Mario Makes Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade History
▼ Summary
– A new Mario balloon will debut in the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 27, 2025.
– This appearance celebrates the 40th anniversary of the original Super Mario Bros. game from 1985.
– The balloon was created by Macy’s Parade Studio in partnership with Nintendo and measures over 51 feet long and 43 feet tall.
– Mario will be featured in his classic outfit and a flying pose inspired by Super Mario Galaxy.
– The parade will air on NBC and stream on Peacock, and Nintendo NEW YORK will host festive holiday events.
This Thanksgiving, a legendary video game character is set to make history in the skies above New York City. Nintendo of America and Macy’s have announced a brand new Mario balloon will debut in the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, creating a landmark moment timed with the 40th anniversary of the iconic Super Mario Bros. game. The parade will be broadcast live on November 27th.
The appearance of the beloved plumber marks a significant pop culture milestone, celebrating four decades since Mario first jumped onto screens in Japan back in 1985. Devon Pritchard, EVP of Revenue, Marketing & Consumer Experience at Nintendo of America, expressed the significance of the event. He stated that having Mario join this cherished holiday tradition is a fantastic way to honor the game’s anniversary. Since his debut, Mario has consistently represented the company’s mission to spread joy globally, and they are thrilled for fans everywhere to witness his parade debut.
Crafted by the skilled artists at the Macy’s Parade Studio in close collaboration with Nintendo, the balloon is an impressive sight. It measures over 51 feet long, 37 feet wide, and stands nearly 44 feet tall. The design captures Mario in his classic outfit of blue overalls and a red cap, frozen in a dynamic flying pose directly inspired by the Super Mario Galaxy game.
Jordan Dabby, the producer of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, also shared his excitement. He noted that the parade has always served as a platform for the world’s most adored characters. Partnering with Nintendo to introduce a Mario balloon to this legacy is a thrilling development. As Mario marks 40 years of delighting players and families across the globe, his flight above Manhattan’s streets represents both a historic occasion and a festive celebration, one that will undoubtedly have fans everywhere shouting “Wahoo!” on Thanksgiving morning.
For those attending the festivities in person, the celebration continues at the Nintendo NEW YORK store. Located in Rockefeller Plaza near the famous Christmas tree, the store will be decked out in festive Nintendo-themed decorations and holiday magic. Visitors can connect with Mario and his friends and enjoy the special atmosphere. To get the latest updates on in-store holiday events, followers can check the @NintendoStoreUS account on Instagram and X.
The 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will air across the United States on NBC and will be available for streaming on Peacock. The broadcast runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in all time zones. To join the conversation and share in the excitement, you can follow @macys on social media and use the hashtag #MacysParade. Additional details are available on the Macy’s official parade website.
(Source: Nintendo)