The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a holiday staple for generations. With its giant balloons, festive floats, and live performances, it captures the spirit of celebration and the excitement of the season. For many families, watching the parade is just as important as the turkey and stuffing. It brings everyone together on the couch, in pajamas, mugs of cocoa in hand, for a shared experience filled with awe and nostalgia.
Since it began in 1924, the parade has grown into a national tradition. The first event included floats, marching bands, and even animals from the Central Park Zoo. By 1927, the first character balloons made their debut, including Felix the Cat. Over the years, the parade has marked history, weathered change, and continued to deliver joy to millions.
From joyful childhood memories to big-city excitement, the parade means something different to everyone. Many families have built their own Thanksgiving morning routines around it, and it's easy to see why. It’s a consistent moment of celebration, color, and comfort year after year.
Seeing Your Favorite Character Float for the First Time: That rush of excitement when you spot Snoopy, Pikachu, or Spider-Man soaring down the street.
Watching from the Same Spot Every Year: Whether it’s grandma’s couch or a cozy corner of your own living room, that familiar spot becomes a part of the tradition.
Laughing at the Unexpected: Remembering when a balloon almost didn’t clear the trees or when the marching band played your favorite song unexpectedly.
Tuning in with Loved Ones: From grandparents to toddlers, everyone has a favorite part to watch, and those shared reactions are priceless.
Here are easy ways to make the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade part of your annual family rhythm:
Set up a relaxed space with blankets, breakfast treats, and parade-themed snacks. Let kids wear their favorite character pajamas and watch the show together.
Print out bingo cards with items to look for: snowmen, balloons, a turkey float, a marching band, Santa, confetti, and more. Offer small prizes for those who fill their cards.
Print a photo of your family watching the parade each year and create a collage or memory book. Over time, it becomes a visual tradition of its own.
Use cardboard boxes, paper towel tubes, stickers, and paper to create DIY parade floats. Set them up in a hallway parade and let the kids do a “float show.”
Before or during the broadcast, share a few fun facts about the parade’s history. It’s a great way to build excitement and help kids feel connected to the tradition.
Let kids know the giant balloons are actually filled the night before on the Upper West Side of NYC. Look up videos or live footage to add even more excitement the night before Thanksgiving.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade continues to be a beloved part of the holiday season. With its bright colors, music, and larger-than-life characters, it brings families together and creates lasting memories. By building simple traditions around it, like cozy breakfasts, creative activities, or simply watching together, you’re making space for joy, connection, and fun that your kids may carry forward one day, too.