The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of the most iconic events in the U.S., becoming a highly cherished holiday tradition that has resonated with millions worldwide for nearly 100 years.
The first parade took place in 1924 and was completely different from the parade we know today. It was initially called the Macy’s Christmas Parade to promote the holiday shopping season and originally featured animals from the Central Park Zoo.
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In 1927, organizers changed the event’s name to what it’s known today as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade since it always took place on the morning of Thanksgiving Day and replaced the zoo animals with the iconic giant balloons.
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Every year, approximately 8,000 parade participants and around 3.5 million people attend the parade on-site. Even those who can’t attend in person tune in to watch it on their television screens without excuse.Â
Confetti fills the air with a turkey balloon at the start of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Gary Hershorn/Getty Images
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade reaches record-breaking viewership numbers
Last year, the Macy’s 98th Thanksgiving Day Parade reached a record-breaking live viewership of around 31.7 million on NBCU’s networks, making it the most-watched parade of all time, the top holiday-themed seasonal program, and the largest entertainment special since 2020.
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In 1953, NBC became the loyal broadcaster of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, marking 71 years in 2024.
Since then, frantically looking for the NBC channel on the day of Thanksgiving and attempting to fit the entire family on a single couch has become a tradition that many continue to implement for generations.
However, the long-lived deal is set to expire soon, leaving viewers in limbo since no announcement has been made—until now.Â
Macy’s signs a new 10-year broadcasting rights deal with NBCUniversal
On Tuesday, Macy’s (M)  announced it signed a new 10-year rights deal with Comcast’s (CMCSA)  NBCUniversal to continue broadcasting the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the most popular parade put on by a retailer, and the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks special event on Independence Day.
“This extension of our partnership with Macy’s means we can continue to deliver the memorable live holiday entertainment millions of viewers have loved for decades,” said NBCUniversal Executive Vice President of Live Events & Specials, Jen Neal.Â
“Today” Co-Anchors Al Roker, Savannah Guthrie, and Hoda Kotb host the 97th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City in 2023
Cara Howe/NBC via Getty Images
Although neither company disclosed any details regarding the agreement, this deal will expand Macy’s long-standing relationship with NBCU by allowing it to continue broadcasting both holiday parades on its NBC, Peacock, and Telemundo networks. The deal also includes the rights to a Macy’s Parade-eve special and a new program, which the company teased will be announced soon.
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Macy’s stated it chose to extend its deal with NBCU because it provides the best entertainment that continues to resonate with audiences. The company says this is a huge priority because it increases Macy’s visibility and content offerings.
“Macy’s is excited to grow our broadcasting and streaming deal with NBCUniversal as the appetite for our content continues to grow,” said Macy’s CEO Sharon Otterman.
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