On Thanksgiving morning, right before the feast of the day (and before football), there’s another long-standing tradition.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, originally the Macy’s Christmas parade which served as the kick-off for the shopping season, began in 1924 when animals from the Central Park Zoo were recruited by Macy’s employees to march on Thanksgiving Day.
The parade’s helium-filled balloons made their debut in 1927 and early on were released into the city’s skyline holding rewards for their finders.
The parade, first nationally televised in 1947, now has around 44 million viewers with 3 million people lining its 2.5-mile Manhattan route for a first hand glimpse.
Around noontime, Santa on his sleigh accompanied by his elves make their way into Herald Square after their trip along the parade route. What a wonderful way to set the stage for a great meal with family and friends.