Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, a beloved American tradition, began in 1924 when employees of Macy's department store—many of whom were firstgeneration immigrants—organized a festive procession to celebrate Thanksgiving. The inaugural parade featured clowns, festive nurseryrhyme themed floats, live animals borrowed from the Central Park Zoo (including elephants, lions, and tigers), and Santa Claus, who was crowned "King of the Kiddies" at the conclusion. The event was an instant success, drawing over a quartermillion spectators, and Macy's declared it an annual tradition.
In 1927, the parade introduced its iconic giant animalshaped balloons, starting with Felix the Cat. Initially filled with air, the balloons transitioned to helium the following year. Early balloons were designed as "upsidedown marionettes" carried on sticks, but heliumfilled versions soon became the centerpiece of the parade. A unique tradition began in 1928: after the parade, balloons were released into the sky with Macy's return address sewn inside. Anyone who found and returned a balloon won a prize, though this practice ended in 1932 after a pilot nearly crashed while attempting to catch a balloon.
The parade faced interruptions during World War II (1942–1944) when rubber and helium were rationed for the war effort. Macy's canceled the event and donated balloon rubber to the military. It resumed in 1945, and by 1947, the parade gained widespread fame after being featured in the film Miracle on 34th Street. In 2020, the parade was canceled due to the COVID19 pandemic but returned in 2021 with safety adjustments.
Key Elements of the Parade
Balloons: Giant heliumfilled balloons are the parade's most iconic feature. Over the years, characters like Mickey Mouse (1934), Snoopy (multiple versions), Pikachu (2006), and Minnie Mouse (2024) have become fan favorites. The balloons are crafted by artisans and require thousands of hours of labor to assemble.
Floats: Each year, 20–30 floats join the procession, ranging from classic designs (like Santa's sleigh) to themed floats for sponsors (e.g., Haribo, Rao's Homemade). Floats are built over four months using materials like plywood, fabric, and paint.
Performers: The parade features marching bands from across the U.S., dance troupes (including the Radio City Rockettes), and celebrity performers. Recent years have included stars like Jennifer Hudson, Billy Porter, and Kylie Minogue.
Santa Claus: The parade concludes with Santa's arrival at Macy's Herald Square, marking the official start of the holiday season. This tradition has remained consistent since the parade's inception.
Route and Viewing
The parade follows a 2.5mile route through Manhattan, starting at 77th Street and Central Park West and ending at Macy's Herald Square on 34th Street. Key intersections include Columbus Circle and Sixth Avenue. Spectators can watch for free along the route, with the best views reserved for those who arrive early (often by 7 AM). For those unable to attend in person, NBC has been the official broadcast partner since 1952, airing the parade on television and streaming platforms. A Spanishlanguage simulcast is available on Telemundo.
Cultural Significance
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has grown from a *** all immigrantfounded event to a national symbol of the holiday season. It attracts over 3.5 million live spectators and 50 million television viewers annually, making it one of the largest parades in the world. The parade represents unity, tradition, and the joy of the holidays, bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate Thanksgiving.