Mario Takes Center Stage at 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with New Balloon Debut
On November 28, 2025, Nintendo’s beloved mascot Mario made a spectacular entrance at the 99th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, capping off a year of milestones for the iconic franchise.
The debut marks a collaboration between Nintendo of America and Macy’s Parade Studio, further cementing Mario’s influence as not just a video game character, but a worldwide entertainment phenomenon. The Mario balloon is an impressive feat of artistry and engineering, designed by Macy’s Parade Studio artists working in partnership with Nintendo of America.
Stretching 51 feet and 2 inches in length, 37 feet wide, and soaring at a height of 43 feet and 8 inches, the balloon features Mario donning his classic blue overalls and signature red cap.
The pose, inspired by the critically acclaimed Super Mario Galaxy, displays Mario in a dynamic flying stance—a fitting tribute ahead of upcoming franchise celebrations. A Nintendo spokesperson described the collaboration as a joyful opportunity to bring Mario’s sense of adventure to the iconic event.
The statement highlighted Mario’s long history of delighting fans worldwide, not only through groundbreaking video games but also through major forays into movies, theme parks, and broad lines of merchandise.
“Mario continues to inspire generations, transcending video games to become a global icon,” the representative explained. Mario’s journey from a pixelated plumber to a pop culture mainstay is reflected in his expansive legacy.
Over the decades, alongside close companions like Luigi, Princess Peach, and their rival Bowser, Mario has starred in genre-defining titles including Super Mario Galaxy, Super Mario Galaxy 2, Super Mario Odyssey, Super Mario Maker 2, Super Mario Party Jamboree, and Super Mario Bros.
Wonder—most recently making waves on the Nintendo Switch platform.
The character’s appeal has also transitioned to newer hardware, with Mario Kart World making its debut on Nintendo Switch 2. The year 2026 promises even more for fans, as Mario will return to theaters in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, a new animated adventure produced jointly by Nintendo and Illumination, set for release on April 3rd.
This multimedia approach underscores Mario’s versatility and universal appeal, and ties into the ongoing 40th anniversary celebrations of Super Mario Bros.
The anniversary festivities will continue to honor Mario’s legacy with new releases and experiences for both longtime enthusiasts and newcomers. For additional details on Mario’s expanding world and Nintendo’s latest projects, readers can visit Nintendo.com or the official Super Mario Bros.
40th anniversary site at mario.nintendo.com.
The debut marks a collaboration between Nintendo of America and Macy’s Parade Studio, further cementing Mario’s influence as not just a video game character, but a worldwide entertainment phenomenon. The Mario balloon is an impressive feat of artistry and engineering, designed by Macy’s Parade Studio artists working in partnership with Nintendo of America.
Stretching 51 feet and 2 inches in length, 37 feet wide, and soaring at a height of 43 feet and 8 inches, the balloon features Mario donning his classic blue overalls and signature red cap.
The pose, inspired by the critically acclaimed Super Mario Galaxy, displays Mario in a dynamic flying stance—a fitting tribute ahead of upcoming franchise celebrations. A Nintendo spokesperson described the collaboration as a joyful opportunity to bring Mario’s sense of adventure to the iconic event.
The statement highlighted Mario’s long history of delighting fans worldwide, not only through groundbreaking video games but also through major forays into movies, theme parks, and broad lines of merchandise.
“Mario continues to inspire generations, transcending video games to become a global icon,” the representative explained. Mario’s journey from a pixelated plumber to a pop culture mainstay is reflected in his expansive legacy.
Over the decades, alongside close companions like Luigi, Princess Peach, and their rival Bowser, Mario has starred in genre-defining titles including Super Mario Galaxy, Super Mario Galaxy 2, Super Mario Odyssey, Super Mario Maker 2, Super Mario Party Jamboree, and Super Mario Bros.
Wonder—most recently making waves on the Nintendo Switch platform.
The character’s appeal has also transitioned to newer hardware, with Mario Kart World making its debut on Nintendo Switch 2. The year 2026 promises even more for fans, as Mario will return to theaters in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, a new animated adventure produced jointly by Nintendo and Illumination, set for release on April 3rd.
This multimedia approach underscores Mario’s versatility and universal appeal, and ties into the ongoing 40th anniversary celebrations of Super Mario Bros.
The anniversary festivities will continue to honor Mario’s legacy with new releases and experiences for both longtime enthusiasts and newcomers. For additional details on Mario’s expanding world and Nintendo’s latest projects, readers can visit Nintendo.com or the official Super Mario Bros.
40th anniversary site at mario.nintendo.com.
