The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of NYC’s most cherished traditions — a morning where skyscrapers become the backdrop to giant floating characters, joyful marching bands, high-kicking dancers, and the official start of the holiday season. Each year brings something new to the parade route, and 2025 is delivering some iconic characters! From video-game legends to beloved animated heroes, this year’s lineup of new balloons is ready to make a larger-than-life entrance in the skies above Manhattan.
Below, get to know each of the brand-new balloons making their parade debut!
New Balloons: Mario
It’s-a Mario!
The mustached hero of the Mushroom Kingdom is officially making his parade debut — just in time to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. Created in partnership with Nintendo of America, this soaring superstar measures over 43 feet tall and more than 51 feet long, striking a dynamic flying pose inspired by Super Mario Galaxy. Dressed in his classic blue overalls and signature red cap, Mario arrives as both a timeless character and a cultural icon who continues to inspire new generations of players.
With multiple recent and upcoming game releases — and a new movie arriving in 2026 — Mario is having a very big moment. Now, he’s quite literally larger than life above NYC.
New Balloons: PAC-MAN
For his 45th anniversary, the legendary yellow hero is taking a well-deserved victory lap through Midtown. The brand-new PAC-MAN balloon celebrates both the retro arcade classic and the ongoing world of modern PAC-MAN adventures. This enormous balloon brings PAC-MAN’s joyful, unstoppable energy to life: towering at 37 feet tall, 40 feet long, and 38 feet wide — about as wide as six NYC taxicabs parked side-by-side. He’ll be gliding along holding a pair of shiny red cherries, a nod to the very first fruit that players can snack on in the original game.
As delighted crowds look up, PAC-MAN will appear as he always has — hungry, happy, and ready to chomp his way through whatever (or whoever) might be in his path… just watch out for Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde!
New Balloons: Shrek’s Onion Carriage
Get ready — we’re going to the Kingdom of Far Far Away.
For the first time in 15 years, Shrek returns to the Macy’s Parade… and he’s bringing the whole crew. This magnificent new balloon features Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, Gingy, Pinocchio, and the beloved ogre triplets — Felicia, Fergus, and Farkle, now seen as teenagers for the very first time. Designed in the shape of Shrek’s iconic Onion Carriage, this float is 32 feet tall, 39 feet long, and features more characters than any balloon in parade history — eight in total.
This debut also builds excitement for Shrek 5, arriving in theaters summer 2027 — including the news that Zendaya will voice Felicia. For families, fans, and anyone who has ever quoted “Ogres are like onions!” — this one is going to be a showstopper.
New Balloons: Buzz Lightyear
To NYC, and beyond!
Everyone’s favorite Space Ranger is returning to the parade to celebrate 30 years of Toy Story. This brand-new Buzz Lightyear balloon features the suit, wings, and heroic stance that define the character — ready to protect his friends at any altitude. Standing 45.5 feet tall and stretching 58 feet long, Buzz is nearly the length of four Pizza Planet trucks lined up end to end.
Confident, courageous, and just slightly unaware — Buzz’s presence is a nostalgic treat for adults and pure magic for kids experiencing him for the first time.
These newcomers will soar alongside many returning parade favorites this year. Explore the full balloon lineup, and see a list of the floats, marching bands, and performances HERE.
How to See the Parade
The 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will step off the morning of Thursday, November 27, beginning at 77th Street and Central Park West and making its way to Herald Square. Whether you watch curbside with a hot chocolate or tune in live from home or your apartment, the parade remains a magical holiday tradition unlike any other.
And don’t forget one of NYC’s best events:
The Balloon Inflation Celebration happens the night before, on Wednesday, November 26, near the American Museum of Natural History. Crowds can walk the closed streets to see the balloons being inflated up-close — a magical moment where the characters truly come to life. Read more about the event HERE.
Get ready to cheer and welcome these giant stars to the skyline — the holidays are officially here! Will you be watching the parade?🎈✨
