Since its origin in 1924, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has marked the official start of the holiday season, introducing a cherished march of magic that has dazzled generations of fans.

Every year, this family tradition is seen by more than 3.5 million people in New York and about 50 million others around the world, all tuned in to see giant balloons, one-of-a-kind floats, amazing performances and much, much more.

Spectators dressed in their turkey days best await the start of the 93rd Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.(Photo: Gordon Donovan/Yahoo News)

One of the Sleepy Clowns waves to camera while entertaining the crowd along the parade route in the 93rd Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. (Photo: Gordon Donovan/Yahoo News)

A member of the Hi-Roller Skating Clowns before the 93rd Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. (Photo: Gordon Donovan/Yahoo News)

The Hi-Roller Skating Clowns gather in a circle above the photographer before in the 93rd Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, Nov. 28, 2019. (Photo: Gordon Donovan/Yahoo News)

Good grief! Charlie Brown during the 93rd Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, Nov. 28, 2019. (Photo: Gordon Donovan/Yahoo News)

Singer, songwriter, actor, philanthropist Idina Menzel who won a Tony Award for her role as Elphaba in the musical Wicked rides Deck the Halls Float in the 93rd Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Modeled after time honored wooden Christmas pyramids, this float is hand-painted with delicate wooden carvings. (Photo: Gordon Donovan/Yahoo News)

A performer dressed as a cookie with the Deck the Halls Float smiles while entertaining the crowd along the parade route in the 93rd Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. (Photo: Gordon Donovan/Yahoo News)

The Martin Luther King High School Band performs “Before I Let Go” medley and "Candy" during the 93rd Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. (Photo: Gordon Donovan/Yahoo News)

You might remember Sam and his green eggs and ham, but when he travels with Guy, they always prefer to fly. So for their big giant balloon debut, we gave these pals—and stars of Netflix’s newest show—a tasty view! It’s delicious. It’s ideal. It’s a giant hammobile! (Photo: Gordon Donovan/Yahoo News)

Miss America 2019, Nia Franklin rides on board the Big City Cheer! Float from Spirit of America Productions in the 93rd Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. (Photo: Gordon Donovan/Yahoo News)

Entertainer Debbie Gibson points to fans while riding on board The Shimmer and Shine from Nickelodeon float in the 93rd Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. (Photo: Gordon Donovan/Yahoo News)

Entertainer Debbie Gibson points to fans while riding on board The Shimmer and Shine from Nickelodeon float in the 93rd Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. (Photo: Gordon Donovan/Yahoo News)

Jett from Super Wings is having toruble navigating the high gusts along Central Park in the 93rd Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. (Photo: Gordon Donovan/Yahoo News)

The Morgan State University Magnificent Marching Machine performs the medley of “Everybody Dance” during the 93rd Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Magnificent Marching Machine is a band with high-stepping choreography, dynamic arrangements of traditional and popular music, intricate rhythms, a creative flagline and stunning dancers. The band, also known as M3, has performed at the White House, in Chris Rock’s movie Head of State and at many sporting events and band competitions. (Photo: Gordon Donovan/Yahoo News)

Performers dressed as Santas helpers wave to the crowd in the 93rd Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. (Photo: Gordon Donovan/Yahoo News)

Olaf from Disney's Frozen, the beloved snowman from Disney’s animated adventures Frozen and Frozen 2 returns to the Macy’s Parade for the third time with his usual cheerful disposition and heartwarming smile on full display. (Photo: Gordon Donovan/Yahoo News)

The deliciously wicked Grinch and his loyal dog, Max, are stealing Christmas and the spotlight on the Parade route this Thanksgiving with a sack full of toys and a subversive smile. (Photo: Gordon Donovan/Yahoo News)

Santa’s favorite Scout Elf returns to the Big Apple for another Thanksgiving Day flight of delight! The Elf on the Shelf will be scouting the scene just ahead of the big man himself in the 93rd Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. (Photo: Gordon Donovan/Yahoo News)

Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants and Gary enjoys a view of Central Park in the 93rd Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This optimistic sea sponge—so popular he’s mentioned on social media every five seconds—is all smiles as he returns to the Parade for a momentous 15th flight. For the first time ever, SpongeBob is accompanied by pet snail Gary to celebrate the “Best Year Ever” in honor of his 20th birthday. (Photo: Gordon Donovan/Yahoo News)

The Awesome Second Time Arounders Marching Band from St. Petersburg, Fla. performs “Enchano” in the 93rd Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. This band is celebrating 38 years and its membership is open to anyone who has ever played, twirled or danced in a high school or college band and “dreamed of doing it one more time.” This is their second appearance in the Macy’s Parade. With spouses and kids of band members, they’ll be bringing 800 folks to NYC. (Photo: Gordon Donovan/Yahoo News)

Pokémon’s most electrifying ambassador makes its 19th consecutive Parade appearance. Pikachu—dressed in a cozy holiday scarf and carrying a Snowman Pikachu—is ready to embrace the chilly NYC weather on Parade morning, helping millions of fans worldwide celebrate the official start of the holiday season. (Photo: Gordon Donovan/Yahoo News)

Nickelodeon’s Paw Patrol's Chase balloon strolls down Central Park West during the 93rd Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. Chase’s cap could cover an actual police squad car. (Photo: Gordon Donovan/Yahoo News)

The world’s most beloved beagle is getting an out-of-this-world makeover for 2019. Decked out in astronaut gear, the newest Snoopy balloon design marks the eighth version of Charles M. Schulz’s treasured comic character and honors the 50th anniversary of the moon landing and future space missions. (Photo: Gordon Donovan/Yahoo News)

Colorful confetti is shot in the air from the Tom Turkey float at the start of the 93rd Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. (Photo: Gordon Donovan/Yahoo News)

Members of The Ronald Reagan High School Marching Band from San Antonio, Texas before the 93rd Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. (Photo: Gordon Donovan/Yahoo News)

Santa Claus waves to the crowds from the Macy’s Santa's Sleigh float in the 93rd Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. (Photo: Gordon Donovan/Yahoo News)

 

PHOTOS: The 93rd Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade »

Photos taken using a Canon EOS-1D X II, EOS-1D X DSLR with a Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM Lens, Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens and EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens