Look Back at Iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Photos Through the Years
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The holiday season is finally here! As Thanksgiving approaches, we’re looking forward to gathering together to share meals with family and friends, decorating the house with all the sweetest Thanksgiving decor, and of course, watching all the holiday parades. Every year across the United States, families turn on the TV to tune into the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. It’s become a tradition, a source of entertainment, and simply something fun and festive to have on in the background while the turkey is roasting and family is settling in. In fact, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade has been around nearly 100 years! And over the past century, there have been a slurry of photos from the iconic celebration that perfectly encapsulate the story of the parade.
In honor of the annual NYC parade, we decided to put together a list of amazing images throughout the decades. We’ve included photos of floats and balloons that have been discontinued, limited-editions that are seen for just one year, plenty of wow-worthy decorations and performers, and historic moments captured in time. Can you spot a float you haven’t seen before? PS: Don’t forget to tune into the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 27 starting at 8:30 a.m. ET on NBC.
01
2017 Jolly Green Giant
Who doesn’t love the Jolly Green Giant? He originally appeared in the 2017 Macy’s Parade, as seen here, surrounded by an adorable landscape of vegetables and trees on a farm.
02
2015 Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade Banner
This Thanksgiving Day Parade banner is from 2015, a whole decade ago! The banner has been the quintessential component of the parade since its inception in 1924.
03
2023 Toys”R”Us Float
Even though Toys”R”Us is no longer an independent toy store chain, they actually opened 400 stores in select Macy’s department stores across the US! The float originally appeared in the parade just three years ago in 2022, to mark the start of their relationship with Macy’s.
04
2010 Shrek Balloon
Shrek made his debut in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade back in 2007, promoting movies and musicals until it was retired in 2010. This year, however, a new Shrek balloon will premiere at the parade, this time with Donkey, Fiona, Gingy, Pinocchio, Fergus, Farkle, and Felicia, all riding inside an onion carriage.
05
2023 Santa’s Sleigh Float
Santa’s Sleigh has appeared at nearly every single Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade since the event’s very first year in 1924! It concludes the Parade, and serves as a way to kick off the holiday season with cheer.
06
2023 The Deliciously Delectable World of Wonka Float
This one was a new addition from last year: The Deliciously Delectable World of Wonka float, created for the 97th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. It was inspired by the Wonka movie that came out last year from Warner Bros Pictures.
07
2019 Tom Turkey Float
Each year, the Parade kicks off with the first float: The iconic Tom Turkey! This is the oldest and most famous float in the entire Parade lineup. He first appeared in 1973, and has become a mainstay in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade ever since.
08
2021 McDonald’s Big Red Shoe Car
Check out Ronald McDonald, Grimace, and Hamburglar in their Big Red Shoe Car float! This is a photo from the 95th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, but it’s been part of the Parade since 2000.
09
2021 Spirit of America Cheer Team
Look at this fabulous squad of cheerleaders shining bright for the Parade in 2021! The Spirit of America Cheer Team is made up of high school all-star cheerleaders from all across the nation.
10
2016 Charlie Brown Balloon
Good grief! Charlie Brown has played a role in the Parade since 2002, first as Charlie Brown chasing a football, and more recently as Charlie Brown flying his red kite.
11
2014 Pillsbury Doughboy Balloon
Did you know that the Pillsbury Doughboy’s name is actually Poppin’ Fresh? He’s “poppin” out again this year, as he has since his big debut as a balloon in 2009. Before that, he was actually just a character on Pillsbury’s “Holiday Lovin’ Oven” float. Hoo-hoo!
12
2010 Charlie, Kit, and CJ Holiday Elves Balloons
This cute trio of balloons was one of the Parade’s unofficial mascots from 2000-2017. Charlie (blue balloon), Kit (red), and C (yellow) are the three members of “The Holiday Elves” that marched alongside other fan-favorite balloons like Tom Turkey, Happy Hippo, Arrtle the Pirate, and Freida the Dachshund. They were retired in 2017, but we’re hoping they make a comeback soon.
13
2010 Sailor Mickey Balloon
We all know Mickey Mouse has been an iconic part of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for years, but did you know the first Mickey Mouse balloon dates back to 1934?!
14
2004 Macy’s Parade Drummer
Look at this throwback pic of a drummer walking the Thanksgiving Parade back in 2004! Can you believe this was over 20 years ago? We love the old-school uniform.
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Bree Pulver
Bree is the Senior Digital Editor at DrewandJonathan.com. In the past, she’s worked for publications focused on home improvement and sustainable living. Bree’s Pinterest board is filled with cozy textures; vintage patterns; sculptural furniture; and moody, warm-toned colors. She has a degree concentrated in the intersection of writing and architecture, which influences her passion for exploring creative solutions to unusual home layouts and stylish renter-friendly decor. She’s a self-proclaimed pro at finding the best antique furniture in the most unlikely of places (but her cat Blue can certainly back these claims).
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