The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is leveling up for 2025 and pop culture fans across Long Island are getting some new sky sized heroes to cheer on. Five giant balloons including Buzz Lightyear, Mario, PAC MAN, Shrek’s Onion Carriage and Derpy Tiger are set to make their debut on Thursday, November 27th as part of the 99th edition of the parade. Here are the new balloons to look for.
Derpy Tiger
Derpy Tiger from Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation’s KPop Demon Hunters brings a fresh mix of supernatural energy and K culture style to this year’s parade. The character is known for his bright blue coat, glowing yellow eyes and constant mischievous grin, which have made him a breakout favorite among fans of the film. His first flight over New York City adds a newer, global fandom to the lineup and brings an anime inspired presence to the parade.
According to Macy’s website, the Derpy Tiger balloon stands 21 feet tall, the height of a typical two story building. It stretches 39 feet long, roughly the same length as five bicycles placed end to end. It is also 16 feet wide, which is almost as wide as three New York City taxicabs parked side by side.
Macy’s also notes that Derpy Tiger was inspired by traditional Korean folk art known as Minhwa, meaning painting of the people. Within that tradition, whimsical tiger artwork is called Hojakdo, which directly influenced the playful and stylized look of the character.
Buzz Lightyear
Pixar’s space ranger is finally getting the full parade treatment after decades of Toy Story fame. Buzz Lightyear has been a fixture of animation since 1995 and remains one of Pixar’s most recognizable heroes. His balloon debut is more than symbolic. It is one of the largest and most detailed character balloons in this year’s parade.
According to Macy’s website, the Buzz balloon stands 45.5 feet tall, which is roughly the height of a four story building. It measures 58 feet long, the same length as eight bicycles lined up wheel to wheel. It is also 39 feet wide, or as wide as six New York City taxicabs arranged side by side.
Macy’s also shared a fun detail for Toy Story fans. From his head to his iconic boot with the name ANDY written across it, the Buzz balloon is almost the exact length of four Pizza Planet delivery trucks.
Mario
Mario is soaring into the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with a brand-new look for 2025. The mustached hero of the Mushroom Kingdom will make his parade debut this November, flying above Manhattan in his classic blue overalls and signature red cap. Nintendo’s iconic plumber arrives ready to protect the Big Apple from Bowser’s chaos, marking a major milestone for one of the most recognizable characters in gaming history.
According to Macy’s website, the Mario balloon stands 43 feet 8 inches tall, the height of a typical four story building. It measures 51 feet 2 inches long, or the length of seven bicycles lined up in a row. The balloon is also 37 feet wide, which is about as wide as six New York City taxicabs placed side by side.
Macy’s highlights that Mario has entertained players for 40 years, beginning with the release of Super Mario Bros. on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1985. His appearance in the parade is not only a celebration of that legacy but also a reminder of the character’s enduring influence on generations of gamers.
PAC MAN
PAC-MAN is joining the parade with the same unstoppable energy that made him a global icon. As he floats over Manhattan, the classic yellow hero looks ready to chomp his way down the route, just as he has been doing on arcade screens for 45 years. Fans of all ages will instantly recognize him from the original Bandai Namco game, where he has spent decades devouring PAC Dots and fruit while staying one step ahead of Blinky, Pinky, Inky and Clyde.
According to Macy’s website, the PAC-MAN balloon stands 37 feet 3 inches tall, about as high as a three story building. It stretches 40 feet 5 inches long, the same length as six bicycles lined up front to back. The balloon is also 38 feet 9 inches wide, which equals the width of six New York City taxicabs arranged side by side.
Macy’s also revealed a fun detail for longtime gamers. PAC-MAN is holding a pair of shiny red cherries, the very first fruit players encounter in the original arcade game.
Shrek’s Onion Carriage
Shrek is returning to the parade in true fairytale style, this time with an entire crew from the Kingdom of Far Far Away. The enchanted Onion Carriage brings together Shrek, Fiona, their triplets Felicia, Fergus and Farkle, along with Donkey, Gingy and Pinocchio. Shrek made his solo parade debut in 2007, but this is the first time the full family and their storybook companions will ride together above New York City. It is one of the most ambitious character balloons introduced in years.
According to Macy’s website, the Onion Carriage balloon stands 32 feet 6 inches tall, the height of a typical three story building. It measures 39 feet 9 inches long, which is roughly the same length as five bicycles placed end to end. It is also 32 feet 11 inches wide, or as wide as five New York City taxicabs parked side by side.
Macy’s also notes a unique record. The Onion Carriage features eight individual characters, the highest number ever included on a single parade balloon.
