In 1927, Felix the Cat Became the Macy's Parade's First Balloon. On Nov. 26, He Returns for the 100th Parade

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is marking its 100th anniversary in Manhattan, New York City, on Nov. 26, 2026. According to Grazia, the holiday tradition began in 1924 and paused only once from 1942 to 1944 during World War II. The upcoming centennial edition will air on NBC starting at 8:30 a.m. with a record 100 inflatables. People.com reported that the event will feature seven new balloons alongside returning favorites like Bullwinkle, Olive Oyl, Popeye, Swee'Pea, and Sonic the Hedgehog. New characters joining the 2026 lineup include Bluey, Hello Kitty, Joe Cool and Woodstock, Earl the Squirrel, Sorcerer's Apprentice Mickey Mouse, Underdog, Billie Brightpaw, and Buckeroo Bob the Minion. Tony Sarg's Amazing Marionettes, Macy's Parade All-stars, and a white Macy's novelty balloon are also in the lineup, while a special float will honor Tony Sarg, who was nicknamed "America's Puppet Master" and helped create the early puppets and floats.

People.com reported that the new balloons took their first test flight in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Saturday, Nov. 7. Fans hoping to see the giant inflatables in person before Thanksgiving can catch a sneak peek on Nov. 25 outside the American Museum of Natural History. The newly unveiled Hello Kitty balloon features the Sanrio Inc. character holding an apple and stands 33.6 feet tall, which is the same height as a three-story building. The Bluey balloon is much larger, measuring 47.2 feet tall, equivalent to a five-story building. Former executive parade producer Amy Kule told People.com that making these giant balloons takes about five months on average depending on how intricate the design is. Kule explained that the nylon cloth balloons are very well secured today, unlike in the early days when organizers used to let them go at the end of the parade before stopping the practice due to safety issues and to reuse them.

Grazia noted that Felix the Cat, who became the parade's first balloon in 1927, returns for the 100th parade for the first time since 2016. Sharon Otterman, Macy's chief marketing officer, stated that the parade has "brought generations together through moments of wonder, connection and joy."