Nearly 70 years since Macy’s Pink Pig made its debut in Atlanta, a new generation will now be able to enjoy the holiday tradition this season.
The Pink Pig will return for this year’s Georgia Festival of Trees from Nov. 23 to Dec. 1 at the Gas South Convention Center in Duluth. The Pink Pig ride will be unveiled at the opening night gala of the event on Nov. 22.
The Pink Pig originally traversed the ceiling of the toy department of the long-gone Rich’s Department Store in Downtown Atlanta beginning in 1953. A few years later, it moved to the roof of the building and remained a fixture until the store closed in 1991. The Pink Pig was later revived by Macy’s as a train ride on the upper parking deck at Lenox Square before it was retired in 2021.
The new version will transport guests on a ride through the Georgia Festival of Trees displays and cost $5 per rider.
“We are thrilled for the Gas South Convention Center to be the new home of the Georgia Festival of Trees!” said Stan Hall, CEO at Gas South District, said in a press release. “The festival is the premier event to kick off the holiday season, and with this year’s grand debut of the Pink Pig, it’s the perfect time for our Gwinnett community to embrace this beloved tradition.”
Georgia Festival of Trees is an eight-day festival featuring a display of Christmas trees, wreaths, centerpieces and nativities for auction. The festival also offers live music and entertainment on the main stage.
Proceeds from the event will benefit two local nonprofit organizations on the front lines in the fight to end human trafficking: Street Grace and Atlanta Redemption Ink.
“It’s an honor to bring back the Pink Pig to a new generation of Georgians,” said Georgia Festival of Trees Executive Director, Angie Ulibarri. “Macy’s Pink Pig™ has been an iconic symbol of the holidays in Atlanta, and it’s exciting to officially ring in the holiday season with this timeless tradition.”
For a schedule of events, to purchase tickets, become a sponsor or a volunteer, donate an auction item, or learn more about the Georgia Festival of Trees and its charity partners in the fight against human trafficking, visit gafestivaloftrees.org.
