Macy’s 99th Parade: Pop Culture Floats, Labubu & Stranger Things Debut

For nearly a century, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been one of the nation’s most anticipated holiday events. This year, the 99th annual parade kicks off on Thursday, November 27, featuring spectacular floats, giant balloons, and beloved pop culture icons.

A sneak peek at the parade’s new additions at Macy’s Parade Studio in Moonachie, N.J., revealed highlights including Pop Mart’s Labubu and Mokoko, featured on a striking new float.

Brendan Kennedy, Macy’s Director of Creative Production, teased a Stranger Things float, saying, “The Hawkins National Laboratory is coming to the parade route with an eight-and-a-half-foot-tall Demogorgon. Watch out!”

Seven new floats will take to the streets this year: The Land of Glaciers, Wildlife & Wonder by Holland America Line, Brick-tastic Winter Mountain by The LEGO Group, Master Chocolatier Ballroom by Lindt, Upside Down Invasion: Stranger Things by Netflix, Friends-giving in POPCITY by Pop Mart, The Counting Sheep's Dream Generator by Serta, and The Littlest Float from Goldfish.

Kennedy highlighted the influence of pop culture in the parade. “This is truly the yearbook of what’s going on out there, so we’re always trying to enhance the parade experience,” he said.

Five giant balloons will debut this year, including Buzz Lightyear, PAC-MAN, Shrek’s Onion Carriage, Mario, and Derpy Tiger from Netflix’s K-Pop Demon Hunters. A Sussie balloonicle from K-Pop Demon Hunters will also roll along the parade route, adding to the vibrant mix of characters.

Labubu and Lacoco will make history as the first-ever 16-foot inflatable furry balloons in Macy’s parade history, showcasing the creativity and innovation behind this long-standing holiday tradition.