A Visual History of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

The Bands Play On
Since its inception, the parade has featured marching bands; as it has grown, performances by university ensembles and even high school bands have been featured alongside professional marching bands. Above, an all-female marching band, backed by a float commemorating landmarks in New York City history, joins the parade in 1961.

• How They Make Those Thanksgiving's Day Floats