Update AUgust 18: This trip is now closed. There are waitlist possibilities do please continue through the reservation process to waitlist. Registered travelers may still add Broadway and excursions options as below. Thank you!
Update August 5: NYC Excursions and Broadway options have been added. Read about them HERE, and book them as an option to your package! MACY's WEEK EXCURSION & BROADWAY LINK
Here is how to add a Broadway Show or Excursion to your existing reservation: How to add and option
Update July 2: With the help of the Liberty House Retaurant, we now have additional space for Thanksgiving Dinner with the band (50 more places). Please hurry, we do expect our packages including Thanksgiving Dinner to sell out again!
Updated May 28: The trip has sold-out. Please add your name to the wait list as we are working this week on securing additional space. Thank you!
Update March 19: We expect this trip to sell-out so please, make your reservation soon! Thanksgiving dinner with the band is AGAIN available with your package purchase as we've moved to a larger hall! Those that purchased their package without Thanksgiving Dinner may add tickets and bus transportation ala carte as an "add-on" to your existing package once logged-in to your WeTravel account.
------------------------------------------
What a trip this is going to be!
The most popular holiday parade in America, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, has been a Big Apple tradition since 1924. Attracting more than 3.5 million people to the streets of New York City each year and 50 million TV viewers nationwide, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has become so synonymous with Thanksgiving tradition in NYC that it's often shortened to "The Macy's Day Parade."
Your East Tennessee State University Marching Band is going, and so can you to cheer them on as parents, friends, family, and alumni!
Share in the traditions of this world-class event with the band through their tour partner, Performing Arts Consultants. PAC has taken top-notch bands to this amazing parade for over thirty years and now, we're getting ready to take your Bucs!
Five-day, four-night Packages to NYC and the Parade, staying in the heart of the city at the beautiful Sheraton Times Square Hotel from Monday, November 25 through Friday, November 29, 2024, are available to cheer on the Band.
Additional nights are also available to extend your stay in the city!
WE WILL BE ADDING BROADWAY SHOWS AND NYC ATTRACTIONS for your additional consideration early in 2024!
All pricing shown is "per person," so if you're reserving for two people, select two travelers and list each of your names. List three names for a triple room, four for a quad, etc. Five or more travelers will require two rooms (email for assistance with that). Yes, you can arrange roommates who pay separately (see below).
Additional room nights before and after our trip dates are also available if you'd like to see more of New York City during your stay. Please see "add-ons" for these nights at time of booking! If you need more nights than we're offering, let us know, as we'll have them!
Questions? Email at Lee@usafest.org. Please give me a day or two to respond but, I most certainly will!
Join the band in New York City for the most fabulous of parades, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024!
Right in the "Heart" of the action!
With a stay at The Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, you'll be centrally located in New York City.
Steps from Broadway theaters and Times Square, this 4-star hotel is close to Rockefeller Center and Broadway and most major tourist attractions.
Make yourself at home in one of the 1,780 air-conditioned rooms featuring minibars and flat-screen televisions. Your room comes with a pillowtop bed. Cable programming and video-game consoles are provided for your entertainment, while wireless Internet access (surcharge) keeps you connected. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers.
Additional nights before and after these dates may also booked here (see add-on section after you select your package). If you need additional dates or date combinations, please email Lee Lafleur at lee@usafest.org.
Join the band on Wednesday afternoon at Radio City Music Hall (2 p.m.) for the "Christmas Spectacular" featuring the world famous Rockettes and of course, Santa Claus. Your ticket is included!
You never forget the memories you make at the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes. From the moment you walk into Radio City Music Hall to the very last dazzling dance number, experience the magic that only Rockettes can create. Bring your family for a one-of-a-kind tradition, where wooden soldiers dance, ice skaters glide, snowflakes swirl—and the unmistakable spirit of Christmas in New York City comes alive. Enjoy this Wednesday performance, with the band.
Radio City Music Hall is located just a couple of blocks from your hotel!
Note: Those that purchased their package without Thanksgiving Dinner may add tickets and bus transportation alacarte as an "add-on" to your existing package once logged-in to your WeTravel account.
The Liberty House Restaurant located in Liberty State Park, NJ, offers breathtaking views of the spectacular New York City Skyline.
Happy Thanksgiving!
This cosmopolitan, full-service restaurant and event space is one of the most sought-after locations in New Jersey and we've now reserved it for up to 800 performers, friends, and family on Thanksgiving night!
Their family style Thanksgiving dinner will include baskets of freshly baked Corn Bread and Biscuits, Traditional Fresh Vermont Turkey, Bourbon Glazed Ham, Stuffing, Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Natural Turkey Gravy, Green Beans, Caesar Salad, Fresh Baked Pumpkin Pie with whipped Cream Topping, Soda, Juice, Coffee and Tea. There will also be a cash bar to accompany dinner.
Securing the Liberty House is to enable all of us; band members, families, friends, and Alumni to enjoy a post parade Thanksgiving celebration together.
Dinner and bus transportation from the hotel is again included in your package (a 30-40 minute bus ride for spectacular views at Thanksgiving dinner!)
As we get closer to the BIG PARADE, PAC will add several optional Broadway shows and NYC Tours for you to choose from for your time in New York City! At our discounted group pricing, these are cheaper than you can typically find on your own.
When you see a great flight price to La Guardia, Kennedy, or Newark, grab it! If you need assistance securing airfare, seek out the airline directly to book the “best deal.” We recommend sites like kayak.com or expedia.com, etc., to find the best fare! Airfare is not included in our packages.
**NOTE that MOST AIRFARES ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE UNTIL 330 days out (February 2024).
As you’ll be booking your own airfare, you'll also want to look at arranging your airport transportation as well. There are a variety of options from shuttle buses, to Uber/Taxi, to city bus/subway combinations available to get you to Manhattan and the Sheraton. It's not difficult at all to get to the heart of Manhattan, and not too expensive either by Air Train, subway, or bus.
For example, the Uber fare from LaGuardia to the Sheraton is approximately $46 ($23 each if two of you, $15 each if three, etc.). Air Train, subway, bus combinations are as little as $12 pp and easy to maneuver. Use these numbers in budgeting your expense and Google your route for New York area airport transportation specifics.
PAC will publish our recommendations for transit and directions from all airports closer to the event.
At the Sheraton, we’re staying just off the parade route in the heart of Manhattan and suggest you, your friends and family get an early start to find the best viewing for the parade. We'll send you parade viewing guides as we get closer to the parade date!
Bleacher seats to this parade are not available to the general public and are closely managed by Macy's (and not for sale).
This guide is a year old, but is one of the best we've seen with tips for watching the parade. This information is still valid! https://luxeadventuretraveler.com/tips-for-viewing-the-macys-thanksgiving-day-parade/
We’ve seen a few commercial vendors selling everything from simple reserved parade viewing to gourmet all you can eat and drink packages at $500 or more. Most/all grandstand seats are NOT FOR SALE and most parade viewing, unless you're well-connected, is from the street. There will be plenty of opportunities to line up, and see the parade!
If you are paying for your family member or roommate under your account, there is no need to do anything special at registration.
If your roommate is paying separately under their own account, be sure to add their name and email address when asked at checkout (important) so that we can match you up with them on the hotel rooming list.
As example, if you have two roommates staying with you in a triple room, you will pay for one traveler in a triple room (not three), and list both of your roommate names and email addresses at registration. If by chance they decide not to come however, you will be charged for a double or single room as appropriate.
Your trip of a lifetime to New York City and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade includes (Four-Night Package):
* Four nights’ accommodation at the Sheraton Times Square Hotel in the heart of Manhattan
* A ticket to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular Show with the Band (Wednesday at 2 p.m.).
* Thanksgiving dinner with the band at the Liberty House restaurant including RT transportation from the hotel (note, this offer was sold-out for a while and not included in many purchases).
Your trip does not include (book/reserve on your own):
* Airfare (available about 11 months out)
* Airport Transportation
* Meals, unless noted above
* Optional Broadway shows, tours, and excursions (available Spring 2024 at PAC's group rates)
* Optional travel insurance
* Reserved parade seating
Help support your ETSU Marching Bucs in the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade by clicking this link: www.etsu.edu/bucsonparade and making a donation. We want to encourage you to forward this link to your friends and family as well. Thanks in advance for your support!
CANCELLATION POLICY
A $100 per person cancellation fee is applied to all reservations cancelled after February 1, 2024. Your reservation is fully refundable until then for any reason.
In consideration of non-refundable payments made by Performing Arts Consultants to tour operators, land operators, airlines and other agents associated with travel and/or festival arrangements, accommodations and/or services, the following will apply:
Cancellation for any reason PAC will refund all monies paid minus $100 per person through February 1, 2024.
Trip Insurance MAY assist you with coverage for cancellation.
PAYMENT POLICY
Upon receipt of your invoice, please mark the payment dates on your calendar to maintain a punctual payment schedule. WeTravel will send notices as a reminder. Payments are timed for when PAC needs to pay vendors for your fabulous trip!
Late payments for any reason are subject to a $25 late payment fee.
Checks may be entered online, in addition to most credit cards at WeTravel.com
Click Here For Our Full Terms and Conditions
As the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a truly special event, the above stated cancellation fees supersede those in the link above for this event.
Whereas PAC is not an insurance company, you may purchase trip insurance for the value of your trip at third-party site if you would like. We often use Travel Insured, who) can quote your insurance price and coverage online based on the value of your trip. Travel Insurance, if desired, can be secured directly through them, or your preferred vendor.
Coverage and regulations have changed quite a bit in the Covid era, so please, read your coverage documents carefully! PAC does not see trip insurance directly for adult groups, such as this one.
Four nights (4) Monday Nov 25 checking-out Friday Nov 29 at the Sheraton NYC Times Square Hotel with the East Tennessee State University Friends, Family, and Alumni program for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Additional nights available in add-on section to this website!
Pricing is per person and you can select and pay for all travelers in this room at this interaction; Your roommate(s) may also pay separately using this site, if you prefer, so long as all of you include your roommates name and email address when asked for at check out.
There are two beds in this room. There are four occupants (4) in this room.
Deposit and payment schedules are outlined below.
Your selection includes 4 nights in a QUAD room (4 to a room), all taxes, plus Thanksgiving Dinner and a ticket each to the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular Show as described.
You can pay by check draft at no fee. Credit card fees are paid by the traveler at check out.
Four nights (4) Monday Nov 25 checking-out Friday Nov 29 at the Sheraton NYC Times Square Hotel with the East Tennessee State University Friends, Family, and Alumni program for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Additional nights available in add-on section to this website!
Pricing is per person and you can select and pay for all travelers in this room at this interaction; Your roommate(s) may also pay separately using this site, if you prefer, so long as all of you include your roommates name and email address when asked for at check out.
There are two beds in this room. There are three occupants (3) in this room.
Deposit and payment schedules are outlined below.
Your selection includes 4 nights in a Triple room (3 to a room), all taxes, plus Thanksgiving Dinner and a ticket each to the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular Show as described.
You can pay by check draft at no fee. Credit card fees are paid by the traveler at check out.
Four nights (4) Monday Nov 25 checking-out Friday Nov 29 at the Sheraton NYC Times Square Hotel with the East Tennessee State University Friends, Family, and Alumni program for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Additional nights available in add-on section to this website!
Pricing is per person and you can select and pay for all travelers in this room at this interaction; Your roommate(s) may also pay separately using this site, if you prefer, so long as all of you include your roommates name and email address when asked for at check out.
There is ONE BED in this room choice. There are two occupants (2) in this room.
Deposit and payment schedules are outlined below.
Your selection includes 4 nights in a double room, 1 bed (2 to a room), all taxes, plus Thanksgiving Dinner and a ticket each to the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular Show as described.
You can pay by check draft at no fee. Credit card fees are paid by the traveler at check out.
Four nights (4) Monday Nov 25 checking-out Friday Nov 29 at the Sheraton NYC Times Square Hotel with the East Tennessee State University Friends, Family, and Alumni program for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Additional nights available in add-on section to this website!
Pricing is per person and you can select and pay for all travelers in this room at this interaction; Your roommate(s) may also pay separately using this site, if you prefer, so long as all of you include your roommates name and email address when asked for at check out.
There are TWO BEDS in this room choice. There are two occupants (2) in this room.
Deposit and payment schedules are outlined below.
Your selection includes 4 nights in a double room, 2 beds (2 to a room), all taxes, plus Thanksgiving Dinner and a ticket each to the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular Show as described.
You can pay by check draft at no fee. Credit card fees are paid by the traveler at check out.
Four nights (4) Monday Nov 25 checking-out Friday Nov 29 at the Sheraton NYC Times Square Hotel with the East Tennessee State University Friends, Family, and Alumni program for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Additional nights available in add-on section to this website!
Pricing is per person and you can select and pay for all travelers in this room at this interaction; Your roommate(s) may also pay separately using this site, if you prefer, so long as all of you include your roommates name and email address when asked for at check out.
There is ONE BED in this room choice. There is one occupant (1) in this room.
Deposit and payment schedules are outlined below.
Your selection includes 4 nights in a single room, 1 bed (1 to a room), all taxes, plus Thanksgiving Dinner and a ticket each to the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular Show as described.
You can pay by check draft at no fee. Credit card fees are paid by the traveler at check out.
Four nights (4) Monday Nov 25 checking-out Friday Nov 29 at the Sheraton NYC Times Square Hotel with the East Tennessee State University Friends, Family, and Alumni program for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Additional nights available in add-on section to this website!
Pricing is per person and you can select and pay for all travelers in this room at this interaction; Your roommate(s) may also pay separately using this site, if you prefer, so long as all of you include your roommates name and email address when asked for at check out.
There are TWO BEDS in this room choice. There are two occupants (2) in this room.
Deposit and payment schedules are outlined below.
Your selection includes 4 nights in a double room, 2 beds (2 to a room), all taxes, plus Thanksgiving Dinner and a ticket each to the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular Show as described.
You can pay by check draft at no fee. Credit card fees are paid by the traveler at check out.
No Package. This designation allows travelers without a room to purchase just a show ticket and excursion.
27th and 28th plus Thanksgiving Dinner with the Band!
Meet: 9:15am in the lobby of the Sheraton Times Square Hotel. Departs at 9:30am by guided subway ride to Harlem! Conclude: 12:30pm Friday,
November 29 Only
Includes Lunch in Harlem Price: $99.00
Sixty places available only (60) PLEASE CHECK YOUR FLIGHT SCHEULES BEFORE BOOKING!
Description: Embark on a journey through present-day Harlem – see the people and places of the Harlem Renaissance, and discover why this time in American history was so magical and vital for African-American culture. Delve into the depths of this time in American history with local and extremely knowledgeable guides. Experience some of the most beautiful theaters, ballrooms, and churches in Harlem. Visit the Abyssinian Baptist Church, Alhambra Ballroom, Hotel Theresa and many more. Learn about the numerous jazz clubs, speakeasies and people associated with them along the way uptown Learn about the importance of the 135th Street area to African-Americans in Harlem. Find out where Langston Hughes is buried and the location of Swing Street/Jungle Alley...and more. Requires a short subway ride (with your guide) and YOUR subway ticket (easily available as we board).
FOR Those who purchased their pkg when dinner was sold-out. Includes RT transport from the hotel!
10/1 Update: Available now only by writing Lee@usafest.org
We’ve added another Broadway Show option for Parade week, just for you!
Come see ETSU Alum Allison Guinn bring Jan Crouch to life in the upcoming Broadway production of “Tammy Faye,” which features music by Elton John.
A native of Erwin, TN, and a 2004 ETSU graduate, Guinn is returning to Broadway after her roles in “Hair,” “On the Town,” and a two-year stint on the national tour of “Les Misérables.” Earlier this year, she earned a SAG nomination for her ensemble performance in the hit TV show “Only Murders in the Building,” starring Steve Martin and Martin Short.
PAC has arranged a couple-of-dozen tickets for the Wednesday showing, November 27 at 7pm. Tammy Faye is at the Palace Theater, just a 7-8 minute walk from your Sheraton Times Square Hotel.
“Orchestra 4” seats have been arranged (rear Orchestra) at $149 and are now available in your WeTravel parade account (add this option to your package). Other Broadway and excursion options have been available in WeTravel for a while and expire this Sunday, September 15. Tammy Fate tickets will be available for purchase an additional week through Sunday, September 22.
This option reserves your room one night BEFORE the package on Sun, Nov 24 inclusive of taxes & fees. Full price for up to 4 persons.
This option reserves your room one night AFTER the package on Fri, Nov 29 inclusive of taxes & fees. Full price for up to 4 persons.
This option reserves your room one night AFTER the package on SAT, Nov 30 inclusive of taxes & fees. Full price for up to 4 persons.
We're so sorry for having to add this, and waited an additional 10 days or more past due to charge you, but your payment is overdue.
Special Arrangements