Priscilla, Macy’s Pink Pig, had been a holiday tradition in Atlanta for more than 50 years. Yes, “had been” is correct.

Macy’s announced Thursday that 2019 was the attraction’s last. After taking 2020 off because of the coronavirus pandemic, Priscilla is retiring. Macy’s sent the following email on behalf of the Pink Pig.

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

- Macy's

The ride began in 1953 as a monorail along the ceiling of Rich’s department store. Years later, the monorails (another one had been added) were relocated to the downtown store’s roof. The ride later did a brief stint at Egleston Hospital.

In 2003, Priscilla, with her rosy cheeks and to-die-for eyelashes, found a new home at Lenox Square, on the upper-level parking deck near Macy’s. The train ride carried kids and their parents through a life-size storybook that included the original Pink Pig and other holiday friends.

About the Author

Keep Reading

KhaDarel Hodge (center) and the Atlanta Falcons celebrated two wins over the Buccaneers last season — one on Oct. 4 when Hodge scored the game-winning touchdown in overtime in Atlanta (pictured) and the second one Oct. 27 in Tampa, Florida. The Falcons and Bucs open the 2025 NFL season on Sept. 7 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (John Bazemore/AP 2024)

Credit: AP

Featured

Cuthbert is the county seat of Randolph County, one of 94 Georgia counties that registered more deaths than births in 2024. The county's hospital closed in 2020, leaving longtime state Rep. Gerald Greene to drivce himself 46 miles to Albany while suffering from a kidney stone recently. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC