Macy’s kicking off year of celebrations to mark two milestones
Macy’s has big plans for 2026, which marks the the 100th anniversary of its Thanksgiving Day parade and 50th anniversary of its Fourth of July fireworks.
The department store company is launching a year-long initiative, billed as “Celebrations Start at Macy’s,” that includes in-store and online events, as well as activations led by some of its key brands. The initiative is also designed to engage customers to celebrate major events in their lives, such as prom, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.
The year-long celebration will kick off on Saturday, March 7, with prom events nationwide. A marquee in‑store event will be held at Macy’s Herald Square flagship in NYC where customers can meet actress Priah Ferguson and social media personalities PresLee Faith and Jackson Harvey, explore curated prom edits and personalize their looks.
Additionally, some 200 Macy’s stores nationwide will celebrate prom, offering personal styling, live beauty demos, DJs, customization bars, gift bags and “surprise-and-delight moments” designed to build excitement leading up to the big night.
Between March 1 and April 30, Macy’s will offer a roundup and online donation campaign benefiting the Macy’s Prom Fund, which helps students look and feel their best on prom night, supporting organizations including Child Mind Institute, Becca’s Closet, Operation Prom and Altadena Girls.
Additional consumer touchpoints will be held throughout the year, including engaging in-stre events ("Celebration Saturdays") that will mark both big and small celebrations with energized shopping experiences.
Starting in May and marking 50 days from its 50th Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks celebration, Macy’s will offer customers “surprise and delight moments” throughout stores and online channels, as well as an opportunity to attend the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade live in New York City.
"Macy’s has always been at the center of big and small moments and where people come together to celebrate life’s milestones” said Sharon Otterman, chief marketing officer, Macy’s. “With ‘Celebrations Start at Macy’s,’ we’re turning retail into experience, bringing emotion, anticipation and joy into every occasion. From everyday celebrations to our most iconic traditions, Macy’s creates reasons to connect.”
