Key Takeaways
- What: Earl the Squirrel makes his giant balloon debut in the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
- Size: The balloon stands 30.4 feet tall and 14.5 feet wide
- Where: The balloon moves to Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s in early December
- Dates: Universal Orlando Resort’s holiday events run from November 14, 2026, to January 3, 2027
OPEN Brief: If you want the balloon dimensions, the character meet-and-greet locations, and the themed merchandise details for the Earl the Squirrel balloon debut, this OPEN guide has the verified details in one place. Universal Orlando Resort’s original holiday character will fly in the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade before joining the daily lineup at Universal Studios Florida. Guests can also find exclusive apparel in a newly themed Holiday Tribute Store starting November 14, 2026.
Earl the Squirrel is taking flight! Catch Universal Orlando Resort in the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, featuring a fan-favorite icon: the all-new Earl the Squirrel balloon. Experience Holidays at Universal Nov. 14 – Jan. 3. #MacysParade https://t.co/uhtkmwLzbo
— Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) October 28, 2026
What Is the Earl the Squirrel Parade Balloon?
The Earl the Squirrel balloon is a giant inflatable character that will debut in the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The balloon stands 30.4 feet tall and 14.5 feet wide. The visual design features the furry mascot sporting his signature winter cap and holding a blue Christmas light. The 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade airs on November 26, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. across all time zones on NBC, Peacock, and Telemundo.
Following the debut broadcast in New York City, the balloon will travel to Orlando to join Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s in early December. This marks the first time the character will appear as a balloon in the parade’s history. You can check the full broadcast lineup on the official Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade page.
What Is Inside the Holiday Tribute Store?
The Holiday Tribute Store is a seasonal retail location themed to celebrate the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The store features richly themed environments honoring iconic parade moments from the past century. Guests can purchase exclusive merchandise starring Earl the Squirrel, including apparel, accessories, and collectibles that honor the mischievous character.
The Holiday Tribute Store is a regular seasonal overlay at Universal Studios Florida, offering items that guests cannot find in standard resort shops.
Where Can You See Earl the Squirrel in Person?
Guests can meet the Earl the Squirrel walkaround character daily at Universal Studios Florida and on weekends at Universal CityWalk.
The character meet-and-greets run throughout Universal Orlando’s Holidays celebration from November 14, 2026, to January 3, 2027. Guests can also purchase Earl’s Hazelnut Dot Cake in Universal Studios Florida. The dessert features a chocolate cake filled with a hazelnut spread, finished with toasted hazelnuts and red and green dot sprinkles.
Access to the holiday entertainment is included with regular theme park admission. OPEN keeps a running guide of seasonal events across the destination, and guests can enjoy late-night dining at CityWalk after the parks close. You can check ticket deals on the official Universal Orlando holidays page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Earl the Squirrel at Universal Orlando Resort?
Earl the Squirrel is an original holiday character based on a real squirrel that Universal Orlando’s Entertainment team found nesting in the Universal Studios Florida Christmas tree nearly two decades ago. The real squirrel repeatedly stole strands of blue Christmas lights for its nest.
How big is the Earl the Squirrel balloon?
The Earl the Squirrel balloon measures 30.4 feet tall and 14.5 feet wide.
When does Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s begin?
Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s begins in early December. The larger Holidays celebration at Universal Orlando Resort runs from November 14, 2026, to January 3, 2027.
Status Brief
Earl the Squirrel makes a massive jump from theme park mascot to national parade balloon this year. The balloon stands 30.4 feet tall and flies in the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 26, 2026, before heading south for Universal’s Holiday Parade. Plan your park days between November 14, 2026, and January 3, 2027, to meet the character and shop the Holiday Tribute Store, and confirm event dates on the official Universal Orlando holidays page.
Follow the OPEN News Desk on X (Twitter) for real-time Central Florida theme park updates.
