Soaring above the bustling streets of New York City, a colorful array of balloons, both new and old, will mark the beginning of the holiday season with Macy’s annual Thanksgiving Day Parade. This year, a total of 34 balloons will take flight, including four new additions: Buzz Lightyear, Nintendo’s iconic Mario, PAC-MAN, and Shrek’s Onion Carriage.
As Executive Producer Will Coss shared with Parade, decisions about which balloons and floats return each year are carefully considered to ensure the parade tells a creative and visually engaging story. These choices are made well in advance to craft the best possible lineup for the iconic event.
Before the balloons take flight on November 27th, 2025, let’s dive into some fun facts about this year’s lineup:
1. Mario joins the parade for the first time, standing tall at 43 feet and 8 inches, making a big splash as a beloved pop culture character.
2. Buzz Lightyear returns after a 10-year absence, celebrating the 30th anniversary of Toy Story.
3. PAC-MAN’s balloon features the iconic cherries from the arcade game, adding a joyful touch to the parade.
4. Shrek’s Onion Carriage boasts the most characters ever on a balloon, with the unique ability to fly in either direction.
5. Minnie Mouse, Stuart the Minion, Gabby & Pandy Paws, and Greg Heffley also make appearances, each bringing their own special flair to the parade.
The 2025 parade lineup also includes the longest-running character, Snoopy, along with favorites like SpongeBob SquarePants and Pikachu & Eevee. New additions like Bluey, Goku, and Smokey Bear add fresh excitement to the festivities.
As we anticipate the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, filled with beloved characters and charming balloons, the streets of Manhattan will once again be transformed into a colorful spectacle celebrating the holiday season. Get ready to be enchanted by the magic of this annual tradition as Macy’s brings joy and wonder to spectators young and old alike.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.