Super Mario Returns to Macy's Parade for 40th Anniversary!
Get ready to power-up your holiday plans. In a landmark celebration of a video game icon, a brand-new balloon featuring Nintendo’s beloved hero, Mario, will soar through the streets of New York City during the 99th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The announcement from Nintendo of America and Macy’s confirms that the character will receive a spectacular new design to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the original *Super Mario Bros.* game.
This massive new helium creation is set to make its grand debut on Thursday, November 27, 2025, joining the world-famous lineup of giant characters that have become a cherished tradition for millions of viewers. For generations of gamers and families, Mario's inclusion marks a can't-miss moment, blending one of entertainment's most recognizable faces with one of America's most iconic holiday events.
A Milestone Anniversary for a Gaming Legend
The timing of this new balloon is no coincidence. The year 2025 marks four decades since the 1985 release of *Super Mario Bros.* on the Nintendo Entertainment System. That single game not only saved the home video game industry but also launched a franchise that has sold hundreds of millions of copies worldwide. Mario himself has transcended the medium, becoming a global ambassador for gaming and a symbol of imaginative fun.
From his 8-bit origins to his latest adventures in games like *Super Mario Bros. Wonder*, Mario has consistently evolved while retaining the core charm that makes him universally appealing. This 40th-anniversary balloon serves as a high-flying tribute to that enduring legacy, celebrating his journey from a pixelated plumber to a cultural phenomenon. The parade offers a unique stage to honor this history in front of a live audience of millions and a television viewership many times that size.
Mario's High-Flying Parade History
While this marks the debut of a brand-new design, it isn't Mario's first trip down the parade route. The hero has a history of delighting crowds in the prestigious event, showcasing the long-standing relationship between Nintendo and Macy's.
- Giant Balloon Debut: Mario first appeared as a giant character balloon in the 90th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2016. That design featured him in his classic pose—clad in his signature blue overalls and red cap, with one hand waving and the other clenched in a triumphant fist.
- LEGO Super Mario Float: In 2020, Mario returned to the parade in a different form. A vibrant and imaginative float based on the LEGO Super Mario universe cruised through Manhattan. The float, titled "The Brick-Changer," featured a blocky, brick-built world with beloved characters like Yoshi and Bowser, with Mario himself displayed prominently.
This history of participation makes his 2025 return feel like a celebratory homecoming, promising a completely fresh take on the character for his special anniversary.
What to Expect from the New Anniversary Balloon
While the exact details of the new balloon's design are being kept under wraps by Macy's famous Parade Studio artists, anticipation is already building. The creation of these gentle giants is a meticulous process, taking months of skilled craftsmanship to bring a character to life on such a colossal scale. Each balloon is a complex work of art, engineered for flight and designed to capture the spirit of the character it represents.
Given the 40th-anniversary theme, the design could pull from any number of Mario's iconic appearances over the years. Will it be a modern interpretation, perhaps featuring his expressive companion Cappy from *Super Mario Odyssey*? Or could it be a dynamic action pose inspired by his latest adventures? Regardless of the final design, fans can expect a massive, multi-story-tall figure that will be one of the parade's standout attractions, painted in the vibrant reds and blues that are synonymous with the hero.
A Tradition Powered Up for a New Generation
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a cornerstone of American holiday culture, acting as the official start of the festive season for families across the country. The inclusion of figures from the world of gaming, like Mario, highlights the parade's continued evolution and its commitment to representing characters that resonate with contemporary audiences.
For parents who grew up playing *Super Mario Bros.* on the NES and who now share new Mario games with their own children, seeing him float among the skyscrapers of New York City is a powerful, multi-generational moment. It’s a testament to Mario's timeless appeal and his unique ability to bridge gaps and bring people together, just like the parade itself. As November 27, 2025, approaches, all eyes will be on the skies of Manhattan to welcome back a hero for his biggest celebration yet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the 99th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade?
The 99th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is scheduled for Thursday, November 27, 2025, in New York City.
What is the new Mario balloon celebrating?
The new balloon is being introduced to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the original *Super Mario Bros.* video game, which was released in 1985.
Has Mario been featured in the Macy's Parade before?
Yes. Mario made his debut as a giant character balloon in 2016 and also appeared on a LEGO Super Mario-themed float in the 2020 parade. The 2025 balloon will be a completely new design.
Who makes the balloons for the parade?
The iconic balloons are designed, built, and maintained by the talented artists and engineers at the Macy's Parade Studio in New Jersey.