Floats

The second Sesame Street float was one of the largest floats in the 1979 Parade.

Floats are decorated platforms that are built on or towed by vehicles such as trucks and are commonly seen in public celebrations such as festivals, parades and street fairs. Notable floats make appearances in the Tournament of Roses Parade, the 500 Festival Parade, the Toronto Santa Claus Parade, and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Hitting the streets as 360-degree masterpieces, the Macy's Parade floats begin their Thanksgiving journey as a one-dimensional sketch. From there, the Macy's Parade Studio’s team of designers, carpenters, painters, animators, metal fabricators and electricians work to bring each to larger-than-life form. Factors including creative inspiration, performance considerations, safety, and most importantly, assembly and disassembly guide the creation process. From weather to final dimensions, the team transforms the creative vision into a work of art and of engineering.

Dimensions are key for any new Macy’s Parade float. While many can be several stories tall and several lanes of traffic wide, everything imagined, designed and built must fit through New York’s Lincoln Tunnel. With Macy’s Parade Studio located in New Jersey, miles and a river away from the Parade route, the floats must all travel through the tunnel conforming to no more than 12.5-feet tall and 8-feet wide in size. While that is the first hurdle on Parade eve, the next is the overnight assembly of the entire fleet. With the help of several cranes and extra manpower, one-by-one the floats come to life and are prepared for their Thanksgiving Day duties.

Following is a list of floats that have appeared in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade since its inception in 1924.

1920s Introductions

1924

• Santa's Sleigh
• Three Men In a Tub
• There Was an Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe
• Little Miss Muffet

1925

• Caterpillar Sam
• Mother Goose
• On Top Of The World

1926

• Humpty Dumpty
• Cinderella's Coach
• Punch & Judy
• Airplane
• Santa's Sleigh

1927

• Dinosaur
• Little Piggies That Went to the Market
• Puppet Show
• Robinson-Crusoe Desert Island
• Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf
• Christmas Tree
• The North Pole

1928

• Red Star Princess
• Up On The House Top

1929

• Santa's Sleigh

1930s Introductions

1932

• Herald Square Express

1938

• Babar The Elephant

1939

• Donald Duck (1st Version) by Walt Disney Productions
• The Wizard Of Oz by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

1940s Introductions

1940

• Alphabet
• The Thief Of Bagdad by United Artists

1946

• Donald Duck (2nd Version) by Walt Disney Productions
• Popeye and Olive Oyl by King Features
• American Eagle

1948

• The Tin Man by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

1950s introductions

1950

• Sonny The Bunny

1951

• Calliope Circus (1st Version)

1952

• Chiquita by Chiquita
• The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T by Columbia Pictures

1954

• Circus (2nd Version)

1955

• Birthday in Tootisieland by Sweets Company of America Inc.
• Valentine
• Space Ship (1st Version) by UPA
• Toyland Express

1958

• Mother Goose
• Tom Thumb

1959

• Radio City Musical Hall Transparent Gift Box (1st Version) by Radio City Music Hall
• Circus (3rd Version)

1960s introductions

1960

• Guliver's Travels
• Pepe by Columbia Pictures
• Space Ship
• Radio City Music Hall Ballet Christmas Tree (2nd Version) by Radio City Music Hall

1961

• Pinocchio
• Peacock
• Meet the Mets
• Let It Ride
• Cinderella
• Radio City Music Hall (3rd Version) by Radio City Music Hall

1962

• Circus (4th Version)

1963

• Unisphere
• Radio City Music Hall (4th Version) by Radio City Music Hall

1964

• The Sound of Music by 20th Century Fox

1965

• The Underdog Show by Total Television Productions
• Old Woman who Lived in a Shoe
• Pinocchio in Outer Space by Universal Pictures
• Toyland
• Barn by New York City Center
• Autumn Splendor
• Circus (5th Version)
• Carousel by Radio City Music Hall

1966

• Fantasy Land by McDonald's
• Noah's Ark
• Grand Prix by MGM
• Cinderella by Chevrolet
• Tyrannosaurus Rex by Sinclair Oil Corporation
• Brontosaurus by Sinclair Oil Corporation
• Ankylosaurus and Stegosaurus by Sinclair Oil Corporation

1967

• You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown by United Media
• LEGO Tivoli Train by The LEGO Group
• Flounder by APJAC Productions

1968

• Doodlebug
• Fantasy Land
• Chitty Chitty Bang Bang by United Artists
• Cat and Mouse
• Circus (6th Version) by New York City Center
• Mickey Mouse's 40th Birthday Cake by Walt Disney Productions

1969

• Museum of National History's 100th Anniversary by The Museum of Natural History
• Captain Hook's Pirate Ship by Walt Disney Productions
• Broadway Belle Showboat
• Circus Wagon by Walt Disney Animation Studios
• Woman in the Shoe
• The Three Little Pigs by Walt Disney Animation Studios
• Alli the Alligator
• Castle by Chevrolet

1970s introductions

1970

• The Aristocats by Walt Disney Productions
• Jungle by Collins & Aikman
• Ski Deck
• Scrooge by Radio City Music Hall
• West Point Famous Army Mules
• Animal House by Budweiser

1971

• Peter Rabbit and Friends by MGM
• The Boy Friend by MGM
• Walt Disney World by Walt Disney Productions
• Story Book Train by Western Publishing

1972

• Windmill
• Alphabet Blocks by Collins & Aikman
• Snow Mountain by Budweiser

1973

• Turkey
• Alice in Wonderland by Walt Disney Productions

1974

• Island
• Cartonella by Bill Baird
• Planet of the Apes by The Mego Corporation
• Sesame Street by Children's Television Workshop
• The Wizard of Oz
• Circus Train by Fisher Price
• Circus (7th Version)

1975

• Cootie by Schaper Toys
• Raggedy Ann & Friends on Swings by The Knickerbocker Toy Corporation
• Old Country Village by Anheuser-Busch

1976

• Giant Jukebox by FM 99 WXLO
• Motorcycle in the Sky by Ideal
• Santa on a Birthday Cake by Macy's

1977

• Big Apple by the New York Daily News
• Watership Down by Nepenthe Productions
• The Hobbit by Rankin/Bass Productions
• McDonald's Gazebo by McDonald's

1978

• The Wiz by Universal Pictures & MCA
• The Wilderness Family Cabin by Pacific International Enterprises
• Loch Ness Monster by Busch Gardens
• The Lord of the Rings by Rankin/Bass Productions
• Ice Castles by Columbia Pictures

1979

• Doodlebug (Revamped)
• Doll House by Murjani
• Lunar Moth by FM 99 WXLO
• Sesame Street by Children's Television Workshop

1980s introductions

1980

• Popeye by Paramount Pictures
• The Legend of the Lone Ranger by Associated Film Producers
• Cinderella by Bulova

1981

• Stetson is America by Stetson
• Tencennial Celebration by Walt Disney World
• Frozen Woodland by Sergio Valente
• Strawberry Shortcake by American Greetings
• Annie by Rastar Productions/Columbia Pictures
• Charlie and the Nutcracker by Revlon

1982

• Magic Carousel by Revlon
• Big Apple by The New York Daily News
• Heidi's Song by Hanna-Barbera
• The Shirt Tales by Hallmark

1983

• Fraggle Rock by HBO/Jim Henson
• America's Comic Stars by United Media Enterprises
• Great American Dog by Purina Dog Chow
• Jellystone Christmas by Hanna-Barbera

1984

• Disneyland Celebration by Disneyland Resort
• Care Bears by American Greetings
• Salute to the Statue of Liberty by Oscar Mayer
• Rose Petal Palace by Hallmark Cards
• Scooby-Doo's Birthday by Hanna-Barbera
• Cabbage Patch Kids Clubhouse by Coleco Industries

1985

• Monopoly Game Train by Parker Brothers
• Robotman & Friends by United Media
• Masters of the Universe/Princess of Power by Mattel Toys
• Light of Liberty by New York Power Authority
• Rainbow Brite by Hallmark Cards

1986

• Soaring Spirit Canoe by Macy's
• Ship of State by Macy's
• Statue of Liberty by Macy's
• The Chipmunk Adventure by The Samuel Goldwyn Company
• Time For The Future by Swatch Watch USA
• Hickory Dickory Dock by Macy's
• Barbie & The Rockers by Mattel Toys
• The Great American Dog by Purina Dog Chow
• Airplane by Trans World Airlines
• Undersea Fantasy by SeaWorld

1987

• Strawberry Cottage by Macy's
• Cabbage Patch Kids Playground by Coleco Industries
• Watering Can by Macy's
• Marvel Universe by Marvel Entertainment Group
• Clock Tower & Dragon by Macy's
• Peanuts Ice Rink by Metropolitan Life

1988

• Horse & Dragon by Macy's
• Saggy Baggy by Macy's
• Sandy Sandman by Days Inn
• Holiday Clock Tower by Macy's

1989

• American Folk Heroes by Reynolds Metals Company
• Looney Tunes Birthday Celebration by Warner Bros.

1990s introductions

1990

• Huck Finn's Deserted Island by Macy's
• Playful Pups by Macy's
• Barbie Summit by Mattel
• Circus Carousel by Macy's
• Tiny Toon Adventures by Warner Bros.
• Candy House by Macy's

1991

• Rock-A-Doodle by The Samuel Goldwyn Company
• Magical World of Mother Goose by Macy's
• Sporting Life by Rawlings
• Taz-Mania by Warner Bros.
• European Village by Macy's
• Captain Planet by Turner Broadcasting System
• Barbie's Lights & Lace by Mattel
• Ice Rink by by Scholastic, Inc
• ic, Inc.

1992

• Western Village by Macy's
• Tree House by Macy's
• Disney Fantasy Castle by Walt Disney World
• Stars On Parade by Mike Miller & Associates
• YMCA's 140th Birthday Celebration by AT&T
• Star Dreams by Macy's
• Troll Winter Magic by Russ Berrie and Company

1993

• Tom Turkey by Macy's
• Cornucopia by American Express Company
• Jolly Polly Pirate Ship by Macy's
• Statue of Liberty by Macy's
• Cinderella's Carriage by Macy's
• Dragon Tales by Macy's
• Elf-In-The-Box by Macy's
• Home for the Holidays by Wendy's
• Drummer Boy by Macy's

1994

• The Swan Princess by Nest Entertainment
• Sesame Street by Applause Inc.
• Hollywood Canteen by American Movie Classics
• Sea Venture by Macy's
• Flights of Fancy by Continental Airlines
• Holiday Sweets by Dunkin' Donuts

1995

• Hello Kitty (Float) by Sanrio
• Chocolate Colorworks by M&M's Chocolate Candies
• Picture Prefect by Fuji Photo Film USA, Inc.
• Center Ring by The Lyons Group
• A Christmas Carol by Madison Square Garden

1996

• Alice in Wonderland by Macy's
• Toby the Parade Dog by Macy's
• Pure Imagination! The World of Willy Wonka by Fuji Photo Film USA, Inc.
• Party Time! by Hanes Hosiery
• 101 Dalmatians by Walt Disney Pictures
• Westward Ho! by Macy's
• Western by Lyrick Studios
• Pep Rally by Mike Miller & Associates

1997

• The Sound of Music by Hallmark
• World of Wiggle by Jell-O
• Anastasia by Twentieth Century Fox
• Barney's Great Adventure: The Movie by PolyGram Films
• The Future From Here by Fuji Photo Film USA, Inc.
• Mr. Peanut's Circus by Planters Company
• Dr. Seuss' Grinch by Determined Productions
• Annabelle's Wish by NOVUS Services

1998

• Sesame Street by Children's Television Workshop
• The King & I by Morgan Creek Productions
• Barney's Gingerbread House by Lyrick Studios
• Rip Van Winkle's Wakin' Up by Folgers Coffee
• M&M's Studio by M&M's Chocolate Candies
• P.T. Flea's Circus by Disney/Pixar
• Heimlich by Disney/Pixar
• Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by GoodTimes Entertainment

1999

• Ask Jeeves by Ask Jeeves, Inc.
• Medieval Dragon Tales by Macy's
• Animal Planet by Animal Planet
• Golden Dollar Stagecoach by United States Mint
• Millennium Time Continuum by Macy's
• Austin Powers by New Line Home Video
• Pets.Commitment by Pets.Com
• Blue's Clues by Nickelodeon
• Barney's Night Before Christmas by Lyrick Studios

2000s introductions

2000

• greendog by greendog
• Three Little Pigs by Pulte Homes
• Old Lahaina Luau's Paradise by Old Lahaina Luau
• Mother Earth by Maytag Appliances
• Road To The Future by Hess Corporation
• Dooley & Pals by Victory Entertainment
• Simple Simon's Fair by Reddi-wip Whipped Cream

2001

• greendog's world by greendog
• Toon Balloon-Abration! by Macy's
• Get R.E.A.L. by World Wrestling Federation
• Bob the Builder by HIT Entertainment
• Dinotopia by Hallmark Entertainment

2002

• Teddy Bear's Workshop by Build-A-Bear Workshop
• Sesame Street by Sesame Workshop
• Kids' Candy Creation Lab by Hershey Foods Corporation
• Carousel of Imagination by The LEGO Company
• Marion-Carole Showboat by macys.com
• Barney's Playtime in the Park by HIT Entertainment
• Angelina Ballerina's Magic of Dance by HIT Entertainment

2003

• Fun Abounds On The Big Comfy Couch by Tadpole Entertainment
• A Celebration of the New Arrivals by Marshmallow Peeps
• Spirit of America by United States Postal Service
• Expedition to the Top of Rhino Mountain by Eckō Unltd.
• Percy & The P-Birds by Macy's
• American Classic Malt Shop by Amica Insurance

2004

• Barbie as the Princess & The Pauper by Mattel Inc.
• Tutenstein by Discovery Kids
• Krazy Kritters by Dixie Georgia-Pacific
• Voyage to Adventure by Royal Caribbean International
• NFL Classic by National Football League
• 1-2-3 Sesame Street by Sesame Workshop
• Holiday Beat by Universal Orlando Resort
• Magic of Childhood by Fisher-Price

2005

• Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi by Cartoon Network
• Barbie and the Magic of Pegasus by Mattel, Inc.
• Animal Wonders by Animal Planet
• Oklahoma Rising! by Oklahoma Centennial Commission
• Big Apple by The New York Daily News
• Holiday Lovin' Oven by Pillsbury
• The Polar Express by Warner Home Video

2006

• Snoopy's Doghouse by United Feature Syndicate
• Story Time by Macy's
• Barbie and the 12 Dancing Princesses by Mattel, Inc.
• Starship Discovery by greendog
• Foster's Home For Imaginary Friends by Cartoon Network
• Charlotte's Web by Paramount Pictures
• New York Tin Toy by The History Channel

2007

• International Cele-bear-ation Clock Tower by Build-A-Bear Workshop
• Barbie as the Island Princess by Mattel, Inc.
• M&M's Chocolate Candies on Broadway by Mars North America
• The Care Bears Winter Fun-derland by American Greetings
• Music Bigger Than Life by Gibson Guitar

2008

• Smurf Mushroom House by Lafig Belgium/Sony Pictures Entertainment
• Woodland Family Gathering by Ocean Spray
• Bolt by Walt Disney Animation Studios
• Harajuku Lovers by Coty
• Castle of Dreams by My Princess Academy
• Shine On by Jimmy Dean
• The True Spirit of Thanksgiving by Oneida Indian Nation
• Winter Wonderland by Macy's

2009

• Local Heroes Helping Everyday by Hamburger Helper
• There's A Party in My City by Yo Gabba Gabba! Live
• Winter Wonderland in Central Park by Delta Air Lines
• Santa's Sleigh by Macy's

2010s introductions

2010

• Mount Rushmore's American Pride by South Dakota Department of Tourism
• On The Roll Again by Homewood Suites by Hilton
• Top Hat! by Apollo Theater
• Dora's Christmas Carol Adventure by Nickelodeon
• Home Baked Goodness by Morton Salt, Inc.
• Elves Raise the Roof by OfficeMax Incorporated
• Snow Queen's Sleigh by Macy's

2011

• Frozen Fall Fun by Discover/NHL
• Zhu-niverse! by ZhuZhu Pets
• Hats Off To Our Heritage! by Macy's
• Gift of Freedom by Macy's
• P.B. Polar Bear by Universal Orlando Resort

2012

• It's All Rock & Roll by Gibson Brands
• Uncle Sam's Top Hat by Macy's
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles by Nickelodeon
• Daytime, Play Time, Night Time Too... by Sprout
• 75 Years of March Madness by National College Athletic Association
• Stirrin' Up Sweet Sensations by Domino Sugar
• Goldfish on Parade by Pepperidge Farms Goldfish

2013

• Sea of Surprises by SeaWorld
• A World at Sea by Royal Caribbean International
• Dreamseeker by Cirque du Soleil
• The Enchanting World of Lindt Chocolate by Lindt
• Despicably Delicious! by Universal Studios Home Entertainment

2014

• Dora & Friends: Adventuras Fantasticas! by Nickelodeon
• Girl-Powered Spinning Machine by GoldieBlox
• At the Ball Game by Cracker Jack
• Beauty of Beijing by Sino-American Friendship Association
• Treasure Hunt by Pirate's Booty
• Pep Rally by Spirit of America Productions

2015

• Big City Cheer! by Spirit of America Productions
• Stone Forrest of Kunming, China by Sino-American Friendship Association
• The Colonel's Road Trip to NYC by Kentucky Fried Chicken
• Casa Fresca Café by Avocados from Mexico
• Free To Play by Sprout
• Discover Adventure! by Build-A-Bear Workshop
• The Cranberry Cooperative by Ocean Spray
• Snoopy's Doghouse by Peanuts Worldwide
• Heartwarming Holiday Countdown by Hallmark Channel

2016

• Building A Better World by Girl Scouts of the USA
• Fun House by Krazy Glue
• The Aloha Spirit by King's Hawaiian
• China's Chengdu - Home of the Giant Panda by Sino-American Friendship Association
• Deck the Halls by Balsam Hill

2017

• Universal Playground by Universal Kids
• Shimmer and Shine by Nickelodeon
• Everyone's Favorite Bake Shop by Entenmann's
• Parade Day Mischief by Sour Patch Kids Candy
• Harvest in the Valley by Green Giant

2018

• Tom Turkey by Macy's
• Fantasy Chocolate Factory by Kinder
• Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles by Nickelodeon
• Splashing Safari Adventure by Kalahari Resorts and Conventions
• Santa's Saint Bernards Save Christmas by Elf Pets/Elf on the Shelf

2019

• Snoopy's Doghouse by Peanuts Worldwide
• Toy House of Marvelous Milestones by New York Life
• Blue's Clues & You! by Nickelodeon
• The Brick-Changer by The LEGO Group
• Rexy in the City by Coach
• Home Sweet Home by Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

2020s Introductions

2020

• Big Turkey Spectacular by Jennie-O
• Tom & Jerry's Tourist Trap by Warner Bros. Pictures
• Her Future Is STEM-Sational by Olay
• Christmas in Town Square by Lifetime

2021

• Celebration Gator by Louisiana Office of Tourism
• Magic Meets the Sea by Disney Cruise Line
• Colossal Wave of Wonder by Kalahari Resorts and Conventions
• Birds of a Feather Stream Together by Peacock
• Winning Winter Together by MassMutual/NHL
• Tiptoe's North Pole by Macy's

2022

• People of the First Light by Macy's
• Supersized Slumber by Netflix
• Baby Shark by Pinkfong and Nickelodeon
• Geoffrey's Dazzling Dance Party by Toys "R" Us
• The Wondership by Wonder Bread

2023

• Camp Snoopy by Peanuts Worldwide
• The Deliciously Delectable World of Wonka by Warner Bros. Pictures
• Igniting Memories by Solo Stove
• Palace of Sweets by Brach's
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem by Nickelodeon

2024

• Candy Cosmos by HARIBO
• DORA's Fantastical Rainforest by Nickelodeon
• Magic Meets the Seas by Disney Cruise Line
• Pasta Knight by Rao's Homemade
• Strikes Again! by GoBowling!
• Wondrous World of Wildlife by Bronx Zoo
• Wednesday's Feast by Netflix