9 Fascinating Facts to Celebrate 99 Years of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

For 99 years, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has been more than a holiday spectacle – it's a cultural touchstone that has brought generations together. As we look ahead to the Parade's 100th march in 2026, NBCUniversal invites audiences to celebrate the rich history and iconic moments of a holiday event that has become part of Thanksgiving itself. Here are nine highlights from the first century of America's most-watched entertainment telecast.

See the first parade in 1924

When Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade debuted on November 27, 1924, it was called Macy's Christmas Parade, and it would go by that name for another three years. Conceived by Macy's employees as a way to celebrate the season and draw attention to the store's holiday merchandise, the procession featured ornate floats and live animals borrowed from the Central Park Zoo, including elephants, lions, and tigers. The inaugural Parade ended with Santa Claus crowned "King of the Kiddies" at Herald Square. See archival images of the original parade here.

Discover the story behind Felix the Cat, the parade’s first giant balloon

Introduced to the parade in 1927, Felix the Cat was the first of what became the Parade's signature high-flying balloons. Already a major star in comics and animated films, Felix was a natural choice to lead a parade children flocked to see. Although he was the first-ever balloon in the parade, Felix actually had to be carried on stilts as he was inflated with regular air. Helium balloons wouldn't make their debut until the following year.

NBCUniversal's DreamWorks Animation acquired all rights to Felix the Cat in 2014, and the black-and-white feline made a surprising Thanksgiving parade comeback in 2016 – nearly nine decades after his first appearance.

Go behind the scenes: how the parade’s giant balloons get inflated

In the Parade's early years, giant balloons weren't simply deflated and folded away – they were released into the sky at parade's end. Starting in 1927, parade organizers in Harold Square would set the helium-filled balloons free to float over New York City and beyond. This whimsical tradition lasted until the 1930s and remains one of the most fascinating chapters in Parade history. 

Today, NBCUniversal provides audiences with an exclusive look at the precision behind balloon and float operations. This year, exclusively on Peacock, viewers can experience the parade in a Multiview format that enhances the viewing experience through three unique camera angles – including an up-close point of view from the iconic 'Tom the Turkey' float.

Learn about NBC’s first televised parade broadcast

NBC aired the first national television broadcast of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1953, transforming a beloved New York City event into a Thanksgiving tradition for families coast to coast. The parade came to national attention largely thanks to the 1947 film Miracle on 34th Street, which featured real parade footage and cemented its floats and pageantry as part of the holiday season. Today, the parade remains the most-watched entertainment telecast of the year.

See the Rockettes kick the parade into high gear

The Radio City Rockettes first joined the Parade in 1957 and to this day they continue to dazzle audiences with their signature high kicks. In that debut year, NBC's telecast brought their performance to millions of viewers nationwide for the first time.

Explore iconic balloons through the decades

NBCUniversal has made a lasting impact on Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade through its iconic characters and storytelling power. From Shrek's Onion Carriage by DreamWorks Animation to Illumination's Stuart the Minion balloon, these creative showcases reflect NBCUniversal's leadership in global entertainment and its ability to bring beloved franchises to life for millions of viewers.

Get a sneak peek of the 2025 parade

Audiences can check out exclusive previews of this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on the TODAY YouTube channel. TODAY's coverage includes Dylan Dreyer touring the float studio to reveal new designs like the Labubu and Stranger Things floats, plus interviews with the creative team. Fans can also watch a segment with Al Roker where the parade's executive producer shares what's new for 2025.

Celebrate NBCUniversal’s legacy of giving back

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude and giving back, and NBCUniversal has a long-standing tradition of supporting communities. From its award-winning social impact initiative, Comcast NBCUnites, to NBCUniversal’s annual holiday volunteering program, Season of Service, and encouraging employees to celebrate the power of thoughtful giving with Giving Tuesday, NBCUniversal leverages its greatest assets, its people, platforms, and storytelling power, to make a meaningful difference.

The 99th parade: what to expect this Thanksgiving

This year's 99th edition of parade coverage on NBC will feature Cynthia Erivo opening the festivities, along with an all-star lineup of performers, dazzling floats, and beloved character balloons. With millions tuning in from home and millions lining the streets of Manhattan, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade continues to bring people together in a shared tradition powered by NBCUniversal's commitment to entertaining audiences across the globe.