The 99th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, November 27, 2025, brought several new cultural icons to the skies and streets of Manhattan, including the video game legend Pac-Man and the viral blind-box toy, LABUBU.
- Pac-Man Takes Flight: The beloved yellow icon, celebrating its 45th anniversary, made its official parade debut as a massive, over 37-foot-tall balloon. The design featured Pac-Man holding a pair of cherries, a tribute to the original 1980 arcade classic. Pac-Man was joined by new balloon debuts for Buzz Lightyear and Mario.
- Labubu Hits the Streets: The mischievous elf-like creature LABUBU, from the Chinese toy company Pop Mart, was the centerpiece of a new float called “Friendsgiving in POPCITY.” The float also featured other Pop Mart characters like Mokoko and Skullpanda, marking the first time the global toy sensation has appeared in the parade.
Despite high wind gusts that required strict monitoring, the parade’s 34 giant balloons, including favorites like Snoopy and Pikachu, were successfully flown for the millions watching in New York and on NBC’s broadcast.
