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A Taste of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Orlando 

(Updated August 4, 2025)

 

Thanksgiving means different things to different people. Food. Family. Football. Falloons.

 

A decorated Christmas tree on the streets of Universal Studios Florida.

 

If you’re wondering, a “falloon” is one of the giant balloons at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Over 50 million Americans watch the parade every year.

The parade, one of the country’s oldest, started in 1924 in Manhattan. After its TV debut in 1948, it went from being an NYC tradition to a national one.

Each year, about 3 million people brave the cold and crowds to see the parade live in New York. Others watch it on TV while the turkey roasts.

But there’s another way to experience the excitement of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and it’s right here in Orlando, at Universal Studios Florida.

 

Key Takeaways

 

Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s

 

Visitors and performers dancing in the streets during a Universal Macy's Christmas parade.

 

When the Macy’s Parade ends, those massive falloons have to go somewhere, with many going to a warehouse in New Jersey.

But after the 2002 parade, Macy’s sent some of its balloons down to Universal Orlando Resort. Thus, a new tradition was born: Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s.

The parade runs nightly through late fall and early winter. It delivers the magic of the Macy’s Parade, but with warmer weather and calmer crowds.

Macy’s eventually stopped sending falloons from NYC and started making custom ones for Universal, allowing Universal Studios Florida to start the parade earlier in the season.

In 2025, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s will run from November 21 – December 31.

The half-hour parade runs through Production Central at Universal Studios Florida where you can wave to friends from “Despicable Me,” “Shrek,” and “Madagascar” as they march in their holiday best.

The parade also features clowns, dancers, stilt-walkers, and iconic Macy’s starflake balloons.

Like the New York parade, Orlando’s also ends with a visit from Santa. As he lights up a giant Christmas tree, flurries gently float through the air. In sunny Florida, the nightly snowfall is a true Christmas miracle.

Depending on when the park closes on a given night, the fun begins at either 5 or 5:30 p.m.

The parade is included with park admission.

 

Holiday Cheer is Universal

 

The Grinch visiting the table of two diners at Universal during the holidays.

 

While you’re at Universal Orlando Resort’s main campus for the paraade, be sure to enjoy the park’s other holly-jolly attractions.

Universal Studios Florida’s Diagon Alley will sparkle with lights and holiday decor, as will Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure.

Both areas of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will also feature holiday tunes where you can sing along to the musical stylings of Celestina Warbeck or a choir of talented frogs.

Islands of Adventure is also home to the annual Grinchmas celebration. Explore Whoville, enjoy a performance of The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, and meet Mt. Crumpit’s most infamous resident.

 

Make your Holiday Theme Park Experience Epic

It’s been a busy year for Universal Orlando with the grand opening of their brand-new theme park, Universal’s Epic Universe.

While Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure are located on the same property (and connected by Universal CityWalk), Epic Universe is about a 15 minute drive from its sister parks.

As of now, no details about holiday celebrations at Epic Universe have been announced, but at the very least, festive decorations and holiday cheer are expected.

Stay tuned to learn what epic Christmas celebrations are in store for guests at Epic Universe this year.

 

Parade Back to Rosen Shingle Creek

 

A decorated Christmas tree and the exterior of Rosen Shingle Creek.

 

After Santa Claus heads back up Santa Claus Lane, board a theme park shuttle back to your hotel room at Rosen Shingle Creek.

Our Orlando hotel has everything you need for the perfect holiday getaway.

In addition to easy theme park access, we offer fun activities like volleyball, golf, and hiking.

If the weather is not-so-frightful, spend your downtime lounging by one of our four seasonally heated pools, perhaps with a festive cocktail in hand.

Or, counteract the chaos of the holiday season with an indulgent treatment at our on-site full-service spa.

We also offer fantastic on-site dining. If you’re staying for Thanksgiving or Christmas Day, save your spot at one of our tasty holiday dining events held at Cala Bella.

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