Mario Makes Grand Debut in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for Super Mario Bros. 40th Anniversary

Nintendo of America and Macy’s have officially revealed that a brand-new Mario character balloon will soar above Manhattan in the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the iconic Super Mario Bros.

franchise.

The parade will take place on Thursday, November 27, offering Mario fans and parade viewers a unique way to celebrate a major milestone in video game history. First released in 1985 in Japan, Super Mario Bros.

has become synonymous with gaming culture worldwide.

The series, developed by Nintendo, has shaped generations of players and continues to be at the forefront of the company’s software lineup, including mainstays on hardware platforms like the Nintendo Switch.

This year's parade debut marks a special celebration, aligning with four decades since Mario first made his mark. Devon Pritchard, Executive Vice President of Revenue, Marketing & Consumer Experience at Nintendo of America, remarked, "Bringing Mario to this treasured holiday event is a wonderful tribute to the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros.

Since his first journey from a Warp Pipe, Mario has represented our core mission—to deliver joy to players everywhere.

We’re thrilled that fans, young and old, will experience the excitement of seeing Mario’s new balloon in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade." Created by experts at Macy’s Parade Studio in close collaboration with Nintendo of America, the impressive new Mario balloon measures 51 feet 2 inches long, 37 feet wide, and 43 feet 8 inches tall.

The balloon features Mario in his iconic blue overalls and red cap, captured mid-flight in a pose inspired by Super Mario Galaxy, one of the most beloved games in the franchise. Jordan Dabby, producer of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, highlighted the significance of the partnership: "The parade is renowned for featuring cherished characters from around the world, and we’re excited to welcome Mario as part of this longstanding tradition.

As Mario celebrates 40 years of inspiring and delighting families, his inaugural flight down Manhattan is a testament to his legacy and the enduring bond he’s fostered with fans globally." Beyond his origins in gaming, Mario’s influence has expanded into film, merchandise, and even theme parks.

Adventures alongside Luigi, Princess Peach, and Bowser have captivated audiences in titles like Super Mario Odyssey, Super Mario Maker 2, Super Mario Party Jamboree, Super Mario Bros.

Wonder, and Mario Kart World on Nintendo Switch platforms.

Looking ahead, Mario is set to return to cinemas on April 3, 2026, with The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, an animated feature from Nintendo and Illumination based on the expansive world of Super Mario Bros. Attendees in New York can visit Nintendo NEW YORK at Rockefeller Plaza for Mario-themed festivities during the holiday season.

The store will be decorated for the holidays and feature special events for fans to immerse themselves in the world of Nintendo.

For real-time updates on holiday happenings, followers can check @NintendoStoreUS on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). The 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will be broadcast nationwide in the United States on NBC and streamed via Peacock from 8:30 a.m.

to 12:00 p.m.

across all time zones.

Fans can join the conversation using #MacysParade and stay informed through @macys on social media.

Additional parade details are available at macys.com/s/parade/. With the iconic Mario set to take flight in celebration of Super Mario Bros.’ enduring legacy, this Thanksgiving promises to be one to remember for Nintendo fans and parade-goers alike.

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