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.