Trivia Questions (answers at the end)
- Approximately, how many miles long is the parade route?
- What event caused the parade to be canceled during the early 1940s?
- Which balloon holds the record for appearing the most times in the parade’s history?
- What was unique about the 2020 parade compared to other years?
- What always comes after the parade on TV?
Every Thanksgiving morning, more than 3.5 million spectators line the streets of Manhattan as giant balloons pass by skyscrapers. Every other American’s post–Turkey Trot plans usually consist of turkey and watching this iconic parade.
Macy’s employees, along with local performers and animals from the Central Park Zoo, kicked off this tradition in 1924. This parade has evolved so much since the beginning, with balloons introduced to the parade in 1927, and the event being broadcasted live for the first time in 1948. Now, ninety-nine years later, the parade continues to be an enduring part of many families’ Thanksgiving Day traditions.
The preparation and planning begin as soon as the previous year’s parade ends. There is a lot that goes on behind the balloons. Artists, engineers, and handlers are all responsible for making the well-known characters come to life. There are many early morning rehearsals for all the special guests and volunteers who help make the event happen, proving just how much work goes into keeping this tradition afloat.
The Rockettes, various marching bands, cheerleaders, Tom the Turkey, and Broadway performers have long served as signature elements of the parade. Savannah Guthrie, Hoda and Al Roker, from NBC’s Today show, are recognizable faces who have helped continue the celebration for over a decade. The parade has evolved so much over the years and mirrors how times have changed. Here are 2025’s new additions to be on the lookout for on November 27:
Balloons
- Buzz Lightyear
- Mario
- PAC-MAN
- Shrek’s Onion Carriage
- Derpy Tiger
- Green Macy’s Stars
- Rainbow and Greybow Trouts
- Red Macy’s Star
Balloonicles
- Frost Pips
- Happy Hippo Triple Stack
- Sussie and Flowerpart
Floats
- Brick-Tastic Winter Mountain
- The Counting’s Sheep Dream Generator
- Friends-giving in POPCITY
- The Land of Ice and Wonder
- The Littlest Float
- Master Chocolattier Ballroom
- Upside Down Invasion: Stranger Things
Special Units
- Freida the Daschound
- Dogwalker Clowns
Guest stars
- Lil Jon
- Teyana Taylor
- Meg Donnelly
- Darlene Love
And so much more!
No matter how many years go by, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade always offers more than just balloons, floats, and music. It provides comfort for families across America who watch it together. For many, this signals the start of the holiday season. No matter what age you are or how many times you’ve seen this famous parade, it proves that traditions like these never lose their magic.
As you fill your plate with Thanksgiving favorites, be sure to sit down to watch the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!
Trivia Answers
- 2.5 Miles
- World War II
- Snoopy
- There were no in-person spectators due to COVID-19
- The National Dog Show