1964
The 1964 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was the 38th annual event, held on November 26 in New York City. It was notable for being the first parade broadcast in color on NBC, introducing new balloons like Linus the Lionhearted, and featuring hosts Lorne Greene and Betty White.
Key Highlights of the 1964 Parade
• Date & Broadcast: November 26, 1964, aired live on NBC from 10–11:30 a.m. EST. First time in color television.
• Hosts: Lorne Greene (of Bonanza) and Betty White.
• Lineup:
• Balloons: Linus the Lionhearted (new), Dino the Dinosaur, Elsie the Cow, Bullwinkle, Donald Duck, Popeye, and Happy Dragon.
• Floats: The Sound of Music (20th Century Fox), Daniel Boone (NBC), First Men in the Moon (Columbia Pictures), Salute to Broadway, and Macy’s Christmas float.
• Specialty Units: NYPD Mounted Unit, banners like “Holiday Treat for Children Everywhere”.
• Performers: Radio City Rockettes, marching bands, and guest stars including The Munsters, who rode in their famous “Munster Koach” car.
• Santa Claus: As tradition, Santa closed the parade.
