The first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade was Originally called Macy’s 
Christmas Parade  and featured four hundred employees from the store 
accompanied by real animals from Central Park Zoo along with bands, 
balloons, and floats. It was the beginning of a holiday tradition that has
become a piece of Americana. The giant helium filled balloons were
added to the annual event in 1927.

Santa’s float

This ad was published in the November 18, 1938 "Maryland News."

Released on November 21, 1941

Clip from “Look Who’s Laughing”

1903