The 52nd Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was held on November 23, 1978 in New York City, and shown to viewers live on NBC that same day from 9 a.m. to noon. It was hosted by Ed McMahon and Bryant Gumbel. The lineup featured nine giant helium balloons, 29 floats, 12 marching bands, thousands of marchers, and the one-and-only Santa Claus.