Yahoo Lifestyle 15 Vintage Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Photos
Thanksgiving is a time for folks to gather with loved ones and feast on delicious foods. While the non-religious holiday is all about fellowship and indulging in your favorite Turkey Day dishes, there’s one event that keeps people glued to their screens on the fourth Thursday in November – and we’re not talking about football. It’s the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, of course.
In fact, more than 3.5 million people in New York City and 50 million-plus viewers at home watch the quintessential balloon-filled celebration that unofficially kicks off the holiday shopping season. To gear up for the big day, we’ve rounded up some of the best Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade vintage photos to look back at the festivities over the years.
Since this year marks the event's 100th anniversary (98th parade), there are plenty of fun photos to choose from and we’ve scoured the internet for some of the most interesting. From iconic characters like Mickey Mouse (his sweetheart Minnie Mouse will make her debut this year!) to superheroes like Superman, many beloved fictional personalities have floated down 34th Street in the heart of Herald Square as larger-than-life balloons. Plus, the parade is always peppered with musical performances by some of the most popular acts of the time.
So, sit back, relax, and take a fun trip down memory lane just in time for the parade, which airs on NBC at 8:30 A.M. Thanksgiving Day, November 28th, 2024.
1928
This fish balloon is front and center at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 22, 1928. It was 35 feet long, while the tiger balloon trailing behind was 60 feet long
1933
A toy-like elephant makes its way down the parade's path on November 30, 1933.
1933
Andy the Alligator slithers down Broadway, dwarfing spectators at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 30, 1933, in New York City.
1934
Onlookers marvel at Walt Disney's most iconic character, Mickey Mouse, as it floats down the street in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 29, 1934.
1946
A rooftop view of a cheerful pilgrim character bouncing down Broadway in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 28, 1946.
1957
A group of prim and preppy skaters donning earmuffs roll down Broadway in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 28, 1957.
1958
Balloon handlers are careful to make sure that Humpty Dumpty doesn't take a tumble at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 27, 1958.
1966
Smokey the Bear, known for its catchphrase "Only you can prevent wildfires" passes down the street in an effort to build awareness around forest fire prevention at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 24, 1966.
1965
Bullwinkle, the beloved moose character hovers above crowds during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 25, 1965.
1970
Host Joe Garagiola standing in front of the Macy's Department store during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 26, 1970.
1975
Dancers dressed as cowgirls perform during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 27, 1975.
1981
DC Comics superhero Superman soars over the street during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 26, 1988.
1983
Hanna-Barbera characters from Yogi the Bear, Scooby-Do, the Smurfs, and more strut their stuff during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 24, 1983.
1986
The Pink Panther passes the Winter Garden Theater featuring the iconic feline-inspired musical, Cats, during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 25, 1986.
1995
Betty Boop bops past the Empire State Building during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 23, 1995.
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