Universal Orlando’s Earl the Squirrel will fly as a 30-foot balloon in the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 26. It’s the resort’s first balloon in the parade.
A squirrel that once chewed Christmas lights is headed to New York City.
How exciting that Universal has a Macy’s balloon now!
Earl the Squirrel, a holiday character from Universal Orlando Resort, will debut as a giant balloon in the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, Nov. 26, Universal announced Wednesday, Oct. 28.
It’s the resort’s first-ever balloon in the parade, according to Entertainment Weekly and WDW News Today.
Who is Earl the Squirrel?
A real squirrel turned holiday mascot. About 20 years ago, Universal’s entertainment team found a squirrel living in the big Christmas tree at Universal Studios Florida, according to Universal. It had a habit of stealing the tree’s blue Christmas lights.
Staff caught the squirrel and moved it to a new home, WDWNT reported. Team members then started hiding a toy squirrel in the tree as an inside joke, and guests began looking for it every year.
How did Earl become a Universal character?
Fans kept asking about him. Earl grew from a hidden figure into a costumed meet-and-greet character with his own merchandise by 2021, WDWNT reported.
Universal visual designer Rob Cametti gave Earl his cartoon look. His plaid, flap-eared hat was inspired by Cousin Eddie from Christmas Vacation, and his rubber-hose style draws on classic cartoons like Betty Boop, EW reported.
Universal creative Lora Sauls told EW that Earl has become the park’s “Christmas icon.”
How big is the Earl the Squirrel balloon?
30.4 feet tall and 14.5 feet wide, according to Universal. The balloon shows Earl holding a blue Christmas light and wearing his winter cap.
Universal is also bringing backup dancers, balloon handlers and a dancing acorn, WDWNT reported. “We’re going to bring the whole unit,” Sauls told EW.
When is the 2026 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
Thursday, Nov. 26, at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones on NBC, Peacock and Telemundo, according to Universal.
This year marks the parade’s 100th edition. Earl will fly alongside balloons including Sorcerer Mickey and Bluey, WDWNT reported.
Where can you see the Earl balloon after Thanksgiving?
At Universal Studios Florida. The balloon will join Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s starting in early December, Universal said.
Earl’s in-person meet-and-greets start Saturday, Nov. 14, daily at Universal Studios Florida and on weekends at Universal CityWalk.
What other balloons are in Universal’s holiday parade?
Shrek, Gabby’s Dollhouse, Underdog, Minions and Felix the Cat, according to Universal. Felix debuted in 1927 as the Macy’s parade’s first character balloon.
Is there Earl the Squirrel food and merchandise?
Yes. New Earl items are sold at the Holiday Tribute Store at Universal Studios Florida, which is themed to the Macy’s parade’s 100 years this season.
You can also try Earl’s Hazelnut Dot Cake, a chocolate cake with hazelnut spread, at Universal Studios Florida.
When are the holidays at Universal Orlando 2026?
Nov. 14, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027, according to Universal. The season includes Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas in Seuss Landing and holiday decor at Epic Universe for the first time in Super Nintendo World and How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk.
Universal’s Grinch and Friends Character Breakfast also returns Nov. 14.
How do balloons fly in the Macy’s parade?
With helium and a lot of handlers. Macy’s parade creative director Brendan Kennedy told EW that once it’s ready, “You just let it go, and you see what happens.”
The Earl balloon was sketched, 3D modeled, flight-tested and hand-painted before its big day, WDWNT reported.
Article compiled with the help of the Pirates & Princesses newsroom.
Pirates and Princesses is your destination for Disney news, theme park updates, and the pop culture you love. From Disney cruises and travel tips to Disney fashion, food, collectibles, and movie news, PNP covers it all. Visit us at piratesandprincesses.net for daily coverage. Follow PNP on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to the Pirates & Princesses podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
Hat Tips:
Entertainment Weekly via AOL, Joey Nolfi (Oct. 28, 2026), the first-balloon news, design inspiration and quotes from Lora Sauls and Brendan Kennedy
Universal Orlando Resort (Oct. 28, 2026), Earl’s origin, balloon size, parade broadcast, park parade, meet-and-greets, food, merchandise and holiday dates
WDW News Today, Shannen Ace (Oct. 28, 2026), Earl’s backstory, Rob Cametti, the parade unit and the Sorcerer Mickey and Bluey balloons
AI Disclosure: All articles are assigned, edited and reviewed by an experienced human editor before posting. Like most modern newsrooms, WebReef Media uses a variety of AI tools to help with accuracy and efficiency. Ways AI may be used in article creation include research, grammar, fact-checking and ideation, as well as occasional AI generated or enhanced thumbnails or graphics. No articles are generated or posted without human oversight or involvement.