A New Holiday Bluey Balloon Will Be Featured in Macy's 100th Thanksgiving Parade
In an exciting announcement, BBC Studios and Macy's have revealed that a new, massive balloon featuring the beloved character Bluey will debut during the highly anticipated 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. This festive balloon is inspired by the fan-favorite episode "Christmas Swim," where Bluey, along with her family, enjoys a quintessential Australian Christmas barbecue by the pool. Strikingly designed by Ludo Studio and crafted by Macy's Parade Studio artists, this balloon is 47 feet long, 27.8 feet wide, and 47.2 feet high, showcasing Bluey adorned with a cheerful Christmas crown.
The episode "Christmas Swim" is available for streaming on Disney+, and in it, Bluey and her family create memorable moments filled with laughter and holiday cheer. The barbecue scene is particularly festive, capturing the essence of family gatherings during the holiday season with paper streamers and laughter. The inclusion of Bluey in the parade is more than just a visual treat; it's a celebration of family traditions that resonate across generations, reflecting the heartwarming stories that the series is known for.
Melanie Zanetti and Dave McCormack, the beloved voices of Bluey's parents—Chilli and Bandit—will be present in New York City to experience the parade live. Jordan Dabby, the producer of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, expressed excitement about Bluey's return, noting its special place in the hearts of families worldwide.
"The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade creates unforgettable traditions that families cherish, and incorporating Bluey, a character loved by all ages, adds to the magic of this monumental celebration. We are delighted to welcome Bluey back into the skies above New York City for the parade's centennial milestone," Dabby said.
Suzy Raia, Executive Vice President of Global Consumer Products at BBC Studios, echoed these sentiments, stating, "Both Bluey and Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade have a special bond that connects generations. We are thrilled to celebrate the parade’s 100th anniversary in New York City with a brand new, festive Bluey balloon, continuing a cherished holiday tradition enjoyed by millions."
The series "Bluey," created by writer and director Joe Brumm and produced by the award-winning Ludo Studio, has garnered great acclaim for its humorous yet heartfelt storytelling and realistic portrayals of family life. Throughout the past two years, "Bluey" has consistently ranked as the most-watched streaming title in the U.S., according to Nielsen ratings—an impressive feat that continues in 2026, with the show currently leading viewership statistics for the first half of the year.
All episodes of the Emmy Award-winning series, including "Christmas Swim" and others, are available for streaming on Disney+, courtesy of a global broadcast partnership between BBC Studios Kids & Family and Disney Kids & Family, alongside broadcasts on Disney Junior and Disney Channel.
This year, fans can also expect more happiness from Bluey, as she will appear at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, and Disney Cruise Line. Additionally, the excitement continues with a highly anticipated movie, "The Bluey Movie," set to release in theaters on August 6, 2027.
Bluey's first appearance in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was in 2022, followed by a popular red "Keepy Uppy" balloon that delighted participants in subsequent years. In 2024, surprise appearances by Bluey’s grandmas, Rita and Gladys, added to the festive spirit of the event, capturing the attention of parade-goers.
As in previous years, families can connect with the Bluey celebration via the official website, Bluey.tv, and social media platforms, where exclusive behind-the-scenes content and special moments will amplify the parade experience for audiences worldwide. To learn more about Bluey’s authentic Australian Christmas, including free downloadable crafts and engaging activities, fans can visit Bluey.tv/christmas.
The entire nation will have the chance to witness the 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade live, airing on Thursday, November 26, at 8:30 AM in all time zones on NBC, Peacock, and Telemundo. To join the festivities and engage with updates, follow @macys on various social media platforms and check the hashtag #MacysParade for real-time updates. For more information, visit macys.com/parade.
In conclusion, fans of Bluey and family entertainment have a lot to look forward to at this year's Thanksgiving celebration, uniting families and making memories together during the season of gratitude.