Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

New York City · Thanksgiving · giant balloons · tradition

Giant character balloons. Enormous inflatable balloons shaped like cartoon characters and celebrities float high above the streets, some as tall as a 10-story building. They're held in place by handlers walking below and guided through the parade route with incredible care.

Watched by millions. More than 3 million people line the streets of Manhattan to watch in person, while tens of millions more tune in on TV from home every single Thanksgiving.

Started in 1924. The parade began when Macy's employees dressed up in costumes and walked through the streets as a fun holiday celebration. It's now one of the longest-running holiday traditions in America.

Three-hour spectacle. The parade runs from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Thanksgiving morning, stretching for miles through Manhattan and ending right outside Macy's famous Herald Square store.

Entertainment and marching bands. The parade features marching bands, dancers, elaborate floats, and celebrities riding through the streets to kick off the holiday season officially.