Earl the Squirrel Is Getting His Own Macy’s Balloon

Universal Orlando just announced that Earl the Squirrel, the mischievous star of its holiday season, will fly as a giant balloon in the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, November 26, 2026. It’s the resort’s first dedicated balloon in the New York City parade.

From Tree Thief to Parade Star

Earl’s story is a good one. Universal says he began as a real squirrel that turned up in the branches of the Universal Studios Florida Christmas tree and kept swiping strands of blue lights for his nest. The park turned that legend into a walk-around character in 2021, and he has taken over the holidays since. He now has his own merchandise, a room in the Holiday Tribute Store, and a loyal following of fans.

Going from a tree-dwelling light thief to a Manhattan balloon in five years is quite a rise.

The Balloon

Earl’s balloon stands about 30 feet tall and 14.5 feet wide. He’s holding a blue Christmas light and wearing his signature winter cap, which should make him easy to spot among the other characters.

He won’t be flying solo, either. Universal is sending a full parade unit to New York, with backup dancers, balloon handlers and a dancing acorn. The design started as sketches, then became a 3D model, then went through flight testing, and the final pieces are heat-sealed together and hand-painted.

The timing is fitting. This is the parade’s 100th anniversary, and it airs on NBC, which shares a parent company with Universal. NBC also has a history with parade balloons: the first character balloon in the parade’s history was Felix the Cat, who debuted in 1927.

You Don’t Have to Go to New York

After his big debut, Earl’s balloon heads to Florida. It will join Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s at Universal Studios Florida in early December. The balloon won’t be in the park for the first weeks of the season, since it’s in New York until after Thanksgiving.

Planning Your Trip

• How to watch the debut: The 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade airs Nov. 26 at 8:30 a.m. on NBC, Peacock and Telemundo.
• Holiday season dates: Universal Orlando’s holiday celebration runs Nov. 14, 2026 through Jan. 3, 2027.
• Meet Earl in person: He’s available daily at Universal Studios Florida and on weekends at CityWalk.

Clint Gamache

Clint Gamache is the owner of ThrillGeek. He started ThrillGeek to share his love of theme/amusement parks and pop culture with the world. You can find him at Halloween Horror Nights. Also, be sure to follow him on Twitter/X, Instagram @iamcg83