Feast Your Eyes on the History of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in Photos
A century ago, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade officially became the kick-off to the holiday season. It would be difficult to find an American household that didn't, at one point or another, tune in to the annual spectacular on the last Thursday in November for festive performances that help the day along as the family waits for the turkey and stuffing to be cooked. To see how the tradition has changed in 100 years, here's a look back at the parade's humble beginnings.
History in the Making
The first parade in 1924 was actually dubbed the "Macy's Christmas Parade," and marked the welcoming of Santa Claus to the city. It was organized by a group of Macy's employees who dressed up and were a part of the parade along with other floats and entertainment.
Elephant in the room
In the first year, animals were borrowed from the Central Park zoo (think elephants, monkeys, camels, bears—you name it).
Animal menagerie
Live animals stopped being used in the parade after 1926. Replacing them would be the balloons we know and love today, starting with an inflatable Felix the Cat, a toy soldier, dragon, and elephant.
Balloon ransom
The balloons used to be released intentionally post-parade, with specific valves even being introduced in 1929 so they could float for days before landing. A monetary reward and gifts were given to those who returned the deflated balloons to Macy's (they were fitted with return labels). According to TIME magazine, the tradition was discontinued in 1932 after a balloon interfered with a passing plane in 1932, causing it to tailspin.
Ol' Saint Nick
Santa Claus has closed the parade every year since its inception, with the exception of 1933, when he was at the start of it.
Man meets balloon
The first person to ever be "ballooned" was Eddie Cantor.
For the war
1942-1944 didn't see parades due to rubber and helium shortages caused by WWII. The balloons prepared for the parade were given to the government so as to use the spare rubber for war efforts.
Famous cameos
Parts of the classic film Miracle on 34th Street was shot during the 1946 parade. The crowd had no idea the Santa Claus that year was played by Edmund Gwenn from the film.
Going the distance
The parade's original route spanned roughly six miles, but was cut down to less than half that distance in 1946.
Ready for a close-up
The parade was broadcast on local TV for the first time in 1946 (it also had a record crowd of 2 million people), followed by national coverage in 1947.
Pomp and circumstance
A marching band performs in front of Macy's at the 1954 parade.
Lavish displays
A peacock float making its way through the 1961 parade.
One of many performances
A Rockettes performance during the 1966 parade.
Great original hosts
Hosts Betty White and Lorne Greene at the 1967 parade.
Celebrity appearances
William Shatner and soapbox derby members on a float at the 1968 parade.
New year, new host
Co-host Joe Garagiola at the 1970 parade.
A colorful occasion
Balloons released at the 1981 parade.
"The movie of tomorrow"
A float for the movie Annie at the 1981 parade.
Hosts through the years
Host Regis Philbin at the 1981 parade with Kermit the Frog soaring behind.
A celebratory affair
Spectators dancing during the 1981 parade.
Eclectic hosts
Willard Scott of the Today show with The Pointer Sisters at the 1982 parade.
Not all floats are a success
Betty Boop makes her debut in the 1985 parade. Her tenure would be short lived, ending just two years later with sporadic appearances through the 90s.
A Parade Staple
Since the start of the parade, there have been seven versions of Snoopy balloons (the most of any character in the parade's history!), from Astronaut Snoopy to Millennial Snoopy.
Rules and Regulations
While floats have only gotten bigger since the parade's start, the rule remains that they must still be capable of fitting into a 12-foot by 8-foot box so as to easily travel from the Macy's Parade Studio in New Jersey to Manhattan via the Lincoln Tunnel.
Who's a good boy?
A Beethoven float at the 1995 parade.
Another Parade Staple
Here the Rockettes perform in 2001, at least 30 years since their first appearance at the parade.
The Parade Modernizes
In 2005 Macy's introduced "Blue Sky" balloons, a class of balloon intended to include modern art in the parade. Pictured here is a Jeff Koons Creation.
Still Setting Records
The 88th annual parade in 2014 featured 6 new giant balloons, the most to be debuted in a single year: Paddington bear was among the newcomers.
It's Miss Piggy's World
In 2016, the parade opened with the appearance of Miss Piggy from The Muppets.
Withstanding frigid temperatures
In 2018, temperatures only hit 19 degrees on Thanksgiving morning, making it the second-coldest Thanksgiving on record, but the parade marched forward.
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