The Biggest Moments from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Throughout Its 101-Year History
Do you know what year the Snoopy float made its debut?
Country Living editors select each product featured. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?
Ever since its founding in 1924, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a beloved holiday tradition for Americans in New York City and across the country. Once that red ribbon is cut, pure magic makes its way through the Big Apple, and each year brings new surprises, exciting celebrity appearances, and so much more. Since the parade is turning 101 years old in 2025, we thought a stroll down memory lane seemed especially fitting. From iconic hosts to favorite floats, here’s a by-the-year look back at some of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade’s most memorable moments.
Your menu is set, but what about the rest of the holiday? Here's more helpful Turkey Day intel from the experts at Country Living:
1951
In 1951, the parade route traveled directly through Times Square—something that doesn't happen today. The iconic location was taken off the route in 2012 to provide more space for the parade and crowds.
1953
Another beloved parade attraction in the early '50s was the spaceman balloon. Made by Goodyear engineers, it was 70 feet long—and over 25 gallons of paint was used to cover its exterior.
1955
Attendance hit astronomical numbers in 1955, as an estimated 2.25 million showed up to watch the parade.
1956
Mighty Mouse wasn't too mighty in 1956, during a particularly windy parade. At 34th Street, its right arm and left ear deflated.
1957
Popeye the Sailor Man made his debut in 1957—the same year the cartoon's theatrical series was discontinued. Despite handlers testing the balloon before the big day (pictured), an indent in the character's hat filled up with rain, which resulted in water dumping onto an unlucky group of spectators.
1958
The Radio City Rockettes, a New York staple, began performing annually in the parade in 1958. Here, they wave to spectators aboard a float that's decorated for Christmas.
1961
The crowd in 1961 quite literally got to meet the Mets. Manager Casey Stengel waved aboard a float to celebrate the launch of the New York Mets team in the 1962 season.
1965
Betty White looks absolutely radiant as she hosts the parade alongside Lorne Greene. The duo held the special gig for nearly ten years—from 1963 to 1972.
1966
The PSA mascot, Smokey Bear, was created in 1944 to educate the public on human-caused wildfires, but he didn't make his parade debut until 1966.
1968
Star Trek actor William Shatner, in costume as Captain Kirk, takes in the view from atop a soapbox derby car float. The iconic television series would come to an end the following year.
1969
First debuted in 1950, Snoopy is a fan favorite for a reason. The character has had more versions of its balloon fly than any other. In 1969, the character got an astronaut makeover to celebrate the moon landing earlier that year.
1973
The Underdog balloon remained a fan favorite even after the television show ended in 1973. The character appeared in future parades, making a total of 20 appearances until its last flight in 1984.
1977
Everyone's favorite moose, Bullwinkle, debuted in 1961. In 1977, the character made its 17th appearance—over a decade after The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle and Friends came to an end.
1978
It wouldn't be New York without the Yankees. Here, shortstop Bucky Dent waves to cheering fans. He had a lot to celebrate, since his team won back-to-back World Series in 1977 and 1978.
1979
Diana Ross performed atop The Daily News's Big Apple float in 1979. The singer treated fans to a rendition of her hit "The Boss."
1980
The Man of Steel was larger than life at the 1980 parade: The balloon was a staggering 104 feet long and 35 feet wide. While Superman was featured in previous parades, this enormous version was brand-new.
1983
Miss America, Vanessa Williams, sports her tiara as she waves to the crowd aboard The Daily News's Big Apple float.
1985
Betty Boop wows the crowd during her debut in 1985. Getting the legendary character—and her smiling moon—in the air was no easy feat, requiring a whopping 15,820 cubic feet of helium.
1988
The chief designer of the Spider-Man balloon, Manfred Bass, regarded it as one of his proudest accomplishments. He called it "a true living, flying piece of sculpture," his friend shared on Instagram after his passing in 2017.
1990
Kermit the Frog flies high in honor of Muppets creator Jim Henson, after his passing in 1990. A tribute montage also played, showcasing all of his memorable contributions to the parade over the years.
Angel Madison is a shopping editor at Hearst Magazines with over 25 years of editorial experience. She writes about parenting, toys, plus-size fashion, sneakers, and more for brands like Good Housekeeping, Country Living, Prevention, and Esquire. Before her time at Hearst, Angel worked as a parenting editor for New Jersey Family and covered entertainment for NBC Universal, AOL, and TV Guide. When she’s not testing the latest footwear trends, adding to her collection of over 100 LEGO sets, or scouting for the hottest new toys, you can find Angel walking long distances (either in the woods or in New York City) and spending time with her daughter.
Why I Bring My Phone to the Thanksgiving Table
20 Leftover Turkey Recipes for After Thanksgiving
Our Food Editor Shares Her Thanksgiving Menu
Green Bean Casserole Turns 70!
