Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

The 53rd Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

The 53rd Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was held on November 22, 1979 in New York City, and shown to viewers live on NBC that same day from 9 a.m. to noon EST. It was hosted by Ed McMahon and Bryant Gumbel. The lineup featured eight giant character balloons, 27 floats, 11 marching bands, dozens of clowns, and the one-and-only Santa Claus.