Earl the Squirrel Balloon Debuts in 100th Macy’s Parade

• Universal Orlando Resort’s Earl the Squirrel balloon debuts in the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 26.
• The balloon then joins Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s at Universal Studios Florida starting in early December.
• Earl meet-and-greets, a new Earl dessert and new merch arrive with Holidays at Universal Orlando, starting November 14.

What’s Happening With Earl the Squirrel?

The Earl the Squirrel balloon will make its debut in the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on Thursday, November 26, 2026, putting Universal Orlando Resort’s own holiday mascot in one of the country’s biggest holiday traditions. After the parade, the balloon heads to Universal Studios Florida to join Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s starting in early December.

Earl’s story began nearly two decades ago, when Universal’s Entertainment team found a real squirrel living in the Universal Studios Florida Christmas tree and swiping its blue lights. That little thief has grown into a fan favorite, and this is his biggest moment yet.

Key Details & Highlights

• Macy’s Parade Debut: November 26, 2026, airing on NBC, Peacock and Telemundo starting at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones.
• Universal Orlando Debut: The balloon joins Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s at Universal Studios Florida starting in early December.
• Balloon Size: 30.4 feet tall and 14.5 feet wide, showing Earl in his winter cap holding a blue Christmas light.
• Meet Earl: Daily in Universal Studios Florida and on weekends at Universal CityWalk during the holiday season.
• Pricing & Access: Holiday experiences are included with regular theme park admission. See Universal Orlando holiday details.
• Notable Features:
  • Holiday Tribute Store: themed to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade’s first century, with all-new Earl apparel, accessories and collectibles.
  • Earl’s Hazelnut Dot Cake: chocolate cake with hazelnut spread, toasted hazelnuts and red and green sprinkles at Universal Studios Florida.
  • Other NBCUniversal balloons in the parade: Shrek, Gabby’s Dollhouse, Underdog, the Minions and Felix the Cat.

What You Need to Know

If you’re watching the parade at home on Thanksgiving morning, keep an eye out for a giant squirrel in a plaid cap. Then plan a trip to Universal Studios Florida in December to see the balloon in Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. Earl meet-and-greets run daily in the park, while CityWalk visits are on weekends only, so plan around that if you want a photo without park tickets.

It’s been fun watching Earl’s rise. We first covered him when he debuted as a walkaround character in 2021 in Meet a Holiday Legend at Universal Orlando, and now he’s floating over Manhattan. For more on the season, see our guide to holiday cheer at Universal Orlando Resort.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Earl the Squirrel balloon debut?

It debuts in the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 26, 2026, which airs on NBC, Peacock and Telemundo starting at 8:30 a.m.

Will the Earl the Squirrel balloon be at Universal Orlando?

Yes. After the Macy’s parade, it joins Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s at Universal Studios Florida starting in early December.

Where can I meet Earl the Squirrel?

Earl greets guests daily in Universal Studios Florida and on weekends at Universal CityWalk during Universal Orlando’s holiday celebration, which starts November 14.

How big is the Earl the Squirrel balloon?

The balloon is 30.4 feet tall and 14.5 feet wide.

Official details and press materials can be viewed via Universal Orlando Resort Media. Images courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort.

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