Wahoo! Mario is set to soar over Manhattan this Thanksgiving as a new character balloon in the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, Nov. 27. The debut marks the 40th anniversary of the original “Super Mario Bros.” game, released in Japan in 1985.
Created by Macy’s Parade Studio in partnership with Nintendo of America, the balloon is over 51 feet long and features Mario in his classic red cap and blue overalls, striking a flying pose inspired by “Super Mario Galaxy.”
“Having Mario join this iconic holiday tradition is an incredible way to honor the 40th anniversary of ‘Super Mario Bros.,’” Devon Pritchard, of Nintendo of America, said in a news release. “Since he first emerged from a Warp Pipe, Mario has embodied our goal of bringing smiles to faces all over the world. We are excited for Mario fans of all ages to see his new balloon’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade debut.”
The character joins a long legacy of Nintendo games and pop culture presence, including theme parks, merchandise and films. Mario’s next big-screen appearance will be “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” premiering April 3, 2026.
Fans visiting New York can also stop by Nintendo New York at Rockefeller Plaza, decked out for the holidays with themed décor and events.
The parade airs Nov. 27 on NBC and streams on Peacock from 8:30 a.m. to noon in all U.S. time zones.
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