35 Old-School Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Moments

Laurent Shinar • Writer and Editor

Jul 3, 2025 11:00 AM EDT

You know, it is a crying shame that the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade does not have a mid year counterpart in the summer. Not only is it hard to get enough of the parade that millions from all over the world tune in to watch every year, but we would actually get to enjoy spending all that time outdoors as it would be sunny and warm. Just think you could have a Frappuccino in one hand, an ice cream cone in the other, loving your life as the floats make their way around Central Park.

But seeing as this is likely not going to be the case considering the parade has been largely unchanged in its century long tenure, we will have to suffice with photos snapped at seminal moments over the many years that the parade has taken place. We wanted to give you the full spectrum of Macy's Thanksgiving Day action, from back in the day when Mickey Mouse looked a little funky, to the late 80s representation of Bart Simpson.

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What Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade is complete without an appearance from the one and only Santa Claus. It is after all the official beginning of the festive season for many, so it only makes sense that old Saint Nick would show up to ensure us that we will be getting our gifts this year. Kind of like how Tim Cook announces that new apple products are coming before their release that we already knew about.
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A sweet and simple reminder that Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade is not all about tv and movie characters floating past the immense New York skyline. It is also about tradition, American values and enjoying a smiling turkey float. Perhaps in preparation to eat one? We really aren’t sure about this one. It gives feral jungle tribe parading their prey before consuming it.
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