Sneak Peek At Macy’s Holiday Parade in Seattle

Yesterday our family had quite the treat. I was able to interview Denise Hinton, manager of event operations while my kids got to try on parade costumes. We had a fabulous time and the kids can’t stop talking about the parade. They really want to go watch it, rain or shine the parade will start at 9 AM.

The Holiday Parade route will begin at 7^th and Pine, then travel west down Pine St. to 5^th Avenue, south on 5^th Avenue to University Street, west on University to 4^th, and then north on 4^th to Macy’s doorstep. There are 57 colorful and sparkly entries in this year’s parade. Denise said she LOVES sparkles and puts sparkles on as many floats and people as she can. So expect lots of both.

Fun Props:

I was surprised when Denise said that the parade is geared to ages 6 to 12 because little ones always love the parade. My kids are super excited and every kids under the age of six always seem to be excited about parades. But maybe that’s why they focus on age 6 to 12 because they’re harder to keep interested. Check out these kid costumes and the crayon amazed Miles.

The Macy’s Stars!

And of course my Christmas Presents:

Also enticing to children will be the Dalmatian club. Children and adults will be dressed up as Dalmatians. Parents will be pulling the kids in radio flyer wagons.

And the clowns will be handing out candy in addition to making as many people laugh as they can.

The float I’m most excited to see is the Cinderella Float sponsored by Fifth Avenue Theater. It’s going to be a snowglobe with Cinderalla inside and then her ladies are going to be walking along with some princes. Then ushers are going to be walking before and after the float. Check out these fantastic costumes.

The Parade this year has a few floats and lots of costumes from last year’s New York Macy’s Thanksgiving day parade and will include two new train cars for the candy cane express inflatable float and a new rocking horse inflatable float. The parade will feature 23 inflatable floats, four trailer floats, local high school marching bands, over 500 costumed characters, professional sports teams and community drill teams. I think it would be fun to have the whole family in the parade myself.

I can tell that Denise loves her job and that’s what makes it such a spectacular event. Plus, she was SUPER professional, while I and another blogger was interviewing her, she was told that KOMO was going to be ready for her in 15 minutes. She said they can wait, I’m not done with these guys yet. WOW! She stayed with us until we were done and then went to them. She’s a rock star in my book. Denise also runs the Portland Holiday Parade running the same day as the Seattle Holiday Parade. Be sure to also check out the Holiday Star Lighting Ceremony in conjunction with the annual Seattle Westlake Center tree lighting. The famous 161-foot high, 3,600-bulb Holiday Star is a Seattle favorite. This event begins at 5 p.m. and will include an incredible fireworks display (weather permitting).