I am with you angelpugs! I am just like Elf in the movie when he screams, "SANTA"!!!!! That is my reaction too! The turkey is a highlight for me as well, MerryCarey! It officially kicks off Thanksgiving for me!
For childhood memories, I love the Sesame Street float, since that was my favorite show as a child. The same human cast was on that float since I was a child, Bob, Maria, Susan and so on up until 2015. Macy's parade 2016, as I was watching that float again, none of the ones from my childhood was on there! That shows my age, doesn't it? Ha ha! Started watching that show almost since it first started airing. I knew Maria had retired and I am assuming the other ones did as well. Well, the kids don't look for them anyway, it's all about the Muppets, of course! They are always on that float!
Those are my top 3 but to answer your question, my very favorite is --- SANTA!!!!!!!