Summary:
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New York’s 2025 Macy’s Parade was a mix of new and classic balloons, reflecting diverse pop culture influences.
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Labubu and Kpop Demon Hunters joined traditional icons like Snoopy and Pikachu in the Thanksgiving Day Parade.
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Despite complaints about NBC’s coverage, the parade showcased a blend of global characters and nostalgic favorites.
New York woke up cold but buzzing on Thanksgiving morning, and by the time the first balloons rounded the corner at West 77th Street, it was clear the 2025 Macy’s Parade wasn’t sticking to the usual script. The lineup felt younger, louder, and unmistakably shaped by the internet.
The balloon everyone came to see was Labubu, POP MART’s offbeat, wide-eyed creature that collectors treat like a cultural currency. Other pop culture icons were also at the parade, like Mario, Pac-Man, Derpy Tiger, and for the newer generation, Kpop Demon Hunters.
LIVE: The captain of the Straw Hat Crew, Monkey D. Luffy, is flying at the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!
Share your experience live by taking a pic of Luffy and posting with #ThanksLuffy2025! 🏴☠️🦃🗽 #ONEPIECE #macysparade @macys pic.twitter.com/XSAups4reG
— Toei Animation (@ToeiAnimation) November 27, 2025
Despite all the new faces, the classics still pulled weight. Snoopy got his usual wave of applause. Pikachu sailed by and immediately had the entire sidewalk raising their phones. Spider-Man — always the crowd favorite — made his way down Sixth like he owned it.
Floating into the holiday season feeling thankful for Eevee, Pikachu, and you! 🤗
Hope you enjoyed the @Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade, Trainers! #MacysParade pic.twitter.com/EphU8IhwPG
— Pokémon @ Lumiose City 🥐 (@Pokemon) November 27, 2025
K Pop Demon Hunters Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade REI AMI EJAE AUDREY NUNA #ReiAmi #EJAE #AudreyNuna #KPopDemonHunters #MacysParade pic.twitter.com/mEh59jI6vO
— Zach S (@YeahImFamous) November 27, 2025
The conversation online, though, shifted quickly from the parade itself to NBC’s broadcast. Viewers complained that whole sections of the parade were cut off by commercial breaks, with some saying they missed the new balloons entirely.
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Still, the atmosphere along the parade route told a different story. This year’s event reflected the broader mix of influences shaping pop culture today, blending global characters, nostalgic franchises, and collectibles that have gained traction online. Labubu’s debut above Columbus Circle signaled how quickly newer properties are entering mainstream visibility, appearing alongside long-established figures like Snoopy.
