How the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Has Changed Over the Years

Since its 1924 inception, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has seen many changes — but it has remained a Thanksgiving staple for decades.

Now in its 97th year, the parade has evolved greatly since its original beginnings. In the event’s earliest years, live animals (camels, tigers, goats, elephants, etc.) paraded down the streets in lieu of the whimsical balloons that give the parade its character today. The practice was abandoned in 1927.

From 1929 through 1931, the balloons were intentionally released upon the parade’s conclusion in New York’s Herald Square. Those who caught the balloons would find postcards inside, which could be redeemed for gift cards worth up to $50.

While the scavenger hunt was removed, the parade has seen other additions. The Radio City Rockettes first performed in 1957, and they have appeared at each parade since.

One thing that hasn’t changed since the parade’s inception is its finale: Every year, Santa Claus has arrived at the end to mark the start of the holiday season. The one exception is 1933, a year in which Santa led the parade.

Since its 1924 beginning, the parade has only skipped three years: 1942, 1943 and 1944, during the midst of World War II.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2023

Macy’s Parade Studio team includes 27 painters, carpenters, animators, sculptors, welders, scene and costume designers and electricians and engineers. The team behind the parade spends more than 8,000 hours behind the scenes each year, bringing the beloved parade to life.

In 2023, the parade has grown with a variety of new floats. There will be 16 character balloons, including seven that are new and 33 heritage and novelty balloons. The occasion’s latest inclusions include the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ “Mutant Mayhem” float by Nickelodeon and Paramount, Beagle Scout Snoopy by Peanuts Worldwide, Pillsbury Doughboy by Pillsbury and Uncle Dan by Illumination, Leo by Netflix Inc., “Kung Fu Panda’s” Po by Universal Pictures’ Dreamworks Animation, Monkey D. Luffy by Toei Animation Inc., Brach’s “Palace of Sweets,” Solo Stove’s “Igniting Memories” and Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Deliciously Delectable World of Wonka” — which takes direct inspiration from Timothee Chalamet’s namesake fantasy film, “Wonka,” which arrives in theaters on Dec. 15, according to ABC 7.

The parade will also start 30 minutes earlier at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones, extending the spectacle for the first time in 50 years. One of the new character balloons will include an NFT-inspired Blue Cat and Chugs by Cool Cats. Adding to the Thanksgiving spectacle, Macy’s has launched a new online game where fans can explore the parade virtually and learn about its history.

In addition to the new floats, a variety of longtime parade balloons and floats will return to the procession. This year’s balloon lineup includes the Acorn, Snoopy, Spongebob Squarepants, Paw Patrol and “Dragon Ball Z”‘s Goku, among others. On the float front, the occasion will feature the returning displays from beloved characters as well, including the cast of “Sesame Street,” Baby Shark and Tom Turkey.

Click through the gallery to see more images of the parade over the years.