These are the new balloons at this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Nov 24, 2021, 1:46 PM
Macy's unveils new giant character balloons for the 95th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade® on Nov. 13, 2021, in New York City. Soaring into NYC is a Funko Pop! inspired Grogu™ (a.k.a. Baby Yoda in pop culture), from the beloved Star Wars™ series The Mandalorian™. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Macy's, Inc.)
(Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Macy's, Inc.)
(CNN) — Turkey, family time and football are among the traditions that many look forward to at Thanksgiving each year. But there is one other major event that often takes center stage during the holiday: the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The annual parade, celebrating its 95th march this year, has become something of a holiday must-see for many in the U.S. And though the 2.5-mile stretch will feature everyone’s favorite balloons — Snoopy from “Peanuts,” Goku from “Dragon Ball” and The Boss Baby from the DreamWorks film — six new balloons will be entering the fold.
From cultural icons to animated heroes, here are all the new balloons joining the lineup in 2021.
Ada Twist, Scientist
Macy’s unveils new giant character balloons for the 95th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® on Nov. 13, 2021, in New York City. Ada, the pint-sized scientist from the popular Netflix series Ada Twist, Scientist, sets off on her first Parade adventure this Thanksgiving. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Macy’s, Inc.)
You may not recognize Ada Twist, but the young kids in your life might. The star of the Netflix show “Ada Twist, Scientist” will take her rightful place among the animated elite this year. Though the show is new, debuting its first and, so far, only season in 2021, Netflix has renewed it for a season two.
Grogu (Baby Yoda)
Macy’s unveils new giant character balloons for the 95th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® on Nov. 13, 2021, in New York City. Soaring into NYC is a Funko Pop! inspired Grogu™ (a.k.a. Baby Yoda in pop culture), from the beloved Star Wars™ series The Mandalorian™. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Macy’s, Inc.)
Where would we be without Baby Yoda? Of course, the extraterrestrial cutie from “The Mandalorian” that has captured the hearts of so many must make an appearance at the parade. But at 41 feet high (as seen at the top of this page), he’s maybe not so “baby” anymore.
Pikachu and Eevee
Macy’s unveils new giant character balloons for the 95th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® on Nov. 13, 2021, in New York City. Pikachu™ & Eevee™ of The Pokemon Company International return to the Parade with a new balloon for its 25th anniversary! (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Macy’s, Inc.)
Ah, the sweet feeling of millennial nostalgia. Pikachu and Eevee snuggled together in a Poké Ball sled is not what many may have expected to see at the parade, but thank goodness, Pokémon knows what the people need.
Ronald McDonald
Macy’s unveils new giant character balloons for the 95th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® on Nov. 13, 2021, in New York City. The world’s most famous clown made by Ronald McDonald® returns to the Big Apple with a new look, this is his fifth design since he first joined the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1987! In this version, Ronald is sharing his heart with us at a time when we all need some extra love and smiles and inspiring spectators to, “see a smile, share a smile.” (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Macy’s, Inc.)
It’s a new design for the character who has been part of the parade in some form since 1987. Because nothing says Thanksgiving like a 40-foot-tall fast food clown.
Tiptoe
Macy’s unveils new giant character balloons for the 95th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® on Nov. 13, 2021, in New York City. The star of Macy’s holiday campaign, Tiptoe, is making her inaugural Parade appearance as a balloon puppet. With the help of puppeteers, her head bobs & legs move as this courageous reindeer prances through the streets of New York City encouraging spectators to believe in themselves. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Macy’s, Inc.)
Move over Rudolph, there’s a new reindeer in town. Tiptoe is the star of Macy’s holiday campaign, the retailer said. This year doesn’t just mark her first parade appearance, it’s also the first time a balloon puppet has ever marched in the parade. During the parade, puppeteers will move her head and legs, making Tiptoe literally prance through the streets of New York City.
Toni, The Bandleader Bear
Macy’s unveils new giant character balloons for the 95th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® on Nov. 13, 2021, in New York City. In its Parade debut, showing everyone how to march to the beat this Thanksgiving is Toni, Macy’s very own bandleader bear. This beary big balloon was named for Parade pioneer Tony Sarg. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Macy’s, Inc. )
Named for legendary puppeteer Tony Sarg, who also did a number of projects for Macy’s and the parade, this band-leading bear is a showstopper. Designed, built and painted entirely by Macy’s Studio team, the bear is “showing everyone how to march to their own beat,” the retailer said.
How to watch the balloons inflate
From noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday, those in New York City can watch the balloons being prepared for their Thanksgiving Day flights on the Upper West Side at 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue.
Attendance will be limited to fully vaccinated guests (you must bring proof) and will have capacity limits. Children 11 and younger can attend with vaccinated adults. Social distancing is encouraged and masks are required.
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