Earl the Squirrel Is Going Big: Universal Orlando Character to Debut as Macy’s Parade Balloon
The 30.4-foot balloon will debut in the 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade as Universal expands Earl's holiday merchandise and meet-and-greets.
- On November 26, 2026, Universal Orlando Resort's Earl the Squirrel will make his debut at the 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, marking the resort's first-ever dedicated balloon in the iconic event.
- Earl's story began nearly 20 years ago when Universal Studios Florida staff discovered a real squirrel stealing blue Christmas lights from the resort's holiday tree, inspiring a beloved tradition that grew to include merchandise and character meet-and-greets.
- Standing 30.4 feet tall and 14.5 feet wide, the new balloon features Earl clutching a blue Christmas light, joining other Universal properties including Shrek, Gabby's Dollhouse, Underdog, Minions, and Felix the Cat in the parade.
- Following the New York parade, Earl's balloon will head to Florida to join Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's in early December, while the Holiday Tribute Store celebrates the centennial with exclusive collectibles and themed environments.
- Universal Orlando's holiday celebration runs from November 14 through January 3, 2027, across all parks and resort hotels, with guests able to meet Earl daily at Universal Studios Florida and on weekends at CityWalk.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Universal Orlando's Earl the Squirrel Comes to Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
One of Universal Orlando Resort’s most unlikely success stories is about to reach new heights. Earl the Squirrel, a character who began as an inside joke among theme park employees before developing a devoted following among guests and on social media, is officially getting his own balloon in the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Universal […]
Earl the Squirrel is going big: Universal Orlando character to debut as Macy’s Parade balloon
Earl the Squirrel, a Universal Orlando holiday character known for stealing blue Christmas lights, will debut as a 30-foot balloon in the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 26.
Earl the Squirrel to Make Balloon Debut in 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and Universal’s Holiday Parade
As previously teased by Universal, their homegrown Christmas character, Earl the Squirrel, will be getting his very own balloon during the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.What's Happening:This holiday season, Earl the Squirrel will scamper through the skies of New York City as he makes his giant balloon debut in the...
Universal Orlando Confirms Historic First for 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Sometimes the smartest theme park idea isn’t another billion-dollar attraction. Sometimes it’s a squirrel with a ridiculous backstory, a winter hat, and enough personality to make guests smile before they even enter a ride queue. Universal Orlando has turned one of its quirkiest holiday traditions into a much bigger moment, and Disney fans should pay […]
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