RETURNS TO THE 99TH MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE® FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 15 YEARS
THE BELOVED OGRE TAKES FLIGHT IN A BRAND-NEW BALLOON FEATURING HIS ICONIC ONION CARRIAGE FILLED WITH FAN-FAVORITE CHARACTERS FROM THE ACADEMY AWARD®-WINNING FRANCHISE
THE NEW BALLOON MAKES HISTORY WITH A RECORD-BREAKING EIGHT CHARACTERS, THE MOST EVER ON A SINGLE BALLOON IN MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE HISTORY
DREAMWORKS ANIMATION’S SHREK 5 ARRIVES IN THEATERS NATIONWIDE JUNE 30, 2027
Universal City, Calif., October 20, 2025 — DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek will return to the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® on Thursday, November 27, marking the first Shrek balloon to take flight in the Parade in fifteen years. The new design celebrates the legacy of one of the most beloved animated franchises of all time while giving fans an exciting first glimpse at its next chapter, Shrek 5, releasing in theaters nationwide June 30, 2027.
Towering 32 feet high, the new balloon reimagines Shrek’s iconic onion carriage as a vibrant, larger-than-life balloon that brings together eight favorite characters from the Shrekuniverse, marking the most characters ever featured on a single balloon in the Parade’s history. The design captures the world of Far Far Away with striking detail and artistry to reflect the imagination and craftsmanship behind the franchise’s enduring appeal.
“We’re ogre-joyed to welcome Shrek, his family, and friends from Far Far Away back to Manhattan for the first time in more than 15 years!” said Jordan Dabby, producer of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “On Thanksgiving morning, Paradegoers will cheer as everyone’s favorite swamp dweller soars down the streets of New York City—kicking off the holiday season in true fairy-tale style.”
While Shrek made a solo debut in 2007 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, this year marks the first time the ogre will be joined by his family and friends, including Fiona, Donkey, the Gingerbread Man, Pinocchio and the triplets, Felicia, Fergus and Farkle, who now appear as teenagers for the first time.
Shrek’s return to Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade marks a milestone moment for the franchise. The original Shrek balloon debuted in 2007 and appeared annually through 2010, quickly becoming one of the event’s most recognizable icons. Fifteen years later, his comeback reflects the continued cultural impact of a character who transformed animated storytelling and remains a touchstone for audiences around the world.
Since the release of Shrek in 2001, DreamWorks Animation’s groundbreaking fairy-tale adventure has become a global phenomenon. The first film earned the Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature, launched three sequels and redefined modern animation through its clever humor, emotional depth and originality. The four Shrek films have collectively grossed more than $2.9 billion worldwide and inspired a Tony-nominated Broadway musical, Emmy-winning television specials, the DreamWorks Animation Puss in Boots spin-off series and attractions across Universal Studios theme parks.
Shrek 5 releases in theaters nationwide June 30, 2027.
The 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will air Thursday, November 27 in the U.S. on NBC and stream on Peacock from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., in all time zones. To follow and participate in the excitement, check out @macys on various social platforms and follow #MacysParade. For more information, visit macys.com/parade.
