The 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicked off in Manhattan with dazzling performances, star-studded appearances and a lineup of five brand-new giant character balloons, marking one of the most anticipated additions to the annual holiday celebration. Beginning at 8:30 a.m. ET, the parade featured live performances and musical numbers before unveiling this year’s newest airborne icons.
The event opened with a special performance by Cynthia Erivo from Wicked: For Good, followed by musical appearances from Lainey Wilson, HUNTR/X from KPop Demon Hunters, Matteo Bocelli, Colbie Caillat, Ciara, Gavin DeGraw, Meg Donnelly, Foreigner, Debbie Gibson, Conan Gray, Mickey Guyton, Christopher Jackson, Jewel, Lil Jon, Kool & the Gang, Darlene Love, Taylor Momsen, Busta Rhymes, Calum Scott, Shaggy and Teyana Taylor. Fans also enjoyed Broadway performances from Buena Vista Social Club, Just in Time, Ragtime and an appearance from the Radio City Rockettes.
Below is a breakdown of the five major new balloons making their parade debut in 2025.
1. Buzz Lightyear
The intergalactic Toy Story hero returned after a 12-year absence, now redesigned with a brand-new balloon model. Buzz first appeared in 2008 and remained a parade favorite until 2013. His return honors the franchise’s enduring legacy and renewed popularity following 2022’s Lightyear animated feature. All four Toy Story films are currently streaming on Disney+.
2. Derpy Tiger from K-Pop Demon Hunters
A surprise fan hit, Derpy Tiger from the Netflix musical film K-Pop Demon Hunters soared over New York City for the first time this year. The bright blue balloon version of the beloved character was joined by a mini-balloon of Sussie the magpie. The film, released in June 2025, became a global streaming sensation, with a platinum-certified soundtrack and a theatrical sing-along edition.
3. Mario
In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the original Super Mario Bros. video game, Nintendo’s iconic mustached hero made his long-awaited balloon debut. Surprisingly, Mario has never appeared in the parade until now — despite Sonic the Hedgehog beating him to the skies years earlier. Mario’s addition follows the success of 2023’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie, with a sequel titled The Super Mario Galaxy Movie arriving April 3, 2026.
4. Pac-Man
Another gaming legend soared above Manhattan for the first time: Pac-Man, celebrating the 45th anniversary of the classic video game. Pac-Man last appeared in walking balloon form with Ms. Pac-Man and Baby Pac-Man in 1982 and 1983, but this marks his first giant parade balloon. The character continues to be a cultural staple, with multiple series including Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures.
5. Shrek’s Onion Carriage
Rounding out the new lineup, Shrek returned in style, bringing Fiona, Donkey and their three ogre children aboard the iconic Onion Carriage. The balloon celebrates ongoing fan excitement around the franchise and anticipates the upcoming fifth Shrek movie, set for release in 2027 with returning cast members Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz — plus Zendaya joining as the voice of Felicia.
