The best images in the history of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade dazzles with gigantic balloons, vibrant floats, and electrifying performances. An iconic spectacle, it radiates joy and excitement, captivating viewers of all ages every Thanksgiving morning. Let's relive some of the most memorable sights and floats from the parade's storied past.

In 1924, Macy's employees, many immigrants, celebrated their new home's holiday with a European-inspired festival. It was so successful it became an annual event. Here’s what it looked like in 1928 when the helium-filled balloons were set into the air to drift around for a week, with a $100 prize awarded to each one recovered.

The images of the parade paint a picture of New York City over the years. Here’s a teddy bear balloon floating around the Times Square area in 1949. The only years Macy’s called it off were in 1942, 1943, and 1944 due to World War II.

Of all the characters to appear in the Macy's Parade, Snoopy has floated over New York City the most times — for 43 years! He’s also changed his look. Here’s an iconic picture of Astronaut Snoopy in 2019.

These balloons ain't messing around, with each weighing at least 400 pounds and holding 12,000 cubic feet of helium, according to Newsweek.

The Pikachu balloon floats happily down Central Park West in 2016, smiling at all his fans.

While all ages tune into the event, there’s nothing like a child’s delight to really get into the holiday spirit!

Another classic cast member is Harold the Fireman, who made his debut in 1948.

Here is a striking image of Snoopy and Woodstock floating peacefully around Manhattan in 2014.

While the Grinch usually steals Christmas, this mischievous-looking Grinch stole the 91st Annual Macy’s Parade in 2017.

These massive cartoons take a lot of real-world strength to keep them from floating away. According to Newsweek, they are manned by up to 90 people.

Despite the widespread fear of clowns, Ronald McDonald is another fan favorite. Here he is in Times Square in 2002.

Celebrity appearances, like Mariah Carey, add star power to Macy's Parade, performing festive songs, entertaining the crowd, and enhancing the parade's allure, making it a must-watch event blending holiday cheer with pop culture.

Here, the M&M's float with the Garfield balloon and the Honey Nut Cheerios Bee balloon in its first appearance during the 1999 parade.

The parade is about more than balloon floats, it is also a perfect place to check out amazing acts like the Red Hot Mamas, who performed in 2014.

The Ice Age Scrat balloon triumphed in the 2017 parade, looking utterly nuts!

Yes, Spidey has flown through the skies of New York, though he was attached to web-like strings. Of course, Superman also took part, though he was retired in the 1980s.

Santa Claus' grand finale at Macy's Thanksgiving Parade symbolizes the joyful kickoff to the holiday season, embodying the spirit of giving and cheer, and transitioning from Thanksgiving to the anticipation of Christmas celebrations (and Black Friday!).