U.S. Thanksgiving Day parade draws millions in New York

The traditional Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade brought holiday cheer to New York City on Thursday morning, as giant character balloons floated above Manhattan in one of the United States' most watched holiday events. According to Macy's Inc.(Incorporated), the parade included more than 5,000 volunteers, 34 giant balloons, 28 floats, 33 clown crews and 11 marching bands.

First held in 1924, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has become an icon of the U.S. holiday season. It has been staged every year regardless of weather, except for a three-year pause during World War II from 1942 to 1944.