The Children's Christmas Parade is a Christmas Parade held to benefit Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.
The Parade was started by the Egleston Children's Hospital in 1981, with department store chain Davison's sponsoring the event. Then known as the Davison's-Egleston Christmas Parade, the Parade featured floats, marching bands, clowns, and giant balloons.
Beginning in 1983, balloons from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade began being used, beginning with the Happy Dragon. However, the balloon was grounded at the last-minute due to that year's weather conditions.
In 1985, Macy's became the Parade's sponsor after they phased out the Davison's brand, and it was renamed to the Macy's Egleston Christmas Parade. With the new sponsor, several toy floats and clown units became part of the lineup. In 1991, Macy's stopped being the Parade's sponsor upon request by the hospital.
The Parade is still being held as of 2022, albeit with balloons made by Fabulous Inflatables and other vendors.
Macy's Balloons featured[]
- Happy Dragon (1983)
- Donald Duck (2nd version) (1985-1986)
- Linus the Lionhearted (1984-1985)
- Underdog (1984-1985)
- Geometric Ornaments (1986-1990)
- White Macy's Stars (2nd version) (1986-1990)
- Aviator Snoopy (1st version) (1986)
- Yogi Bear (1986)
- Skater Snoopy (1987)
- Lollipops (1987-1988)
- Ice Cream Cone (1987-1988, 1990)
- Snuggle Bear (1987)
- Baby Shamu (1987, 1990)
- Snoopy and Woodstock (1988)
- Raggedy Ann (1988-1989)
- Quik Bunny (1988)
- Spider-Man (1989-1990)
- Garfield (1st version) (1989)
- Ronald McDonald (1st version) (1990)