Each Thanksgiving, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade dazzles viewers with floats, marching bands, the Rockettes, and the iconic oversize balloons. In addition to the estimated three million spectators along the parade route, the event reaches about 50 million television viewers around the country. While those of us beyond adolescence or without young children may struggle to recognize the cartoons and celebrities featured in this year’s parade, these vintage photographs of the parade dating back to 1924 show the evolution in fashion, pop culture, and New York City itself.
The first Santa float, 1924. Photo courtesy of Macy's, Inc
A "Balloonatics" float in 1926 inspired the creation of the parade's iconic character balloons. Photo courtesy of Macy's, Inc
The only balloon to be modeled after a real person was this one, for entertainer Eddie Cantor in 1934. Photo courtesy of Macy's, Inc
Giant Fish, 1938. Photo courtesy of Macy's, Inc
The Superman balloon in 1940 still holds the record for the largest balloon ever to appear in the parade. Photo courtesy of Macy's, Inc.
Peanuts float in the 1960s. Photo courtesy of Macy's, Inc.
Parade route in front of Macy’s, 1963. Photo courtesy of Macy's, Inc.
The Rockettes
Donald Duck, 1962. Photo courtesy of Macy's, Inc.
Tom Turkey is the oldest float in the parade. Pictured here in the 1970s. Photo courtesy of Macy's, Inc.
Strawberry Shortcake float, 1980s. Photo courtesy of Macy's, Inc.