The 30th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was held on November 22, 1956, in New York City beginning at 9:45 a.m. and shown to viewers live on NBC that same day from 11 a.m. to noon EST. It was hosted by Ernie Kovacs. The lineup featured three giant helium balloons, nine floats, 12 marching bands, and the one-and-only Santa Claus.