The 33rd Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was held on November 26, 1959, in New York City starting at 9:45 a.m. and shown to viewers live on NBC that same day from 11 a.m. to noon. It was hosted by Bill Wendell and Gene Rayburn. The lineup feature three giant helium balloons, 15 floats, 10 marching bands, thousands of participants, and the one-and-only Santa Claus.