Spring is in bloom at Macy’s Herald Square! The world famous Flower Show spectacular has officially opened its fragrant doors with this year’s theme: Once Upon a Springtime. An original take on fairy tale themes, Macy’s has created its own gorgeous cast of storybook characters that are all brought to life amid vibrant blooms and whimsical sculptures throughout the store. An amazing world of wonder with interactive elements and immersive experiences, the Flower Show is a royal scene that’s fit for princes or princesses of all ages. We love this show and make it a point to visit each and every year.
We were lucky to tour the flowery fete before the public opening! Read on as we discover this spring spectacle, highlight our favorite displays, and give you tips on how to enjoy a flowery trip with the entire family.
Kingdom of Spring – The Macy’s Flower Show
What is the Macy’s Flower Show? Arranged by renowned horticulturalists, this popular show creates ginormous urban sanctuaries of flowers, trees, plants, and more, allowing for visitors to walk through a flowery wonderland when visiting the store. Millions of guests petal in during the two-week exhibition as Macy’s blossoms with themed events, and giant specialty gardens. The famous flower festival happens only in Macy’s marquee stores in Chicago and San Francisco, and of course, New York City. Once Upon a Springtime runs from March 25th through April 8th, and is completely free.
Spring’s Castle Garden
Macy’s Flower Show always creates a magnificent grand entrance piece, and this year it is literally fit for a king. Upon entering the store through its main doors on Broadway, visitors walk directly into a magical kingdom of Spring – entering the show through a grand castle opening . The two story tower is covered in gorgeous shrub topiary and flowers, such as: pink hyacinth, pink roses, stargazer lilies and purple vanda orchids. The flowers continue through the tunnel path, leading the visitor into the show.
Pages of a Story
A stroll through Spring’s castle leads you through the majestic Knight’s Quarters, and the Fairy Godmother’s gardens. Each section of the storybook themed displays are designed to tell the untold story of Spring. In Macy’s fairytale, Spring is the heroine who fights to bring light back to her kingdom. There is even an actual story that Macy’s created for to accompany the show – you can read the official Once Upon a Springtime fairytale HERE.
Cast of Characters
What is a story without characters? Costumed characters will be roaming the show daily. Expect to see magical knights, merchants, and fairy godmothers (we met a merchant during our visit who taught us about potions!). We also heard a rumor that a prince may be looking for his princess in the shoe section. In addition to the characters, there are also many magical flower show events planned, including floral design and classes and chocolate sculpting demonstrations! See the full listing HERE.
Dragons Breath
One of the most showstopping floral displays in the store belongs to that of this FLOWER breathing dragon. The dragon flies high above the makeup counters, within the Enchanted Forest section. In Macy’s Fairytale the dragon is breathing fire across the land, melting the snow and thus, restoring Spring. (We need more dragons like this with the cold Spring NYC has been having!).
A Throne of Thorns
Who is the king or queen of your castle? Visitors can take a royal seat at this Icy Snow Thorne located by the escalators on the main floor. A fun family photo opp for any prince or princesses in the making. Surrounding your majesty: blue cineraria, white azalea, blue hydrangea, calathea “Holiday,” white anthuriums and white orchids.
Ladybug Garden
After you are finished exploring the blooms on the main floor, head upstairs to the balcony level to see the beautiful Ladybug Tea Garden. The garden has thousands of (faux) ladybugs crawling around the plants, and is a fun seek-and-find game for kids.
The Dungeon
Kids not behaving? Throw them in the dungeon! All joking aside – this fun photo opp allows for guests to stand behind bars and pose in a dungeon setting, against the dark beauty of agave attenuata, orchids and red caladium.
The Queen’s Snow Globe
Winter reigns supreme all year long with the Queen Snow’s Magical Snow Globe! This fun immersive experience is easy to miss. It is located on the 8th floor of Macy’s, away from the main floor flowers displays, but worth the trek. Visitors are welcome to enter inside the larger than life snow globe and throw petals within the icy enclave, and have a video created while sitting on her frigid throne. Free and fun for all ages.
Kid Tips:
- The show is wildly popular – expect heavy crowds and swarms of people. Weekends are the busiest. If possible, try to plan your visit for a weekday morning.
- The store windows on the Broadway entrance are themed to the show as well – be sure to exit or enter through these doors to catch the displays.
- All floral displays have signs with information regarding the flowers – but its best to grab a (free) Macy’s Flower Show pamphlet at the door. The pamphlet details all the displays with an easy to follow map.
- Don’t miss the Dungeon and Throne photo opp, both of which are located near to the escalators.
- Petal up an appetite? There are many food options available at Macy’s- including an easy to access cafe downstairs in the basement level that serves a wide range of foods. There is also a full service restaurant Stella 34 on the 6th floor, as well as a Mc Donald’s on the 7th floor (which is also the location of Children’s apparel).
- The closest bathroom to the main floor Flower Show is in the basement level, and easily accessible by the escalator.
- Don’t forget to visit the BIG piano located in the basement! Similar to that of the movie BIG, this giant piano even has ts own separate room with colorful lights and funny mirrors. The perfect place to get in a piano practice, and to try your own version of chopsticks. A must visit.
Once Upon A Springtime
Macy’s Flower Show presents Once Upon a Springtime. Macy’s Herald Square. 151 West 34th Street. Flower show runs from March 25th through April 8th. More on the show HERE.
We’re flower fanatics, and covered last years Flower Show too! Read about our Macy’s Flower Show 2017 experience HERE.
