End of an Era: Macy’s Pink Pig retires

After more than 50 years, a beloved Atlanta Christmas tradition has come to an end. Macy’s announced today that The Pink Pig, which last ran in 2019, will not return to Lenox Square Mall for Christmas.

The announcement came in the form of an email from Priscilla — the Pink Pig herself. The announcement is posted below in its entirety:

Dear Atlantans,

For more than 50 years, I’ve had a memorable ride with many generations of Atlantans who know my arrival at Macy’s Lenox Square marks the beginning of the holiday season. From my debut in the ‘50s at Rich’s downtown store to my brief stint at the Egleston Children’s Hospital Festival of Trees to the winding track beneath the 170-foot Pink Pig Tent at the Lenox Square, I treasure the friends I’ve met from near and far and am proud of the iconic holiday tradition I’ve become.

It’s with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement and share the news that Macy’s Pink Pig will not return to Lenox Square during the holiday seasons to come.

In my absence, I hope Atlantans continue to believe in the magic of the holiday season and enjoy Macy’s remaining iconic tradition, Macy’s Atlanta Great Tree, which will still shine brightly atop Lenox Square.

Macy’s is honoring me and continuing its longstanding connection with our friends at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta by donating $20,000 to Children’s as my farewell gift. To date, Macy’s has donated nearly $1 million to Children’s.

Thank you for joining me along my colorful, storybook adventure and making me part of your holiday traditions.

All my love,

Priscilla, Macy’s Pink Pig

To commemorate Priscilla’s retirement, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta will be selling a limited number of plush Pink Pig stuffed animals and other items through Oct. 11.

Macy’s has donated the commemorative collection of items for purchase, with every dollar benefiting Children’s mission of making kids better today and healthier tomorrow.

The Pink Pig ride was first introduced at Rich’s Department Store in Atlanta in 1953. When the store closed in 1991, the ride moved to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta before being donated to the Atlanta History Center in 1995. The ride was resurrected in 2003 and moved to Lenox Square Mall.

Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links, meaning we could earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links.