The annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City is a breathtaking spectacle featuring dozens of marching bands, dance troupes, celebrities, and incredible hot air balloons soaring between skyscrapers. A symbol of holiday cheer and the beginning of winter, the Macy’s Parade is one of America’s most recognizable events, held since 1924. If you plan your vacation, it’s an excellent option for a family trip to New York City, and here’s why.
The parade’s history began almost a hundred years ago, when on November 27, 1924, Macy’s employees decided to celebrate Thanksgiving with the city’s residents and spread some Christmas cheer. At the time, the parade was called “Macy’s Christmas Parade” and featured bands, clowns, and live animals from the Central Park Zoo (bears, monkeys, elephants, etc.).
In 1927, the first helium balloon, featuring Felix the Cat, appeared in the parade. Since then, the parade has grown into a spectacular show featuring dozens of orchestras, dance troupes, celebrities, and incredible balloons that soar between skyscrapers. The most popular and most prominent balloon characters include Snoopy, Mickey Mouse, Bugs Bunny, and Pink Panther. Other characters have also appeared over the years: Garfield, Superman, Bart Simpson, Sonic the Hedgehog, and others.
Each year, the parade program changes and is supplemented with modern characters. Today, the parade is perceived not just as a department store promotional show, but as a national tradition uniting people regardless of age, nationality, or beliefs. At the end of the parade, Santa Claus appears, wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and ushering in the holiday season, spreading throughout New York.
