1924- Originally named Christmas Parade. Macy employees herded animals from the Central Park Zoo to the Herald Square Store.
1927- Felix the Cat is the first giant balloon
1934 -Mickey Mouse balloon joins the club. Nearly 1 million people line the streets
The parade is cancelled during WWII years.
1947- Gains national attention after being featured in the film Miracle on 34th st.
1952- Aired locally, now it is broadcast on NBC for the nation,
1968- First Snoopy balloon, followed over the years by 7 variations on the theme.
1971- Tom Turkey is the opening act, and continues to this day
2014- 8000 volunteers help navigate the 2.5 mile march while 3.5 million people line the parade route. 50 million watch on TV
NBC November 26, 9 a.m. EST
facts courtesy of CountryLiving 2014