Trainers, the Holiday season is almost upon us, and, for many of our US-based readers, the upcoming Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade is the unofficial start of the Holiday season. This year Pokémon joins the Parade for the 23rd time!
Once again, the now-iconic presence of Pikachu and Eevee atop a Poké Ball-inspired sled, will soar high above the streets of Manhattan. Take that Wall Street!
Pikachu made its Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade debut in 2001 in the form of a giant helium balloon, celebrating the Pokémon franchise’s fifth anniversary milestone
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will air nationwide in the U.S. on NBC and stream on Peacock, on Thursday, November 23, 2023, beginning at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones. And, of course, if you’re in Manhattan on Thanksgiving, be sure to catch the parade in person!
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an annual parade presented by the U.S.-based department store chain Macy’s. The tradition started in 1924, making it the second-oldest Thanksgiving parade in the United States. It’s held in New York City and has become a staple of American culture and the Thanksgiving holiday.
Here are some fun facts about the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade:
- The first Macy’s Parade was held in 1924 and was called the Macy’s Christmas Parade.
- The parade was renamed the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1927.
- The first balloons were introduced in 1927 and featured Felix the Cat.
- The parade has been held every year since 1924, except for three years during World War II.
- The parade was first televised in 1946.
- The parade features over 8,000 participants, including more than 1,000 clowns, 12 marching bands, and over 50 balloons.
