The iconic helium balloons set to soar through New York City during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade have been successfully inflated in preparation for the festive event.
As the excitement builds for the parade, balloon handlers began the process of filling these enormous inflatables with helium on Wednesday. “It’s incredible to witness these massive balloons come to life; they are genuinely enormous,” shared Stephanie Senkevich, one of the many volunteers engaged in the inflation process. “When they’re on the ground, you realize their size compared to you, but as they fill up and rise, it’s like watching something magical.”
This year’s parade will feature 17 giant character balloons alongside various floats, performers, and marching bands as they make their way from Manhattan’s Upper West Side to the renowned Macy’s Herald Square store located on 34th Street.
The upcoming 2025 parade is already generating buzz with new additions to the lineup, which will include beloved characters like Minnie Mouse, Goku from “Dragon Ball,” and Spider-Man, joining classic favorites such as Smokey Bear and SpongeBob SquarePants.
As the nation prepares for this beloved Thanksgiving tradition, the parade not only serves as a celebration of the holiday but also gathers communities together in joyful anticipation. The introduction of new characters alongside cherished ones promises to keep the spirit alive for generations to come.