The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Makes My Turkey Day!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

One of my favorite things about Thanksgiving (aside from turkey, cranberry, and stuffing sandwiches later in the day) is watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. I love the big balloons and floats, and as an ex-band geek I get a kick out of the marching bands too. Watching the Macy’s Parade is one of the highlights of my day; I turn it on every TV in the house so that no matter what I am doing I can watch it.

Ever since I was little Thanksgiving meant the start of daily Christmas movies in my mom’s house. I remember watching Miracle on 34th Street and seeing the old footage of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The balloons looked so familiar and yet so strange. Here are some of my favorite vintage Macy’s parade balloons and floats.

Mickey Mouse – 1934

{Image Source: Guest of a Guest}

Astronaut – 1952

{Image Source: NY Daily News}

Bullwinkle – 1962

{Image Source: Black Watch}

Felix the Cat – 1927

{Image Source: The Enchanted Manor}

Kermit the Frog – 1979

{Image Source: Travel Between the Pages}

Superman – 1966

{Image Source: NY Daily News}

Snoopy – 1969

{Image Source: Vintage Everyday}

Acrobatic Team – 1938

{Image Source: Vintage Everyday}

Dachshund – 1950

{Image Source: Travel Between the Pages}

And of course, the big finale of the day is the jolly old fat man; Santa Claus! His presence at the end of the Thanksgiving Day parade really does ring in the Christmas season. No matter when they start playing Christmas music on the radio (November 1st…..) it’s not really Christmas time until Santa waves from 34th Street.

The Macy’s Parade debut of Santa in 1924

{Image Source: Babble}

Santa in 1925

{Image Source: CN Traveler}

Santa in 1946

{Image Source: NY CBS}

Santa in 1949

{Image Source: Black Watch}

For some fun, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade facts, check out the article on Buzz Feed. And have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving!