremely nutritious, and when dressed up with a wonderful blend of spices, they go from ordinary to awesome! —Gina Myers, Spokane, Washington
Mom's Old-Fashioned Cutouts
Old family memories rush in as soon as I make these traditional cutout cookies. — Lois Smit, Monee, Illinois
Cranberry Pecan Tassies
A traditional pecan tassie is a small tart with nuts. This holiday version adds cranberries. How festive! —Peggy West, Georgetown, Delaware
Cheddar-Pecan Crisps
Lots of holiday treats are sweet. For a change of pace, I fill goodie bags with my cheese crackers. The recipe has a large yield, but you can freeze the dough logs to bake later. —Heather Necessary, Shamokin Dan, Pennsylvania
Glazed Maple Shortbread Cookies
Whenever I visit friends in Lutsen, Minnesota, I make sure to buy maple syrup there because I think it's even better than in Quebec. These delicious cookies can be decorated with sprinkles but they're just fine as is.—Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Mini Mac & Cheese Bites
Young relatives were coming for a Christmas party, so I wanted something fun for them to eat. Instead, the adults devoured my mini mac and cheese. —Kate Mainiero, Elizaville, New York
Festive Holiday Sliders
Turkey sliders with ginger, horseradish and cranberry sauce refrigerate well, so I keep them ready for get-togethers when we bake gifts and wrap presents. —Pamela Miller, Big Rapids, Michigan
Texas Tumbleweeds
Tumbleweeds blow across the roads in some parts of Texas, and I think these cute stacks look like them. I've been making these sweets with my sister for years. —Karen Lemay, Seabrook, Texas
Gentleman's Whiskey Bacon Jam
You can slather this smoky bacon jam on pretty much anything. It lasts only a week in the fridge, so I freeze small amounts for a quick snack with crackers. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Fried Prosciutto Tortellini
My take on Italian street food, these fried tortellini are crunchy, gooey good. For the sauce, use the best quality tomatoes you can find. —Angela Lemoine, Howell, New Jersey
Apple-Gouda Pigs in a Blanket
For New Year’s, I used to make beef and cheddar pigs in a blanket, but now I like apple and Gouda for an even better flavor celebration. —Megan Weiss, Menomonie, Wisconsin
Carrot Spice Thumbprint Cookies
Carrot cake is a family favorite, and these delicious cookies taste just like it with shredded carrots, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, cinnamon and cloves. And they're topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Who could resist? Each cookie is like eating a piece of carrot cake, but with no fork needed! —Susan Bickta, Kutztown, Pennsylvania
Thyme-Sea Salt Crackers
These homemade crackers are decidedly light and crispy. An addictive snack on their own, they also pair well with a sharp white cheddar. —Jessica Wirth, Charlotte, North CarolinaThe post Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Will Be Different This Year—Here’s How appeared first on Taste of Home.
Emily Hannemann