The start of the holiday season is just around the corner and you better believe that soaring giants and spectacular stages are ready for their big debuts on Thanksgiving Day! The new kids on the block are ready to inspire oohs, ahhs and wows in the official kick-off to the holiday season, the 82nd Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. On Thursday, November 27th at 9:00 AM the magic takes to the skies and the streets of the Big Apple in America's favorite Parade.
Turkey Day marks the debut of three new giant character helium balloons, eight new fantastic floats and a new contemporary art balloon. From classic characters to whimsical floating stages, the 82nd annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will once again feature a stellar starring cast.
Joining returning favorites, these new stars will delight millions of spectators in their first proud procession down Broadway to Macy's Herald Square.
Soaring Giants
BUZZ LIGHTYEAR
DISNEY-PIXAR
Buzz Lightyear goes to Herald Square and Beyond! The larger-than-life balloon measures 67 feet long, 39 feet wide and 34 feet tall, and replicates the fearless space ranger from his green and purple space boots all the way up to his helmet, which is 17 feet in diameter. In fact, Macy's Parade Studio designers used a special fabric never before used on a Parade balloon to create the clear space helmet.
HORTON
TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Making his Broadway debut floating down the Great White Way, Horton will keep his eyes firmly planted on a delicate clover protectively wrapped in his trunk, which is home to the wonderful "Whos of Whoville." Measuring 59.8-feet long, 31.8-feet wide and 43.4-feet tall on his maiden voyage, Horton will be a surefire hit with spectators. With toenails the size of large beach balls, and ears that could cover a large van, Horton is a giant protector of "Whoville" and the people of New York City. On Thanksgiving, Horton will be filled with 14,060 cubic feet of helium.
SMURF
From three apples tall to a smurftastic giant, the new Smurf balloon will put the blue in the sky on Thanksgiving Day. Celebrating The Smurfs 50th Anniversary this year, the loveable Smurf will be waving hello to all his friends as he flies down Manhattan, to the sounds of Happy Smurfday! Measuring 57.6-feet long, 38.7-feet wide and 47-feet tall, the whimsical Smurf is filled with 15,050 cubic feet of helium on Parade day.
FIGURE WITH HEART BY KEITH HARING
KEITH HARING FOUNDATION
Working in partnership with the Keith Haring Foundation, Macy's Parade Studio reconceived one of Keith Haring's ink on paper drawings, Untitled (Figure with Heart), 1987, as a 48-foot tall helium giant. The balloon is a three-dimensional rendering of Haring's drawing that will appear flat against the backdrop of the sky just as it might have appeared on the subway walls once favored by the artist.
Floating Scenery
BOLT
Walt Disney ANIMATION STUDIOS
Bolt and his unlikely traveling companions, Mittens the jaded cat and Rhino the tv-obsessed hamster, showcase their cross-country journey from New York to Hollywood aboard the Parade float. Miley Cyrus will be aboard the float performing an original song "I Thought I Lost You."
CASTLE OF DREAMS
MY PRINCESS ACADEMY(TM)
The Castle of Dreams float is a sparkling vision of purple and pink featuring more than 230,000 flecks of glitter topped with waving flags, and enchanted pets from the My Princess Academy virtual online world. The four guiding pillars that define true Princesses: intelligence, beauty, confidence, and generosity embellish the float and help encourage little girls to be their best selves. Princess Skylar, founder of My Princess Academy, will welcome little Princesses on board as they ride down Broadway with the Clique Girlz who will perform "Get Up and Go."
HARAJUKU LOVERS
COTY
Neon Lights, over the top signs and Harajuku girls are on full blast on the new Harajuku Lovers float. Inspired by the Harajuku area of downtown Tokyo, the float consists of multi-level, clear, plexi-glass platforms that show the lights of Tokyo to full effect. Featured on board will be balloonhead alter egos of Love, Lil Angel, Music, Baby and G - the Harajuku Girls! Also taking the trip through Manhattan will be the real Love, Angel, Music and Baby who will dance close to their balloon counterparts on Thanksgiving.
SHINE ON
JIMMY DEAN(R)
The bright optimism created each day as the sun rises is the inspiration of the new Shine On float. The colorful float features a giant plate that serves as the centerpiece. Surrounding the float is a giant animated crescent moon that sets just as the brilliant sun rises over the city skyline on the back of the float. Showcasing the continuous night to day cycle, the float's giant plate will rise revealing an evening scene and will descend as the morning arrives. On board for the bright, shining morning will be country superstar Trace Adkins.
