Celebrating a Century of joy and tradition

The parade in New York City, presented by department store chain Macy’s, was first held in 1924 under the heading “Macy’s Christmas Parade” to promote holiday sales and spotlight the newly expanded and, at the time, largest in the world Herald Square store in Manhattan. The success of the event led organizers to turn the spectacle into an annual tradition. Each year, the parade ends outside the same Herald Square Macy’s location.

Dive into a remarkable collection of images from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, capturing the essence of this beloved American tradition over the past century. This curated selection highlights the parade's evolution, featuring vibrant floats, giant balloons, and jubilant crowds that have made it a staple of holiday celebrations. From its humble beginnings in 1924 to its current status as a national spectacle, these photographs reflect the parade's rich history and cultural significance.