The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of the most anticipated events of the year in the United States. Since its debut, it has evolved into a spectacle that gathers millions of people on the streets of New York and in front of their TVs. This parade, which marks the start of the holiday season, is a tradition full of history, culture, and magic.

Each year, the parade amazes with its massive balloons, themed floats, musical performances, and the grand finale appearance of Santa Claus. But how did it all begin, and how has it become the event we know today?

How Many Years Has the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Been Held?

The first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade took place on November 27, 1924. While 2024 marks 100 years since that first edition, the parade has had interruptions, specifically during World War II from 1942 to 1944. For this reason, the 100th parade was celebrated in 2024, even though there have not been 100 consecutive parades.

With 98 parades to date, this tradition has endured for nearly a century, adapting to technological and cultural changes while retaining its essence of celebration and gratitude.

History of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade began as a promotional strategy by the Macy’s department store in New York City. Inspired by European festivals, the first parade featured costumed employees, decorated floats, and animals borrowed from the Central Park Zoo.

In 1927, the event introduced the iconic giant balloons, with Felix the Cat being the first to float through the streets of Manhattan. Since then, the balloons have evolved to represent beloved characters from pop culture, becoming a hallmark of the parade.

During World War II, the parade was suspended due to shortages of resources like rubber and helium, which were redirected for war efforts. However, the parade made a strong comeback in 1945 and has continued uninterrupted since, being televised starting in 1953 and reaching millions of homes worldwide.

Is the Macy’s Parade Free?

Yes, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is completely free. Anyone can enjoy it live on the streets of New York along its route, which begins on the Upper West Side and ends in front of Macy’s flagship store at Herald Square.

Additionally, the parade is broadcast live on television, allowing millions of viewers worldwide to enjoy it at no cost. In recent years, online streaming through platforms like Peacock has made the parade even more accessible.

When Was the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

The 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was celebrated in 2024, marking a century since the tradition began in 1924. This historic milestone was filled with surprises, including new balloons and floats, as well as performances by prominent artists. It was a special occasion that honored the parade’s legacy and its impact on American culture.

What Time Is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade begins promptly at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern Time) and lasts approximately three and a half hours, ending around noon. This schedule allows families to enjoy the parade before sitting down to their traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

Who Owns Macy’s?

The Macy’s department store, responsible for the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, is owned by Macy’s, Inc., an American company founded in 1858 by Rowland Hussey Macy. Today, Macy’s, Inc. operates hundreds of stores across the United States and is known not only for the parade but also for other notable events like its Fourth of July fireworks show.