Shopping at Macy’s at the holidays is an experience steeped in tradition. This year is no exception. Across the country, Macy’s will be celebrating the “Magic of Christmas” with such favorites as Macy’s Santaland®, animated holiday windows, tree lightings, fireworks and parades.
“The Magic of Christmas will delight people across the country. With distinctive merchandise assortments and festive store events, Macy’s is pleased to play a part in continuing the traditions of the season for our customers and communities,” said Susan Kronick, vice chair of Macy’s, Inc.
In addition to the 81st Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®, here are some of the Macy’s traditions – old and new – in cities around the country.
Atlanta
THE LIGHTING OF MACY’S GREAT TREE
Thanksgiving Night Nov. 22, 2007, 7-8 p.m., Lenox Square
The Lighting of Macy’s Great Tree, a holiday tradition now in its 60th year, boasts an all-star lineup of talent. Headliners include country stars Big & Rich, Emmy Rossum (“Christine” in the movie version of “Phantom of the Opera”), Grammy Award winners Take 6 and more. The event takes place live Thanksgiving night at Macy’s Atlanta flagship store at Lenox Square and is broadcast on WSB-TV. Entertainment Tonight’s Jann Carl will co-host the one-hour television special, which will be broadcast nationally to most of the U.S. on Saturday, Nov. 24.
THE PINK PIG AT MACY’S LENOX SQUARE
Ride the Pink Pig: Nov. 3, 2007 to Jan. 1, 2008
A treasured holiday tradition for more than 50 years, the Pink Pig was voted “Best Holiday Tradition” by Atlanta Magazine. Generations of Atlantans have ridden the Pink Pig into the holiday season wearing “I Rode the Pink Pig” stickers with pride. Re-introduced in 2003, Priscilla, the Pink Pig carries on the family tradition beneath a 170-foot, 1950s-themed Pink Pig Tent at the Lenox Square upper-level parking deck. The train carries children and parents through a life-sized storybook. Macy’s donates a portion of the proceeds to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
Austin
THE DOMAIN LIGHTING OF MACY’S GREAT TREE PRESENTED BY CADILLAC
Nov. 17, 2007, 6 p.m., entertainment, 7 p.m., tree lighting and fireworks
Miranda Lambert, 2003 finalist on Nashville Star and two-time CMA Horizon Award nominee, will perform as will Aston Teague, the Austin Children’s Choir and the Christian Life Church of Austin Choir. Following the official tree lighting of Macy’s Great Tree and fireworks display, Macy’s will host face-painting elves, strolling carolers and a holiday cookie-decorating demonstration in the store.
Boston
MACY’S CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING AND WINDOW UNVEILING
Nov. 23, 2007, 5-6 p.m., Downtown Crossing
Macy’s officially launches the 2007 holiday season in Boston when the 50-foot Christmas tree atop the Macy’s Summer Street building’s marquee ledge is ceremoniously lit to ring in the season. The evening will be special with performances by Grammy Award-winning recording artist Jon Secada, dancers from the Boston Ballet performing excerpts from “The Nutcracker,” the Boston Children’s Chorus, the official arrival of Santa Claus and much more.
MACY’S AND CITY OF BOSTON ENCHANTED TROLLEY TOUR
Nov. 30 to Dec. 2, 2007
Santa Claus will once again hit the road to bring some Christmas cheer to 15 Boston neighborhoods with the Macy’s Enchanted Trolley Tour and Tree Lightings. Starting November 30th and making stops through December 2nd, Santa will climb on-board with all of his holiday friends to bring delight to children all over Boston with “Merry Christmas” wishes.
Chicago
THE CENTENNIAL GREAT TREE
Nov. 10, 2007 to Jan. 6, 2008
In celebration of the centennial of the Great Tree holiday tradition and the Walnut Room, the Great Tree on State Street will be a two-story holiday vision in lights and color sparkling over the world- famous Walnut Room. This year, the tree will feature Martha Stewart Collection kugels in an array of vibrant colors. (Kugels, German for “balls,” were first used as tree decoration in the mid 1800s.) In addition to the horizontal bands of color created by an assortment of kugels, there will be 15,000 lights on the 45-foot tree and a snowflake tree topper also designed by Martha Stewart. The Great Tree will be officially lighted at Noon, Nov. 10, by Martha Stewart.
40TH ANNUAL ANIMATED HOLIDAY WINDOWS
Nov. 10, 2007 to Jan. 6. 2008
In celebration of the Joffrey Ballet’s 20th anniversary production of “The Nutcracker,” Macy’s on State Street will feature “The Nutcracker” in nine animated windows this season as well as serve as program sponsor for the world-renowned ballet’s anniversary production. “The Nutcracker” story will be told through hand-sculpted figurines, spectacular costumes and exquisite scenery. The annual animated holiday window display at State Street began 40 years ago. Since then, millions of guests have made a visit to the State Street store to see the windows.
COZY CLOUD COTTAGE
Nov. 10, 2007 to Dec. 24, 2007
Macy’s has a long tradition of having Santa Claus in its stores. After a stroll down State Street to see “The Nutcracker” windows, come to the fifth floor Children’s Department to see Santa Claus. Since 1948, millions of children have visited the Cozy Cloud Cottage and had their photographs taken with Santa.
Cincinnati
LIGHT UP THE SQUARE
Nov. 23, 2007, 6-8 p.m.
Santa Claus arrives in his sleigh to light the Macy’s Tree on Fountain Square. Red stars and 3,600 white lights will decorate the enormous tree. There’ll be a skating show on the Square’s ice rink and fireworks to top off the evening!
DOWNTOWN DAZZLE
Saturdays, Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22, 2007, 6:30 p.m.
Watch Santa rappel down the side of a downtown office tower at 525 Vine St., to the Macy’s rooftop at Fountain Square to kick off a spectacular holiday fireworks display. The program will also feature strolling entertainers, holiday characters and music. New this year, live music on Fountain Square with local choral groups, including Macy’s own gospel choir, beginning at 6 p.m. before Dazzle.
CARRIAGE RIDES AT MACY’S CELEBRATION STATION
Every Saturday and Sunday from Nov. 24 to Dec. 23, 2007
Enjoy free horse-drawn trolley carriage rides through the heart of the city courtesy of Macy’s. Boarding at Macy’s Celebration Station on the corner of Fifth and Race streets.
STORY TIME WITH MRS. CLAUS
Saturdays, Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22, 2007
Following Downtown Dazzle Fireworks, head to the first level of Macy’s Fountain Square store for complimentary cookies, hot cocoa and story time with Mrs. Claus.
Detroit
MACY’S THIRD ANNUAL FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR
Friday, Nov. 9, 2007, 7-9 p.m.
A spectacular fireworks display hosted by Macy’s launches the holiday season in style in Detroit. The light show is just a prologue to the big arrival of the night, Santa Claus. He will be making his first appearance of the season, and he’ll be ready to hear the holiday wish lists of children of all ages. Following the fireworks, customers will be invited into the Oakland Macy’s store for holiday festivities, including refreshments, visits with Santa, music, face painters, balloon twisters and holiday cooking demonstrations.
Houston
CADILLAC ICE SPECTACULAR AT THE GALLERIA/ OFFICIAL TREE LIGHTING
Saturday, Nov. 10, 2007, 6 p.m., performances, 6:30 p.m., tree lighting
Special guests of the evening will be Nancy Kerrigan, 1994 Silver Medalist at the Winter Olympics, along with “Princess” (the official character of the Ice Spectacular), Santa Claus and the Polar Ice Drill Team. Following the skating performances and official tree lighting, Macy’s will be spreading holiday cheer with strolling carolers, a holiday cookie decorating demonstration and elves painting faces at both Macy’s stores in the Galleria.
TXU ENERGY UPTOWN HOLIDAY LIGHTING (Uptown Houston on Post Oak Boulevard between San Felipe and Westheimer)
Thanksgiving evening, 5 p.m., entertainment, 7 p.m., tree lighting and fireworks
One of Houston’s favorite family traditions for the past 21 years, the event features more than a half million twinkling lights on 80 Christmas trees and a special appearance by Santa Claus. The Houston Concert Band will perform at the Macy’s stage and holiday entertainers will stroll along the boulevard. Children will participate in the annual sing-along welcoming Santa Claus to the Macy’s stage where he will flip the switch to illuminate Post Oak Boulevard. The evening’s finale will be a fireworks extravaganza at 7 p.m.
Minneapolis
FANTASY WORLD OF “THE NUTCRACKER”
Nov. 10 to Dec. 31, 2007
The Sugar Plum Fairy will have sweet treats for everyone at Macy’s Minneapolis flagship store this year when the 45th annual holiday auditorium display, “The Nutcracker,” opens. The free show will run during store hours. Based on the original story, “The Nutcracker” will unfold through 16 vignettes of vivid scenery, hand-sculpted figurines and ornate costumes. A team of 40 local theatrical artists will create the fantastic world of Clara’s house on Christmas Eve. This year’s event will also feature a large display of antique nutcrackers from Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum. At the end of the display, customers will find The Very Merry Bakery and Gift Shop. Santa will be at Macy’s through Dec. 24 to visit with children and have photos taken. The Holidazzle Parade will run at 6:30 p.m., Thursdays through Sundays, Nov. 23 to Dec. 23.
MACY’S HOLIDAZZLE PARADES
Nov. 23 to Dec. 23, 2007
Minneapolis’ winter wonderland of dazzling lights, holiday music and enchanting characters is back for its 16th season – a season rich in new additions, including a magical new Nutcracker float that will enchant and delight parade-goers of all ages. The Macy’s Holidazzle Parades – presented by the Minneapolis Downtown Council – will run Thursday through Sunday evenings from Nov. 23 through Dec. 23 beginning at 6:30 p.m. More than 500,000 parade-goers will line the sidewalks and skyways to watch the free parades.
New York City
MACY’S HERALD SQUARE
CHRISTMAS WINDOW UNVEILING
Nov. 18, 2007 @ 5:30PM
“SANTA’S BIG NIGHT”
“MIRACLE ON 34th STREET”
MACY’S SANTALAND®- HERALD SQUARE
Nov. 23 to Dec. 24, 2007
As children young and old enter Santaland on the eighth floor of Macy’s Herald Square, the World’s Largest Store, they marvel at this amazing fantasy world of snow-capped mountains, twinkling lights, cuddly bears and candy canes. Each Christmas, visitors from around the world travel through this 13,000 square foot Christmas Village overflowing with holiday treasures for a special visit with the one and only Santa Claus. As proven in the holiday classic, “Miracle on 34th Street,” Macy’s has a very special relationship with the jolly old elf. Making his debut in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Santa spends the rest of the holiday season at his home away from the North Pole at Macy’s Santaland where he meets with more than 350,000 of his closest friends each year.
MACY’S PUPPET THEATRE
Nov. 23, 2007-Dec. 24, 2007
Moose Crossing can be seen in the theatre on the ninth floor after visiting the wonderful world of Santaland. Moose Crossing is a three-act performance of song-filled tales set in the deep woods community of Moose Crossing, U.S.A. (Population 25). Narrated by Walter Cronkite, the scene takes place at the Mooseltoe Lodge, where the cast including Ewell Log, Mischief Makin’ Miner Bob, both voiced by Tony® Award Winner John Tartaglia and other critters gather and sing about daily life at Moose Crossing.
Philadelphia
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Nov. 23, 2007 to Jan. 2, 2008
A beloved Philadelphia tradition for 20 years, “A Christmas Carol” is alive and well in its home at Macy’s Center City. Housed in the Egyptian Room of the famed Wanamaker Building, the 6,000-square-foot walk-through experience is now a holiday mainstay at Macy’s. The Village is recently restored, re-built and re-animated so that Philadelphians will be able to take a trip back in time to 1840s London. With 26 heart-warming scenes, the stage is set for the story of “Scrooge.” Macy’s will have a photo operation that will allow visitors to capture the magic of the exhibit and spirit of the season, as well as, visit and take photos with Santa Claus.
CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOW- Grand Court
Nov. 23 to Dec. 24, 2007
The brilliant holiday spectacle takes a magical journey through the story of “The Nutcracker,” travels to a winter wonderland, pays a visit to “Frosty the Snowman” and ends under the “Magic Christmas Tree.” It will flicker into the hearts of visitors every hour on the hour starting each day at 10 a.m.
CHRISTMAS WINDOWS AT MACY’S CENTER CITY
Nov. 20, 2007, 4 p.m.
It’s a holiday tradition! This year’s windows tell the story of “Santa’s Big Night” as he prepares to embark on the busiest night of his year, Christmas Eve. Follow the jolly old man through an adventure all over the world, and beyond, right up until he celebrates the successful night back at home with Mrs. Claus and the elves at the North Pole. There will be a little “parade magic” as we celebrate the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Kids can march with the band into the store after the windows are unveiled and enjoy holiday crafts and much more.
Pittsburgh
LIGHT-UP NIGHT WITH HOLIDAY WINDOW UNVEILING
Nov. 16, 2007, 7 p.m.
Light-Up Night is the official kick-off to the holiday season in downtown Pittsburgh. The event includes the animated Window Unveiling Ceremony at the downtown store. This year, the windows will feature the story of Cinderella. There will be a variety of family-friendly events to delight everyone, and the evening will be capped off with the Macy’s Fireworks Finale.
CELEBRATE THE SEASON HOLIDAY PARADE presented by Macy’s and WPXI-TV
Nov. 24, 2007, 9 a.m. (live broadcast)
A 27-year tradition in Pittsburgh, the parade offers entertainment for all. Last year, 100,000 people lined the streets of Pittsburgh while others watched on TV. Holiday floats, costumed characters and high school bands marched down Fifth Avenue.
SANTA SHOWS
Nov. 23- Breakfast
Nov. 24- Lunch
Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22 Breakfast and Lunch
For more than 40 years, Santa Shows have provided children and families with a holiday musical stage production while enjoying breakfast or lunch with Santa. The event takes place in the Macy’s Downtown store auditorium.
Portland
MACY’S HOLIDAY PARADE KICKS OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON
Nov. 23, 2007, 8:45 a.m.
With a new route, new floats and a remodeled Macy’s at Meier & Frank Square, children of all ages will be delighted with this year’s Holiday Parade. The streets will be filled with inflatables, high school marching bands, costumed characters and floats featuring a dinosaur, a giant rocking horse, Callie the Caterpillar, and the Candyland Express. Shortly after the parade, Santa arrives at Macy’s new Santaland on the lower level, featuring an exhibit of the monorail and an animated reindeer display. There will be a tree lighting at Pioneer Courthouse Square across the street from the Downtown Macy’s store at 5:30 p.m.
San Francisco
HOLIDAY WINDOWS AT MACY’S UNION SQUARE
Nov. 16, 2007 to Jan. 1, 2008
Macy’s will partner with San Francisco’s Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) to give homeless cats and dogs a second chance to find warm and loving homes. Holiday shoppers can glimpse some of the cutest animals in Macy’s Stockton and O’Farrell Streets windows. A red curtain unveiling of the windows will feature San Francisco 49er, Steve Young. The windows’ theme, “The Magic of Macy’s,” will feature six, five-foot diameter snow globes set within a panorama of San Francisco landmarks. The globes will house live dogs and cats. The centerpiece will be an animated display of the Embarcadero ice rink complete with skating dogs and cats. SPCA representatives will be on site while the pets are on display to answer questions from potential adopters.
18TH ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATES THE YOUNG PATIENTS OF UCSF CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
Nov. 23, 2007, 6:30 p.m.
San Francisco’s most recognized Christmas tree will be officially lit in Union Square. Macy’s gift to the city, an 85-foot California White Fir from Mount Shasta will be adorned with thousands of twinkling lights and 1,500 red and gold ornaments. For the fifth year, Macy’s has made UCSF Children’s Hospital the beneficiary of its annual tree lighting. Anyone can sponsor a light bulb to illuminate the tree and all the proceeds go directly to the hospital. There will be musical performances by the entire cast of the award-winning musical Jersey Boys, and of course, Santa Claus will lead thousands of holiday revelers in a spirited countdown before throwing the switch to light the tree.
SANTA’S HOUSE
Nov. 20 to Dec. 24, 2007
Santa’s House will be in Macy’s Holiday Lane on the sixth floor of Macy’s Union Square store.
Seattle
MACY’S HOLIDAY PARADE
Nov. 23, 2007, 8:45 a.m. (broadcast live by KING5-TV)
The balloon floats and inflatables are making their annual appearance in this Seattle tradition and will incorporate more than 50,000 balloons to form giant floats. New this year is a Kitty Cat Float featuring cats and dogs as well as the Cupcake Float accompanied by six walking cupcakes with four bakers carrying oversized baking utensils. Other floats include a giant gingerbread house, three larger-than-life inflatable Frango™ boxes, Ukranian Nesting Dolls and Pacific NW Ballet’s Nutcracker.
HOLIDAY STAR LIGHTING AND FIREWORKS
Nov. 23, 2007, 5 p.m.
This year, Macy’s celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Holiday Star Lighting Ceremony. Special light-up wands will be distributed on the main floor of the Downtown Seattle store from 2-5 p.m. to commemorate the occasion.
HOLIDAY TRAIN
Nov. 23 to Dec. 31, 2007
The Holiday Train makes its annual debut after the parade in the corner window at Fourth and Stewart Streets. Special remote devices will allow spectators to operate the train during specially designated hours.
SANTA BRUNCHES
Dec. 1, 2, 9, 15, 16, 22 and 23, 2007
Join Santa and his helpers for a delicious breakfast. This year, Macy’s is proud to present Cabaret Productions’ play “The Year Santa Slept In.”
COOKIEFEST
Dec. 8, 2007, 10 a.m.
It’s Seattle’s biggest bake sale, benefiting the Seattle Milk Fund. Thousands of cookies donated by the area’s best bakeries, restaurants, culinary schools, caterers and hotels will be offered for sale in Downtown Seattle Macy’s third floor Stewart Street Room.
St. Louis
MACY’S HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Nov. 21, 2007, 5 p.m.
Macy’s sponsors the annual St. Louis tradition that marks the official kick-off of the holiday season with the illumination of the downtown St. Louis city lights and festivities in Kiener Plaza. Santa will lead the guests to the downtown St. Louis Macy’s store for fun activities for the whole family.
MACY’S HOLIDAY WINDOW UNVEILING
Nov. 21, 2007, 6:45 p.m.
Immediately following the Festival of Lights, guests will be led back to the Macy’s downtown store to unveil the holiday windows. Each season, the model train club, American Flyer S. Gaugers, assembles an elaborate model train display for all to enjoy. The display tradition dates back to 1988. Almost 19 years later, club members and Macy’s carpenters carry on the tradition. Buildings in the display create a local feel for the St. Louis area.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Nov. 23, 2007
Saturdays- Nov. 24-Dec. 22
Sundays- Dec. 9 and 16
For 19 years, Santa has made an appearance in downtown St. Louis for the Breakfast with Santa program at Macy’s. The breakfast includes entertainment from magicians, jugglers, clowns and costumed characters, as well as a visit with Santa and sing-a-long time.
Washington, D.C.
CHRISTMAS WINDOWS AT MACY’S METRO CENTER
Nov. 20, 2007, 4 p.m.
It’s a holiday tradition! This year’s windows tell the story of “Santa’s Big Night” as he prepares to embark on the busiest night of his year, Christmas Eve. Follow the jolly old man through an adventure all over the world and beyond, right up until he celebrates the successful night back at home with Mrs. Claus and the elves at the North Pole. There will be a little “parade magic” as we celebrate the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Kids can march with the band into the store after the windows are unveiled and enjoy holiday crafts and much more.
About Macy’s
Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s Inc. (NYSE:M), delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at more than 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. Offering distinctive assortments including exclusive fashion and home brands, Macy’s stores are operated by seven regionally based retail divisions – Macy’s East, Macy’s Florida, Macy’s Midwest, Macy’s North, Macy’s Northwest, Macy’s South, and Macy’s West – and on line at macys.com.
For Macy’s media materials, please visit our online pressroom at www.macys.com/pressroom.
Contacts:
Media
Jim Sluzewski,
513-579-7764
or
Holly Thomas, 646-429-5250
or
Investor
Susan
Robinson, 513-579-7780
