NBC to commemorate 85th anniversary of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

NBC will look back at 85 years of one of America's greatest holiday traditions with "The 85th Anniversary of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade," on Thursday, Nov. 24, from 10-11 p.m. Matt Lauer will host this retrospective, which will feature the favorite floats, balloons and performances that have made the parade a must-watch spectacle every year for generations of American families.

"NBC is thrilled to be able to celebrate and commemorate 85 years of this iconic holiday event," said Doug Vaughan, senior vice president of special programs and late night. "The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade continues to be a longstanding tradition and an anchor in our holiday programming."

Lauer, host of the parade for the last 13 years, will share memories of the past 85 years with behind-the-scenes stories from previous hosts, performers, producers and viewers, including Christina Applegate, Betty Buckley, Katie Couric, Florence Henderson, Kris Jenner, Joe Jonas, Phylicia Rashad, Daniel Rodriguez, Al Roker, Pat Sajak, Willard Scott, Jessica Simpson, Brooke Shields, Donald Trump, Betty White and more.

The special will highlight many of the performances, floats and iconic balloons, including Julius, Sonic The Hedgehog, Aflac Duck, Harold The Policeman and more. It will also delve into the rich history of the parade, starting with its beginning voyage in 1924, when the employees of the landmark retailer, Macy's, were looking for a way to celebrate the American holiday while embracing some of their old world traditions.