A Look Back at 100 Years of Tradition
There are certain American traditions that just feel like the official start of the holiday season—and for me, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade tops the list. Bright balloons drifting between skyscrapers, marching bands echoing down the streets of Manhattan, and that joy-filled anticipation leading up to Santa’s grand arrival… it’s the kind of magic that has been bringing families together for nearly a century.
A few years back, Brian (my son) and a group of his friends and I were in New York for the holidays, and I had the chance to stand right on 34th Street in front of Macy’s. Even though it wasn’t parade day, just being there—looking up at that famous building, feeling the holiday magic—was enough to give me chills. It made me dream even more about someday seeing the parade in person.
And believe it or not, next year marks the 100th anniversary parade. My son and I are already planning to be there in person—bundled up, hot chocolate in hand, soaking in every bit of holiday cheer from the streets of New York City.
Wait… If the Parade Started in 1924, Why Is the 100th in 2026?
If you’re doing the math and thinking, “But 1924 to 2026 is 102 years… how does that add up?” — trust me, I wondered the same thing at first.
The answer lies in history.
The parade began in 1924, but it wasn’t held every single year. During World War II, there were critical shortages of rubber and helium—materials needed for the giant balloons. Because of that, the parade was canceled for three years:
❌ No parade in 1942
❌ No parade in 1943
❌ No parade in 1944
Since those years didn’t have a parade, the official count moved forward:
The 100-year anniversary (centennial) happened in 2024
The 100th actual parade — the 100th time the parade is held — will happen in 2026
And here’s a fun behind-the-scenes moment from my own experience:
At one point, I even looked into seeing if my Flamingo group could actually participate in the parade. How amazing would that have been?!
Then I discovered the cost to be in the parade is around $20,000—just to join in. So instead of marching, my new mission became simply being there in person to watch the magic unfold. And honestly? I’m just as excited for that.
How It All Began: The First Macy’s Parade (1924)
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade debuted on November 27, 1924, making it one of the oldest Thanksgiving parades in the United States. Back then, it wasn’t even called the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade—it was promoted as the “Macy’s Christmas Parade.”
Macy’s employees, many of them immigrants, wanted to celebrate American holiday traditions while honoring beloved European festivities. They created a holiday parade full of:
Live animals borrowed from the Central Park Zoo Horse-drawn floats, Costumed performers, and, of course, Santa Claus.
Over 250,000 spectators lined the streets that first year—proving instantly that this parade was something special.
According to multiple sources for the 98th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (2024):
City officials said they were expecting about 3 million people to line the parade route in person.
One analysis states that in typical years around 3.5 million live spectators attend.
The Balloons Arrive: A New Era
It wasn’t until 1927 that the parade introduced its first giant balloons. Felix the Cat became the very first character balloon, and he was an instant crowd favorite. Those early balloons didn’t have safety valves, so at the end of the parade they were simply released into the sky, drifting for days before eventually coming down. Imagine opening your back door and seeing Felix in your yard!
Over the decades, the balloons became the parade’s most iconic stars.
Major Balloons Through the Years: A Little Extra Parade Magic
The balloons are, without a doubt, the heart of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade—towering icons that generations have grown up watching. Some fan favorites include:
Felix the Cat (1927)
The very first balloon and the one that set the magic in motion.
Mickey Mouse (1934)
One of the earliest Disney collaborations and an instant classic.
Snoopy (1968–present)
The most flown balloon character in parade history. Snoopy has appeared as an astronaut, aviator, winter Snoopy, and more.
Kermit the Frog (1977)
His bright green body became a beloved sight floating down the streets.
Bart Simpson (1990)
A pop-culture moment that thrilled fans of The Simpsons.
Pikachu (2001–present)
A huge crowd favorite from the Pokémon universe.
SpongeBob SquarePants (2004–present)
A technical challenge due to his shape, but always a kid favorite.
Goku (2018)
Anime fans celebrated when Goku became one of the first big anime balloons.
Shrek’s Onion Carriage (New!)
One of this year’s most anticipated additions. This whimsical float-balloon hybrid brings the charm of Shrek’s fairytale world to life. Its onion shape and fun details are expected to make it an instant highlight of the parade.
Bands, Broadway, and Big Moments
As the parade evolved, it grew into a full-scale holiday production that blends music, theater, and pure joy. For a lot of people, the balloons may be the biggest stars, but the bands and Broadway performers are what truly bring the heartbeat of the parade to life.
Every year, hundreds of high school, college, and specialty bands apply for just a handful of coveted spots. It’s a rigorous selection process—Macy’s looks at musical talent, showmanship, choreography, uniforms, community engagement, and overall energy. Bands who make the cut typically begin preparing a full year in advance, perfecting their steps, polishing their routines, and fundraising to make the trip possible.
Temple University Marching Band
This year, the only band representing Pennsylvania will be the Temple University Marching Band—and that alone fills me with so much pride. Temple’s band is known for their powerful brass section, high-energy drumline, and bold halftime-style performances. They’ll bring a burst of Pennsylvania spirit right to the heart of Manhattan, and I know I’ll be cheering a little louder when they come marching down the street.
But the parade isn’t just about marching bands—it’s also packed with Broadway performances that stop crowds in their tracks. Casts rehearse for months, adapting choreography to handle cold temperatures, microphones under scarves, and dancing on the pavement. Shows like Wicked, Hamilton, Aladdin, Chicago, The Lion King, and the iconic Radio City Rockettes have all delivered unforgettable parade moments.
And then there are the Specialty Units—those wonderfully unique groups that give the parade its unexpected surprises. Dance companies, cultural groups, giant character inflatables on wheels, cheer teams, and whimsical moving displays all fall under this beloved category. And yes… this is where The Rocking Flamingo makes its appearance!
When you combine the music echoing between the buildings, the Broadway dance numbers, and the surprise of seeing fun specialty units like the Rocking Flamingo glide by, the parade becomes one giant, moving stage filled with memories waiting to be made.
Staying Strong Through Hard Times
The parade has marched on through snowstorms, national challenges, and changing times. Only during World War II did it pause. Even in 2020, during the pandemic, Macy’s reimagined the event with a televised-only parade to keep the tradition alive.
The 100th Anniversary Parade: A Celebration for the Ages
Next year—2026—will mark the 100th official running of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and expectations are sky-high.
For me, being back in New York City during the holidays is magical all on its own. The lights, the music, the store windows, the energy—every corner feels like it’s wrapped in its own little bit of Christmas sparkle. Getting to see the parade in person will be an added bonus to the whole experience, but honestly, just standing in Rockefeller Center during the holidays is something else entirely. The way the ice rink glows under the giant tree, the sound of skates on the ice, the crowds gathered with hot cocoa in hand… it’s a moment everyone should experience at least once in their life.
The last time I was in New York City during the holidays, I was actually there with my son, and it’s a memory I’ve held onto ever since. This time, returning together for the 100th parade will make it even more special. To stand there again—watching the balloons rise between the skyscrapers, the floats turning the corners, and the excitement building as Santa makes his grand entrance—feels like the perfect way to relive that magic all over again. It’s been a bucket-list dream for years, and now it’s finally happening.
Happy Holidays to you and yours this holiday season.
Susan
My Final Thoughts
As we move toward this incredible milestone, I’m filled with both nostalgia and excitement. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has always been a symbol of hope, joy, and tradition. It’s families gathering on the couch, kids pointing at giant balloons, and those holiday moments we remember forever.
Whether you’re staying home to watch or planning your own trip to New York City next year, I hope this parade brings you the same wonder it has brought me all my life.
Here’s to 100 years of magic—and all the memories still to come.