Old Friends: A Tribute to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

We all have beloved traditions - and for millions of families, watching the Macy’s Parade on Thanksgiving morning is one of them. “Old Friends” is a heartwarming story that tells just that. It’s about a young boy and his experience seeing our classic Santa balloon throughout 90 Macy’s Parades. You can tell there’s an instant connection between the two and how this larger-than-life event has created a long-lasting impression on the boy. The Macy’s Parade brings the two together year-after-year much like how it gathers family and friends nationwide, generation after generation.
Think of this mini-film as a thank you, old friend, for letting the Macy’s Parade be a part of your lives every Thanksgiving morning.
For more details on our 90th celebration, visit the Macy’s Parade site: macys.com/parade
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Shop Macy's: www.Macys.com

[@ryanspees2857]

It is almost impossible for me to watch this ad without having tears in my eyes. Good job Macy's!

[@whatiftherewasanun]

I actually shed legitimate tears.

[@bradleycotton3237]

Benjamin Johnson 😢

[@Rj-nh1df]

For sure

[@BoeIs_HERE]

Angela Johnson I got one small one

[@StevenMcFlyJunior]

Bawled like a little baby last year when it first aired, did again when I came here to see it again today. Didn't see it on TV this year, must have missed it. This will be something I watch EVERY year now.

[@BabyLambCreations]

Happy 90th Anniversary, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!

[@christinabetting962]

Baby Lamb

[@christinabetting962]

😅

[@christinabetting962]

Baby Lamb Creations q

[@marctopgun]

This commercial makes me cry every time I see it. My parents are elderly and I don’t want to lose them. Whoever made this commercial was a genius

[@mikelkelly9693]

It's been two whole years and I still love this commercial

[@RealLudoKressh]

Same!

[@enjo4020]

I saw this commercial on TV just 1 time. They should have shown this constantly every Christmas season

[@myko7743]

Very heart warming. Brought a tear to my eye. Who on earth would dislike this?

[@itseventuallymekenty]

Myko Otaku probably those people who had been traumatized by barney in 1997.

[@StevenMcFlyJunior]

Scrooge McGrinch ain't even that cold

[@johnboehmer6683]

It's a great question... Yet, Not only was there somebody, but more than one in every 3 respondents disliked it!!! What an absolutely sick world we live in! (2.7 million likes to 1.1 million dislikes!)

[@MFLetou1]

Oh I’m am so 😭

[@K0rmz]

Sadly people have different perspectives on this

[@AlaLucille-4ever]

This commercial is the best one I've ever seen in my life. It tells the story of a gentleman as he watches the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, but meets up with the Santa Claus balloon, who is winking at him. Years has passed, and today, the Santa balloon didn't see him, but he is unleashed by those who carry him and he went to the man's house. He winks to him and the man nods, saying this is the last time they saw each other. It's so emotional !😢 I almost cried on it ! Love you from France 🇫🇷🇺🇸

[@Jeannious1]

This is so beautiful and touching. At the end it's almost like the gentleman nodded and let Santa know this is the last time we'll see eachother, my friend

[@RealLudoKressh]

Jeannious1 That's exactly how I felt! It reminds me of my dad :(

[@Jeannious1]

Joseph Green - I thought of my Dad also. He unfortunately passed away many years ago.

[@RealLudoKressh]

Jeannious1 I'm so sorry! Mine past last year. I hope your family has a great Holiday season!

[@Jeannious1]

Joseph Green Sorry about your Dad too. All the best to you and your family as well! Have a wonderful 2017!

[@bonniewilliams6113]

Joseph Green p

[@susgra21]

All the feels! I worked in Macy's Marketing Dept, so the parade has been a big part of my life, and a great source of pride. As a former employee, I'm proud to be associated with this yearly event and corporate mission.

[@valleyvistadrones]

Still one of the best commercials ever produced.

[@brittanylynne7794]

Made me cry when it first aired, and still a beautiful, heartfelt message. 😕May we all continue to believe, and enjoy the holidays with those we love. Life is short. Hug and cherish everyone you love while you have them. Love and miss you everyday, mom. Thanks for making every holiday magical.💖🎅🤶

[@marctopgun]

Well said Brittany

[@matthewmckenzie9768]

can't wait to watch the Thanksgiving Parade!!!!😀

[@eightye8]

Pregnancy + this commercial = waterfall of tears!

[@0910President]

This has to be the best commercial ever. This tells us that you can be friends forever. I almost cry every time at the end because it’s probably the final goodbye. I hope they are still best friends. Always believe and respect. Happy Thanksgiving!

[@macys]

❤️ ❤️ ❤️

[@gracie06260]

I love this... tears of joy, memories, and love!

[@cesararana261]

I like how the Santa balloon is still able to fly for 90 years with Christmas magic. Logic

[@7rippster7]

Dammit, I had tears in my eyes. I thought he died!!! Great heartwarming commercial Macys!!

[@EM-eb1wt]

Thanksgiving is the most delicious day of the year! 😋🦃

[@tedibae5622]

Thanks to my assignemnt, I found this commercials. At first, I dont know what Macy's is and what commercial is made for. I watched whole video and I feel touched. In the future, I will come to NY and definitely watch this parade.

[@cruiserjok]

I was shopping at Macy's today. I was asked by a Macy's employee if I needed help finding anything. I told her no, that I had found what I was looking for. It was this commercial. It was THE suprise of the parade coverage this year. It made my day.

[@caitlinh6370]

the day i saw this i cried for over an hour

[@Taurus01979]

Darn it, Macy's, don't make me tear up... Lovely commercial.

[@rulitoyjavier4372]

agree

[@bradleycotton3237]

Taurus01979 😭😭😭😭😭

[@Rj-nh1df]

Try to remind myself daily that LIFE is too short. Appreciate the precious time we have and enjoy everyone's company, even if they are different and not up to par with what u consider "normal". Live, love and laugh! God bless you all!

[@dh4367]

Watching in 2022.. still hits right in the feels!

[@TheRealTrevorLawerence]

the music and everything makes me wanna cry

[@toilet0609]

Legend has it, it’s still flying

[@slimchady8527]

i cry watching this it reminds how much times like this matters most the people u love and the time u spend with them

[@Yugi880]

Macys thanksgiving day parade will always be my childhood memories is 99

[@Ze2Be]

Macy's has been such a big part of my life since I can remember! My grandmother first introduced me to this magical store when we would visit her in New York and then my husband and I registered at Macy's when we got married and we have shopped at Macy's during our 46 year marriage. We watched the parade last year from his hospital room at the VA and he passed away on 12/21/2015. This commercial has really touched my heart because he wasn't here this year, at least not physically. Thank you Macy's for this amazing tribute to one man's love of the parade, it represents millions of us across this land who love this wonderful tradition. It is on my bucket list to attend this incredible parade and visit the New York store during the most wonderful time of the year!

[@macys]

We are so touched to be a part of your tradition - thanks so much for sharing your story with us and Happy Holidays! - Kelly at Macy's

[@Dolberggames]

I'm sorry for your loss.

[@traceycancio8066]

Ze2Be Wonderful story!

[@judypyle1316]

Blake shelton

[@rhondasampsel664]

Ze2Be bless your heart I have been with my husband 40 yrs and remember seeing the parade as a child I will say a special prayer for you during the holidays Again bless your heart sweetie and enjoy the parade .

[@elisahuberman3408]

Well done, Macy's.

[@joannemazurek9075]

This is definitely on my short list of all time favorite commercials. The Santa in the Norelco razor still takes top prize because I grew up watching that commercial every Christmas season

[@ricardio1814]

That was beautiful

[@mason9879]

Tearing up over this, it’s so emotional

[@ririmr4978]

BEST commercial on EARTH! How could anyone forget this one? Had to look it up and watch it over and over again this year! WOW, all I can say is AWESOME advertising campaign!! Saw this last year on TV during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade while I was preparing our Thanksgiving dinner and it literally stopped me in my tracks, then tears of joy streamed down my face. Just BEAUTIFUL!

[@rebelfleettrooper9881]

This one is so cute!

[@manuelorozco7760]

I have enjoyed watching the parade for 10 years now! It's my favorite part of Thanksgiving other than family dinner. Seeing colorful balloons, Broadway shows, favorite stars of stage, screen and music and of course today's brightest and legendary characters. Happy 90th anniversary to the Macy's Parade!

[@walterrobinson7143]

Manuel Orozco I definitely agree with you. Here's to another 90 years!

[@manuelorozco7760]

WALTER ROBINSON Amen

[@tessaferguson2350]

It's been two years and I still can't make it through this without crying.

[@ericktrivi69]

I crying 😭 it just my tears of joy 😂

[@jflg6451]

im bawling tears of joy right now

[@aprilcunningham7246]

Who in the hell would down vote this beautiful commercial? It brought me to tears.

[@joannemazurek9075]

Still makes me cry.

[@rebelfleettrooper9881]

Cute Commercial! That Santa balloon was like a bubble floating around with a beautiful gift inside.

[@greenyvilanboy6794]

THE BELIVE IN THE END MADE ME CRY A RIVER

[@Mr_One2]

As long as you believe, Christmas will always find you.

[@Pleasestayseated]

wow, amazing!!!!!

[@Nikkii199045]

the cat in the background is my favorite balloon behind santa balloon

[@labrador-retriever]

Makes me want to cry but would Macy’s keep a balloon and make it fly for 90 years?

[@tabithamonetathchi9386]

yaaaaaaah would they??? well unless theyrepaired the balloon over the years

[@Douglasman123]

I have been watching the Macys Day Parader since i was 8. and this comercial really made my day. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! heres to the 100 Macys Day Parade!!

[@baileydavis1616]

I love the macy's thanksgiving day parade

[@macys]

Our favorite time of the year! #MacysParade

[@almanac4150]

At first, this got me all wistful then it took a turn to creepy town when the balloon up and left.

[@italiano8nyc]

one of the most beautiful commercials ever! life goes by so fast.......enjoy XO

[@ThatToastyPyro]

This made me cry of tears of joy

[@PlayersLlashag]

I can't wait to come to the parade this month

[@raulestevez7884]

This is the best commercial I've ever seen

[@corn7534]

Raul Estevez I just shipped my pants

[@efollycom]

Ahhh, that brought tears to my eyes!

[@lettyguerra371]

What a beautiful commercial! I dont watch to many commercial videos on you tube, but I actually watched it twice! Great Job Macy's!

[@maresbeanieboos8213]

This is so heartwarming! It brought a tear to My Eye! It takes a lot to make me cry but this brought tears of happiness!

[@tinytoddlertv]

Panda Express t

[@bradleycotton3237]

Mare animations 😢

[@dannycastillo6984]

I have to

[@adrianaviveros8027]

BY

[@colleenfarrell3513]

I love the the parade and l love shopping at Macy's !!

[@Paljduswnsbsns]

This is beautiful

[@bigheadgamer2k]

well that was a emotional Rollercoaster

[@ririmr4978]

Back again this year watching this beautiful commercial

[@macys]

We're happy to have you back! Enjoy.

[@christube25o]

I remember showing this to my grandma a couple years ago, she loved it. Sadly she passed in 2020 but I can just hear her voice when I watch this.

[@oliviaandlulu]

always will come back to this

[@mayflower7811]

Happy 90th B-Day Macy's #Thanksgiving Day Parade 🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈

[@tillerisagod8572]

Happy Thanksgiving y’all!

[@macys]

Happy Thanksgiving! #MacysParade

[@melissawalker3874]

every time I watch this I get choked up

[@BlueMoonShadowhawk]

What an incredible ad is this. I remember watching the Macy's parade as a child. When we moved to PR I used to watch the parade on TV every year, and when I moved back to the states I kept watching it year after year. This ad really connects with many of us who grew up with this tradition.

[@davecastanon6920]

Such a wonderful commercial. BRAVO, Macy's!

[@LisaNinnymuggins]

Made me cry! XD love this ad

[@emilythefriendlydemon4731]

macy's has been such a good part of my life since i could remender!

[@sussexshelah3495]

Thanks for paying tribute to folks as they grow older. We all do, and it's hard to lose some as they progress on that journey. This showed us that it is all part of the process of growing, and going. Lovely.Hopeful too.

[@jodielias9261]

Wow! This is wonderful. Thank you to your advertising/marketing team for "getting it."

[@JaydenBeckerTV]

My mother cries every time she watches this. What a great commercial.

[@macys]

We're happy you guys enjoy the commercial so much!

[@wasabi505]

The CUTEST thing I’ve seen!!

[@jadeheise5791]

so sweet

[@JonathanHale2023]

Darn it Macys Commercials and Beleive Always Make Me Cry But Macys Is My Number 1 Place For Thanksgiving Parade

[@ericktrivi69]

I joy of crys because I love this and thanksgiving happy thanksgiving 🍁🦃🍽 love ya

[@jordankendall2705]

Top 10 commercial all time, parade always favorite part of thanksgiving

[@hunterkrovac]

This literally brought tears to my eyes

[@FeddyisAngy]

even though it's not thanksgiving or christmas, I still like it🙂

[@JosLemmers]

One of the best commercials ever, so emotional and so full of melancholy. Still love it. Everyone gets at least a tear in his eyes. We see our own lives pass by in a minute thirty. Thank you Macy's for this beautiful video.

[@macys]

This one gets us a little sentimental too, Jos - we're so glad you enjoyed it! - Val at Macy's

[@JosLemmers]

No no ;) , the thanks goes to and is for Macy's.

[@firenation7600]

Hey everyone has to go through this too.... all of us

[@isti0phoridaegd381]

I'm happy Pikachu is back in the parade I saw him last year

[@cak8132]

Beautiful commercial. Made me cry big time.

[@benitomorales577]

Santa: were is the little boi? Goes to the house Me: oh hello there!

[@jaimeekinman3701]

This is a beautifully emotional masterpiece

[@MargaritaMartinez-wm3rc]

Beautiful❤

[@ravenalbart9915]

i really miss macys.. i feel the goodness of macys even i am here in the philippines :) i wanna work again with you macys :(

[@CornerFieldHobbyRailfan]

This is the best Commercial I've seen for the Holidays since the Coca Cola Trucks & the Coke through the years Commercial. A like from me.

[@bebotamooon]

❤

[@jessejimenez4779]

And the Oscar for the best holiday commercial gose to....macys!

[@randomperson2151]

So sad that we had to miss so many amazing things form covid

[@atroquix]

Santa : IM OUT OF HEE!

[@robertgarcia2864]

0:04 dude its felix behind santa

[@douglasmurphy1113]

oh god, my heart!

[@jaimeekinman3701]

Friends forever

[@strawberrylemonadelioness]

I love the parade!

[@funkymcgoober3240]

After all he’ll always be with you no matter what keep believing in him and just maybe you’ll find a present underneath the tree from him

[@ShaggyDawg]

I miss my dad. :'-(