Balloons for the 98th Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade took their first test flight on Saturday during Balloonfest at MetLife Stadium. This annual event offers a preview of the new balloons and gives handlers a chance to practice maneuvering them before their official Parade debut. Here’s your first look on the new character balloons! Which are you most excited to see?
Disney’s Minnie Mouse by The Walt Disney Company
The beloved Minnie Mouse, everyone’s favorite darling, is making her debut in the Parade. Seen striking an adorable pose, she’s all set to light up New York City with her iconic polka dot bow and signature yellow heels.
By the Numbers
- Height: 60 feet, as tall as a 5-story building
- Length: 60 feet, equal to 8 bicycles end-to-end
- Width: 34 feet, as wide as 5 taxi cabs
Fun Fact
Minnie Mouse’s birthday falls on November 18, just a week before Thanksgiving. Happy Birthday, Minnie!
Extraordinary Noorah™ & The Elf on the Shelf® by The Lumistella Company
Every Christmas Eve, the magical arctic fox Extraordinary Noorah, with a swish of her tail, freezes time and illuminates the Northern Lights to assist Santa on his journey. She’s accompanied by The Elf on the Shelf® Scout Elf, one of Santa’s most trusted helpers, bringing the magic of the Elf on the Shelf® Santaverse® to New York City.
By the Numbers
- Height: 44 feet, as tall as a 4-story building
- Length: 66 feet, equivalent to 9 bicycles lined up
- Width: 19 feet, as wide as 3 taxi cabs
Fun Fact
Noorah’s tail and eyes replicate the Northern Lights, glowing in blue, purple, and green.
Gabby
DreamWorks Animation
Gabby, the beloved star from DreamWorks Animation’s Gabby’s Dollhouse, is here to enchant Parade-goers! With her magic cat ears and her trusty friend Pandy Paws, Gabby embarks on fun-filled adventures inside her dollhouse, complete with crafts, music, and adorable kitty companions. The excitement continues with a new feature film coming next fall.
By the Numbers
- Height: 55.5 feet, as tall as a 5-story building
- Length: 36 feet, matching the length of 5 bicycles
- Width: 66.5 feet, as wide as 10 taxi cabs
Fun Fact
The Gabby and Pandy balloon is decorated with over 25 colors!
Goku by Dragon Ball/Toei Animation
Goku, the legendary hero of the Dragon Ball franchise, returns to the Parade in an all-new look. First airing in the U.S. over 30 years ago, Dragon Ball follows Goku, a Saiyan warrior known for his peaceful, good-natured, and honest personality.
- Height: 56 feet, as tall as a 5-story building
- Length: 70 feet, equivalent to 10 bicycles
- Width: 36 feet, as wide as 6 taxi cabs
Fun Fact
This year, Goku is featured in his original Saiyan form with jet-black hair. Since 2018, he’s soared through the Parade route as Super Saiyan Blue.
Marshall from PAW Patrol by Nickelodeon
Marshall, the lovable Dalmatian from PAW Patrol, joins the Parade following his friend Chase. As Adventure Bay’s brave firedog, he’s ready to save the day, extinguish fires, and climb to new heights with his rescue ladder. Fired up and full of heart, Marshall is ready for his first Parade appearance!
Fun Fact
Marshall’s balloon is twice as large as a typical New York City Fire Department firetruck.
Spider-Man by Marvel
The Amazing Spider-Man is swinging back into action on the streets of New York City after over a decade. Known for his superhuman strength, web-slinging, and wall-crawling abilities, this iconic hero has captured the imagination of fans since his debut.
By the Numbers
- Height: 44 feet, as tall as a 4-story building
- Length: 77.5 feet, equal to 11 bicycles end-to-end
- Width: 34 feet, as wide as 5 taxi cabs
Fun Fact
This version of Spider-Man is designed in the style of John Romita Sr., the legendary comic book artist who began illustrating Spidey in Daredevil before taking over Amazing Spider-Man in 1966, succeeding Steve Ditko.
The 98th Macy’s Parade promises to be the largest yet, featuring over 5,000 volunteers, 17 character balloons, 22 floats, 15 heritage and novelty balloons, more than 700 clowns, 11 marching bands, 10 performance groups, and performances by some of today’s biggest music stars. The celebration will culminate with the arrival of Santa Claus, marking the start of the holiday season. Read our full Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade guide HERE.
