Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Reveals Exciting New Balloons for Its 100th Anniversary

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The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of New York City’s most beloved annual traditions, drawing families from near and far to Manhattan to catch a glimpse of its larger-than-life balloons, some of which stand as tall as five-story buildings.

While new balloons are introduced regularly, this year’s additions are getting an especially exciting spotlight as the iconic parade prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary.

Bluey, Hello Kitty & More New Balloons Are Unveiled for the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Macy’s just announced the new balloons that will take flight at this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and it will be a real treat for everyone in the family. Per its website, the parade will see a total of nine new balloons, with some as tall as five-story buildings.

The new balloons include:

Hello Kitty in blue overalls, holding an apple. She is as high as a three-story building.

Bluey returns for his fifth year, but this time he will have a Christmas cracker crown. He is one of the tallest balloons, standing as high as a five-story building.

Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Mouse from the movie “Fantasia,” and it also marks the beloved character’s 21st appearance at the parade.

Underdog, who returns to the parade for the first time in 42 years.

Joe Cool and Woodstock, Snoopy’s alter ego, who is as high as a four-story building.

Billie Brightpaw, a curious bear in a matching red hat and scarf, is a brand new addition to the parade.

Earl the Squirrel, who comes all the way from Universal Orlando Resort, carrying a blue Christmas tree light.

Buckaroo Bob the Minion makes his debut while riding on a banana. It also marks the Minion’s fifth parade appearance.

A new Macy’s star, featuring original star balloon schematic drawings from the ’70s.

Attendees will also get to see other beloved balloons in flight this year, including Dora from “Dora the Explorer,” Buzz Lightyear, “Dragon Ball Z’s” Goku, K-pop Demon Hunters: Derpy Tiger, Mario, Pikachu & Eevee, Smokey Bear, Spider-Man, SpongeBob SquarePants & Gary, and much more.

Not only will the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade feature new balloons, but there will also be brand-new floats. Some of the new floats include Mr. Peanut’s Power Plant, Purina Dog Chow Salute to Service Dogs, and Tony Sarg’s Amazing Marionettes.

The 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade takes place on Thanksgiving Day, November 26 at 8:30 a.m. The parade route starts at West 77th Street and Central Park West and continues for over two miles to Macy’s Herald Square at West 34th Street and Seventh Avenue, per Afar.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Balloons Were Once Set Free After the Parade Was Over

According to People, former executive parade producer Amy Kule shared that it takes “about five months” to make one balloon, but that all depends on what’s included.

“There are a lot of different stages, and it depends on how intricate a balloon is. A round one with eyes and mouth is easy, but a Trolls balloon with four characters takes a lot of engineering to bring to life,” she added.

Interestingly, Kule revealed that in the parade’s early years, the massive balloons were actually released into the sky after the festivities. However, that tradition eventually came to an end due to potential safety risks involved.

“We actually used to let them go at the end of the parade, but then we decided we should keep them so we could reuse them. It also became a safety issue,” she told the outlet. “But up until 1931, if you found one in your yard, you could bring the tag to Macy’s and receive a special gift.”