By Kayla DeKraker
Seven new floats will join this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, bringing fresh — and perhaps controversial — additions to the beloved holiday tradition.
Along with classics like Tom the Turkey, Snoopy, SESAME STREET characters and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the new floats will include the controversial Labubu character from POP MART as a 16-foot-tall fuzzy inflatable.
Labubu gained popularity earlier this year and sparked controversy when some consumers noticed similarities between the toy and an ancient demon named Pazuzu, leading some to get rid of their toys and deem them as evil.
“Our goal at POP MART is to light up passion and bring joy, and Macy’s Parade has been doing that for nearly a century,” said Larry Lu, POP MART president. “Bringing our characters to life at such a storied event represents a significant milestone for us as we kick off our 15th anniversary. It is an honor to represent our team, artist partners, and the global POP MART community during one of the great traditions of the holiday season.”
In addition to Labubu, another Asian-based phenomenon will join the parade. K-POP DEMON HUNTERS, a movie on Netflix, will join the balloons with two of its own featured in the parade.
Related: ‘A Huge Deal’: Macy’s Promises ‘Entertaining’ 99th Thanksgiving Day Parade
USA TODAY explained that “The film spun off a line of toys, launched the longest-running Billboard #1 hit released by a girl group in the 21st century and had six characters, including Derpy Tiger, land on the top-10 most searched for Halloween costumes.”
The floats are coming to life thanks to a team of carpenters, sculptors, painters and animators in New Jersey who’ve been working on them for months before the big day.
“We are, basically, in Santa’s workshop right now. We are at the Macy’s parade studio getting ready for the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade — which lets you know that the 100th is soon on the way,” explained Brendan Kennedy, director of creative production at Macy’s Studios.
The Macy’s Instagram shared a sneak peek at some of the new floats.
“The 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is almost here! Get a sneak peek at the newest floats… and swipe through for the grand reveals. Which one are you most excited to see on Parade Day?” they said.
Along with the Labubu float, the post share snaps of these floats:
- The Land of Glaciers, Wildlife & Wonder by Holland America Line
- Master Chocolatier Ballroom by Lindt
- Upside Down Invasion: STRANGER THINGS by Netflix
- The Counting Sheep’s Dream Generator by Serta
The Littlest Float from Goldfish will also join the line-up, though it’s not featured in the post.
People in the comment section can’t wait.
“This is amazing,” one person wrote. “Love them all, especially Stranger Things!” another said.
The 99th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is set to air at 8:30 a.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
Read Next: What’s a Labubu? The Internet’s Latest Viral Sensation Explained
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