The iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is set to feature a star-studded lineup of video game icons in its 99th annual celebration, with the announced return of The Pokémon Company’s beloved Pikachu and Eevee Pokésled balloon.
Since its inception in 1926, the parade has been a staple of American holiday tradition and a coveted platform for entertainment brands and video game franchises to showcase their most recognizable characters. Continuing a decades-long tradition, The Pokémon Company confirmed that Pikachu and Eevee will once again delight fans as they float above the parade route in New York City.
The annual inclusion of Pokémon balloons highlights the brand’s lasting cultural influence and enduring partnership with the event.
Alongside this announcement, The Pokémon Company spotlighted ways for fans to keep the celebration going at home, reminding audiences that Pokémon Legends: Z-A is now available on Nintendo Switch and continues to break sales records in the US market, recently clinching the title of best-selling physical game of the year. In a significant nod to the broader gaming community, this year’s parade will also debut a brand-new Mario balloon.
This new addition cements Nintendo’s superstar mascot as a parade regular, following Mario’s widespread success on the Nintendo Switch platform and his continued prominence in recent Nintendo Direct showcases.
Rounding out the video game representation is Pac-Man, joining the parade for a notable inflatable appearance beside Mario, further cementing video games’ prominent role in contemporary pop culture. The full list of featured balloons—including new appearances by Buzz Lightyear and Shrek’s onion carriage—can be found on Macy’s official website.
Beyond these newcomers, the parade also introduces a uniquely designed 'Derpy Tiger' balloon, demonstrating the event’s commitment to engaging both longstanding fans and a new generation of viewers. The 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is scheduled for November 27, 2025, beginning at 8:30 a.m.
ET and running until noon.
Viewers can tune in live on their local NBC affiliate or stream the festivities via Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, for on-demand viewing.
Additional parade and schedule information is available through Macy’s official channels. With confirmed appearances from iconic video game characters and an expanding roster of crowd-pleasing inflatables, the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade promises a memorable experience for fans of Nintendo, Pokémon, and the broader gaming community.
As The Pokémon Company and Nintendo continue to achieve major milestones with releases like Pokémon Legends: Z-A, their participation underscores the growing synergy between classic entertainment and interactive media.
Since its inception in 1926, the parade has been a staple of American holiday tradition and a coveted platform for entertainment brands and video game franchises to showcase their most recognizable characters. Continuing a decades-long tradition, The Pokémon Company confirmed that Pikachu and Eevee will once again delight fans as they float above the parade route in New York City.
The annual inclusion of Pokémon balloons highlights the brand’s lasting cultural influence and enduring partnership with the event.
Alongside this announcement, The Pokémon Company spotlighted ways for fans to keep the celebration going at home, reminding audiences that Pokémon Legends: Z-A is now available on Nintendo Switch and continues to break sales records in the US market, recently clinching the title of best-selling physical game of the year. In a significant nod to the broader gaming community, this year’s parade will also debut a brand-new Mario balloon.
This new addition cements Nintendo’s superstar mascot as a parade regular, following Mario’s widespread success on the Nintendo Switch platform and his continued prominence in recent Nintendo Direct showcases.
Rounding out the video game representation is Pac-Man, joining the parade for a notable inflatable appearance beside Mario, further cementing video games’ prominent role in contemporary pop culture. The full list of featured balloons—including new appearances by Buzz Lightyear and Shrek’s onion carriage—can be found on Macy’s official website.
Beyond these newcomers, the parade also introduces a uniquely designed 'Derpy Tiger' balloon, demonstrating the event’s commitment to engaging both longstanding fans and a new generation of viewers. The 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is scheduled for November 27, 2025, beginning at 8:30 a.m.
ET and running until noon.
Viewers can tune in live on their local NBC affiliate or stream the festivities via Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, for on-demand viewing.
Additional parade and schedule information is available through Macy’s official channels. With confirmed appearances from iconic video game characters and an expanding roster of crowd-pleasing inflatables, the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade promises a memorable experience for fans of Nintendo, Pokémon, and the broader gaming community.
As The Pokémon Company and Nintendo continue to achieve major milestones with releases like Pokémon Legends: Z-A, their participation underscores the growing synergy between classic entertainment and interactive media.
