These are the new balloons for Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade this year

Originally Posted: NOV 24 21 07:03 ET
By Leah Asmelash, CNN
(CNN) – Turkey, family time, and soccer are among the traditions many look forward to at Thanksgiving every year. But there’s another major event that often takes center stage during the holidays: the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade.
The annual parade, which celebrates its 95th march this year, has become a vacation staple for many in the United States. And while the 2.5 mile stretch will feature everyone’s favorite balloons – Snoopy from “Peanuts,” Goku from “Dragon Ball” and The Boss Baby from the DreamWorks movie – six new balloons will enter the fold.
From cultural icons to animated heroes, here are all the new balloons joining the lineup in 2021.
Ada Twist, scientist
You might not recognize Ada Twist, but the young children in your life could. The star of the Netflix show “Ada Twist, Scientist” will take her rightful place among the animated elite this year. Although the series is new and debuting its premiere and, so far, its only season in 2021, Netflix has renewed it for a season two.
Grogu (Baby Yoda)
Where would we be without Baby Yoda? Of course, the cute alien from “The Mandalorian” who captured the hearts of so manymust make an appearance at the parade. But at 41 feet tall (as seen at the top of this page), he may not be so “baby” anymore.
Pikachu and Eevee
Ah, the sweet feeling of millennial nostalgia. Pikachu and Evee huddled together in a Poké Ball sleigh isn’t what many expected to see on the parade, but thank goodness Pokémon knows what people need.
Ronald mcdonald
It’s a new design for the character who has been on the parade in one form or another since 1987. Because nothing says Thanksgiving like a 40ft tall fast food clown.
tiptoes
Move over Rudolph, there’s a new reindeer in town. Tiptoe is the star of Macy’s vacation campaign, the retailer said. This year not only marks her first appearance on the parade, it is also the first time that a balloon puppet has paraded in the parade. During the parade, the puppeteers will move his head and legs, literally making Tiptoe prance through the streets of New York City.
Toni, the conductor bear
Named after legendary puppeteer Tony Sarg, who also completed a number of projects for Macy’s and the parade, this group-leading bear is a must-have. Designed, built and painted entirely by the team at Macy’s Studio, the bear “shows everyone how to walk at their own pace,” the retailer said.
How to watch balloons inflate
From noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday, those in New York City can watch the balloons prepare for their Thanksgiving flights on the Upper West Side at 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue.
Participation will be limited to fully vaccinated guests (you must bring proof) and will have capacity limits. Children 11 and under can attend with vaccinated adults. Social distancing is encouraged and masks are mandatory.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.