Thanksgiving morning often begins with the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, whether it’s on families’ television screens or if it’s floating firsthand past the audience in New York City. Central Park West and 77th Street are the parade’s starting points, then circles around Columbus Circle, marches 25 blocks down Sixth Avenue, and hits its final stretch on 34th Street. Macy’s Herald Square is the final destination, where the parade culminates with performances and the arrival of Santa Claus, signaling the official start of the holiday season.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is celebrating a century of magic this year, with festivities that have become an iconic part of American holiday tradition. On Nov. 28, the streets of New York City will once again come alive as Macy’s commemorates the 100th year since the debut of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. As the parade marks a century of tradition, it’s worth looking back at the evolution of this cherished event and the moments that have made it a staple of Thanksgiving celebrations.
“Watching the parade every year on Thanksgiving morning has been a family tradition for as long as I can remember,” senior Nevaeh Steptoe said.
Over the decades, the parade has grown exponentially, evolving from a modest city event into a televised spectacle. The first televised broadcast in 1952 brought the parade to millions of viewers, transforming it from a local event to a national tradition. In 2001, following the tragic events of 9/11, the parade served as a tribute to the victims and heroes, symbolizing the nation’s recovery during a time of mourning. During World War II, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was canceled from 1942 to 1944, as resources were redirected to the war effort. Weather challenges, such as high winds in 1997 that led to the deflation of balloons, have tested the parade’s adaptability, but each obstacle has only reinforced its significance as a cherished tradition that brings families together year after year.
“Almost nothing in the parade’s nearly 100-year history has stopped the balloons from being brought to life, save for one exception,” Fox Weather reports. “It wasn’t the Great Depression nor a global pandemic—but rather when the world was brought to a halt by war.”
Macy’s held its first parade in 1924. Originally called the ‘Macy’s Christmas Parade,’ to boost holiday sales and celebrate the opening of its flagship store. The event featured just three floats, four bands and live animals from the Central Park Zoo, with Santa making his grand entrance at the end. Three years later, the parade was renamed the “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” to better align with the holiday season. The parade first introduced large helium balloons in the following year, replacing the zoo animals due to concerns that the animals frightened some children viewers.
“We did not dare dream its success would be so great,” the advertisement said.
In the early parades, the introductory balloon characters were generic, often modeled after simple animal shapes. Over the years, the balloons evolved to feature pop culture characters like Mickey Mouse, Snoopy and Pikachu. These beloved characters attracted more viewers each year, helping the parade grow in popularity and solidify its status as a holiday tradition for many. Alongside the balloons, the floats also transformed, showcasing elaborate designs that brought colorful scenes from Broadway shows, classic movies and holiday themes to life, further captivating the audiences and enhancing the parade’s appeal.
This year’s parade will feature six new balloons and floats. Among the new floats are “Candy Cosmos” by Haribo, “Dora’s Fantastical Rainforest” by Nickelodeon and Paramount, “Magic Meets the Seas” by Disney Cruise Line, “Pasta Knight” by Rao’s Homemade, “Masterfeast” by Netflix, and “Wonderous World of Wildlife” by Bronx Zoo. New balloons include Minnie Mouse, Spider-Man, the Elf on the Shelf, Marshall from “Paw Patrol,” Goku from “Dragon Ball,” and Gabby from “Gabby’s Dollhouse.”
“My family and I attended the parade because my older brother, Jake, was going to be in it as a part of the Texas Tech marching band,” Plano Senior alumna Libby Boles said. “The best part was most of the people who watch are there looking for one person, like a family member or friend, and it’s super cute seeing everyone cheer on that one person they’re looking for.”
Being selected to perform in the parade is a prestigious honor that has left a lasting impact on countless performers throughout the years. A-list stars, including musicians, Broadway performers and actors are typically invited to perform atop floats or join musical acts. The parade is not just reserved for celebrities; high school and college marching bands, as well as drill teams from across the country have also had the rare opportunity of participating in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Being chosen for such an event is a remarkable achievement for these students and their school community.
In fact, Plano Senior High’s neighboring high school, Plano West, saw several of its Royales Drill Team members perform in the Macy’s parade last year in 2023. The girls participated in late night rehearsals, and got the chance to meet and spend the week with Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader, Kali Rochford. As part of the Spirit of America Dance number, the team had the opportunity to showcase their talents to millions of viewers nationwide.
“Best team ever!!! So glad I got to spend the week with y’all!” Rochford comments under the @pwestroyales Instagram post.
The event continues as its 98th parade will take place 100 years after its debut; it remains a favorite tradition for families across the nation. The parade continues to capture the spirit of the holiday season, creating lasting memories and bringing people together. Here’s to another 100 years of unforgettable memories and new traditions that will keep the parade a beloved part of Thanksgiving celebrations for generations to come.
“I can’t imagine Thanksgiving without it,” Steptoe said.
