Each giant balloon is guided by 80 to 100 handlers.
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Join the Parade!
On November 28, more than 3.5 million people are expected to line the streets of New York City. High above them, huge SpongeBob SquarePants and Spider-Man balloons will float by. It’s time for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!
The Macy’s department store held its first parade in 1924. The goal was to boost holiday sales. Since then, the parade has been held every year except 1942, 1943, and 1944, when it was canceled due to World War II.
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A Felix the Cat balloon leads the way at the Macy’s parade in 1932.
The parade looked different 100 years ago. Back then, it featured live animals from a local zoo. In 1927, Felix the Cat, a cartoon character at the time, became the first balloon to fly in the parade. Each year, new balloons are added while others are retired. This year, more than a dozen character balloons will soar above the 2.5-mile parade route.
Executive producer Will Coss oversees the creation, planning, and design of the parade. He’s proud to be part of history.
“I remember watching the parade with my family as a child,” Coss says. “It’s amazing to know that we have continued this beloved tradition for families across America.”
