Hear from NBCUniversal Employees on What It's Like to Bring Holiday Specials to Life

NBCUniversal employees have a longstanding history with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Rockefeller Christmas Tree lighting. From midnight rehearsals on Thanksgiving Day, to watching the evolution of the the tree lighting through the years, employees have seen it all when it comes to bringing these iconic specials to life.

Catch the 98th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 28th and the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting on December 4th on NBC and Peacock.

Geoff Amoral at the The 90th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2016.

What’s your favorite Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and/or Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting memory? 

Rick Juliano, Manager, Staging Operations: There have been so many memorable moments, but the real highlight is watching my team pull together to make these events happen. I’m right there with them, side by side, through all the intense conditions—whether it’s rain, sleet, snow, or ice, and sometimes all of that in one night! With little time and constant changes, my crew consistently delivers, hitting the mark as if they were working under perfect conditions. I’ll never forget looking up at the parade floats and balloons coming down 34th Street with my team or being behind them as they make set changes on stage in front of Prometheus under the tree at Rockefeller Center. Their incredible talent, dedication, and work ethic stand out the most to me. That’s what I remember each year.

Savannah Guthrie, Co-anchor, TODAY and NBC NEWS Chief Legal Correspondent: I remember my first tree lighting and how exciting it was. Not only was it my first tree lighting, but it was the first time I had been in New York for Christmas. That moment was so magical. You’ve seen the tree, but everything comes alive when the lights go on, and the city is so exciting and electric.

Holly Clark, Audio Assistant: Hands down my favorite part of the tree lighting is when the tree lights up for the first time.  It’s just Christmas magic at its best. It’s like 10 seconds where everyone is a child again. For the parade my favorite part is the sunrise on Thanksgiving Day.  We are there at 1 am and to watch the sun come up directly down 34th street which is so cool to see as the Broadway shows get ready to rehearse.  

Ed Helbig, Production Designer: My first Parade was magical! The energy of the crowd, vibrancy of the floats, and balloons is a whole different experience in person, especially being almost directly underneath the balloons.

Monique Reilly, Stagehand: One of my favorite memories is from the first year I worked on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Tree Lighting, where I had the opportunity to see the massive amount of coordination that goes into making it all happen. Regardless of what department you work in, each person makes a difference in creating an atmosphere for thousands of people from all over to witness and to create memories with their families and friends. 

Rick McGuiness, Lighting Director: I am usually working on the uptown opening of the show, which generally features the stars from one of the Broadway shows.  It is always fun to be part of figuring out how to light the street at seven in the morning, a Broadway dance number in the middle of dozens of floats, balloons, clowns, and marching bands.

Geoff Amoral, Lighting Director:  In 2015 the Lighting crew had the pleasure of meeting Santa. He would come down to 34th street around 4AM in his street clothes to do a little survey, and over the next few years we would look forward to seeing him, and one year he even brought us presents!

Dan Villanova, Video Operator: It’s hard to pick just one memory. Most of them center around the crew who are not only outstanding professionals, but just some of the best people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. 

Rick Juliano with his team in front of Macy's Herald Square on 34th Street.

How has the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting changed since you began working on them?

Monique: The scale and complexity have grown a lot. In terms of production, we’ve incorporated more technology, especially when it comes to live broadcasts. The tree lighting, in particular, has become more interactive with streaming components and integration of social media, fans can now be part of the celebration even if they can’t be there in person. We've also seen more elaborate performances and guest appearances, which really keeps the tradition fresh and exciting year after year.

Hoda Kotb, Co-anchor, TODAY and Co-host,TODAY with Hoda & Jenna: The great thing about the parade is it doesn't seem to change much. I think in life, we need things that are consistent, and the parade is just that. You know that you're going to see Snoopy coming down and that Santa is going to be on his sleigh. I think there's something magical and beautiful about that. Sometimes, the entertainment changes, but the essence of the parade is always there. It should be on in your house, in good company and on low volume, while you make the turkey and stuffing. Kelly Clarkson hosts the tree lighting, and she's a superstar - we love her so much. There’s always going to be great music and superstars, but the real star is when we flip the switch for the tree to come on.

Ed: Both shows have grown. The tree lighting was only an hour-long regional show when I started in 1997.  Now it’s three hours with two of those nationally broadcast. That’s a lot more time to fill with performances, scenery, and set dressing. The parade, too, has grown and this year we’re adding some exciting new scenic elements on 34^th street.

Rick M: I think the parade has become more TV friendly over the years.  When NBC first started broadcasting the parade, it just aired what was happening.  Now NBC works with the parade so that all the featured acts get their time on camera, and the popular marching bands, floats, and balloons don’t get missed.

Savannah: The parade gets better each year because they are always trying to innovate. Even though it's been around for almost 100 years, they're always trying to develop new ways to cover it, whether it's a drone in the sky or a 360-view.

Geoff: When I started on the Tree Lighting it was being produced by WNBC and we would do one hour for Local and then an hour for the Network. The Rockefeller Center group had been producing a show for the live audience for years so we added two stages on the Plaza to do musical performances. We  would just shoot the skating rink and the actual tree lighting like it was a sporting event.[ZC1]  After the Network took over it became more of a traditional TV Show.

Rick J: The parade and tree lighting have evolved a lot! We’ve incorporated more advanced technology, interactive displays, and new logistics to keep things running smoothly. Each year, it seems to get bigger and brighter, but at its heart, it remains the same joyful tradition.

Holly Clark in front of the Macy's Herald Square with her colleague, Frank Duca.

What's the most unique aspect of your role working on The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting?

Monique: The most unique aspect of my role is the behind-the-scenes collaboration with so many different departments—from talent management and logistics to technical crews and marketing teams. We all come together to make the magic happen. The atmosphere is always so collaborative, and it's incredible to see how every detail from the floats to the tree decorations comes together into one perfect moment. It’s like orchestrating a live, multi-platform performance on the grandest scale.

Dan: The most unique aspect of my job is helping to integrate the technology from the production trucks into the 30 Rock production ecosystem. As our technology evolves it always presents some unique challenges to solve. 

Rick J: For me, it’s having a front-row seat to the magic behind the scenes, working closely with the crews, and everyone involved to ensure everything goes off without a hitch. As a hands-on leader, I’m right there with my team to assist, make sure they have what they need, and ensure their space remains safe and compliant. We work closely with our excellent security team, who keep the audience clear so that my team can focus on their work. Managing all these moving parts is like conducting an orchestra, balancing the work of skilled carpenters, props, lighting, and scenic artists. There’s something special about seeing it all come together live.

Holly: The most unique aspect of both roles is they are live programs so anything can happen, and you can rehearse every minute for days, but things happen.  Finding the talent in the masses and the chaos of a live show is always fun.  For the parade, it’s fun to jump on and off the floats. 

Monique Reilly at The Tree Lighting in Rockefeller Center with the staging crew.

What makes both of these specials such iconic NBCUniversal holiday traditions?

Savannah: It’s something that the whole country loves and cherishes, and it's so neat that it's part of our tradition, too. It's an honor to host the parade and carry it on NBC. I always am touched by the idea that we're all doing something together, celebrating Thanksgiving. It’s something that unites us and always makes me feel really good, and I’m so proud to be a part of it.

Ed: For me personally I always catch one quiet moment after the tree is lit to reflect on all the ones before and think about the coming new year. But so many people remind me how these events usher in their holiday season and their own family traditions. It wouldn’t be the holiday season without these great events!

Rick M: The parade marks the unofficial start of the Christmas holiday season, so it's nice that NBC can be part of that.

Rick J: It’s a tradition that brings families together, both those watching live and those at home. There's something timeless about seeing the iconic floats, lights, and performances that people look forward to every year. NBCUniversal’s commitment to creating those memories is something I’m really proud of

Geoff: There's something about a parade is all I can say! 

Al Roker, Savannah Guthrie, and Hoda Kotb at the 97th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2023.

What are you most looking forward to as this year's Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting? 

Monique: This year, I'm really looking forward to the overall spectacle. There’s always something new—whether it's a surprise musical guest or a jaw-dropping float and that sense of anticipation keeps the event exciting, even for those of us working behind the scenes. The tree lighting is always a symbol of holiday cheer and community, and it’s always an emotional high point of the night the moment it gets lit.

Hoda: It's the realization that the holiday season has arrived. It's time to put on coats and hats and cozy in. It's time to think about your family, stop the sprinting and slow it all down. These things remind us to usher in the holidays, mark the moment, and just live in it.

Rick M: My lunch hour Thursday morning.  I’m not being facetious.  It comes about 4am, and I get to wander up Central Park West and see all the floats getting ready to head downtown, sometimes watch certain acts rehearse (Cirque du Soleil  was very impressive), and of course, see all the giant balloons lined up on the side streets tied close to the ground before they begin their journey.  

Dan: I’m a sucker for the big moment, when they push the button, and the thousands of lights all jump to life. It reminds me of when I was young and got to stay up late on a school night with my brother sipping on some hot chocolate. 

Savannah: The highlight of the parade is always Santa. There's a little extra electricity when Santa rolls around the corner. You feel like you’re six years old again for one second and it’s a moment that never disappoints.

Edward Helbig in front of the tree in Rockefeller Center.