The first Macy’s Day Parade was on November 27 in 1924. The
parade originally featured Macy’s employees and live animals
from the Central Park Zoo. Floats, instead of balloons, were the
main attraction.

The parade began in Harlem at 145th Street and ended in front
of the Macy’s flagship store on 34th Street. It was originally
called the Macy’s Christmas Parade, but was renamed the
Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in 1927.

An estimated 250,000 spectators attended the first parade.

Today,  about 3.5 million people attend.   

‘Andy the Alligator’ in the 1933 parade.

Mickey Mouse made his first debut in this 1934 parade.

The Tin Man made his debut months after the release of “The Wizard of Oz” in 1939.

A group of elephants participated in the 1954 Thanksgiving
Day Parade. 

A marching band through Times Square, 1959. 

A performance by the Rockettes, 1964.