The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Sleepy History

Slumber Studios

History, Documentary, Society & Culture

4.5 • 878 Ratings

🗓️ 16 November 2025

⏱️ 47 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

It wasn't even the first Thanksgiving Day parade in the United States. But what began as a small holiday celebration in 1924 has grown into one of America’s most beloved traditions, complete with giant balloons, marching bands, and a touch of magic. From its humble beginnings to the iconic spectacle it is today, discover the story behind the parade that kicks off the holiday season every year in the United States. Tonight, let the whimsical history of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade gently guide you into a deep, peaceful sleep. Narrated by: Heather Foster Written by: Alicia Steffann Includes mentions of: Americana, Thanksgiving, Holidays, Christmas, Balloons #history #sleep #bedtime #story #thanksgiving #parade #UShistory About Sleepy History Explore history's most intriguing stories, people, places, events, and mysteries, delivered in a supremely calming atmosphere. If you struggle to fall asleep and you have a curious mind, Sleepy History is the perfect bedtime companion. Our stories will gently grasp your attention, pulling your mind away from any racing thoughts, making room for the soothing music and calming narration to guide you into a peaceful sleep. Want to enjoy Sleepy History ad-free? Start your 7-day free trial of Sleepy History Premium: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://sleepyhistory.supercast.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Have feedback or an episode request? Let us know at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠slumberstudios.com/contact⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sleepy History is a production of Slumber Studios. To learn more, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.slumberstudios.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	This is Sleepy History.
0:07.3	Sleepy History is a production of Slumber Studios.
0:12.0	To listen ad-free, get access to bonus episodes,
0:16.3	and support the ongoing production of this show.
0:20.0	Check out our premium feed.
0:25.8	In a city known for its glitz and glamour,
0:32.1	one of the more extravagant annual traditions
0:35.4	that takes place in New York is called the Macy's Thanksgiving
0:41.3	Day Parade. From its humble beginnings in 1924 to the sprawling spectacle of today,
0:51.9	this lavish event has lasted over a hundred years and is still going strong.
1:00.3	Tonight we'll hear about how it began, the missteps and mishaps along the way and the surprising
1:08.6	ways in which it has evolved.
1:17.1	So just relax and let your mind drift as we explore the sleepy history
1:21.5	of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.
1:41.0	Thank you. Thanksgiving Day Parade. Each year on Thanksgiving
1:43.3	while hosts prepare their meals, and people look forward to gatherings
1:50.0	of friends and loved ones, a surprising tradition unfolds across the United States.
2:00.0	As this annual whopper of a dinner near serving time, tens of millions
2:06.4	of Americans turn on their televisions to watch a spectacle of giant balloons, floats,
2:16.2	performers, and bands that will roll down a 2.5 mile route right through the heart
2:26.4	of New York City. This is the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
2:42.0	The parade broadcast begins at 8.30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time and wraps up around noon, ending with the arrival of Santa Claus
	...

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