The 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is here, and you know what that means: Performances from some big names, all kinds of themed floats … and lots of giant balloons taken through the Manhattan streets as we celebrate Turkey Day and the beginning of the holiday season.
Which balloons are best, the must-see ones that you and your kids will love?
This year, there are seven new ones to add to the mix, and for the purposes of this list, we’re ranking all the character balloons (sorry to the Macy’s stars and holiday ornaments and the like, but this is how’s it got to be).
Here we go:
20
Leo
I know Leo is going to be an Adam Sandler-voiced animated character … but there are better balloons out there.
19
Sinclair's Dino
A dino riding a dino is very meta, but not the best.
18
Red Titan
If you like Ryan’s World, you might want this higher on the list.
17
Tiptoe
Sort of generic.
16
Smokey Bear
A classic!
15
Monkey D. Luffy
Kind of neat, actually! Maybe I underrated him?
14
Ronald McDonald
It’s … fine.
13
The Pillsbury Doughboy
Would be higher if he didn’t look so concerned.
12
Paw Patrol
We’re approaching the better ones.
11
Blue Cat and Chugs
Cool Cats are … cool.
10
Beagle Scout Snoopy
Snoopy is very cute, I just like some of the other balloons!
9
Pikachu and Eevee
It’s Pikachu! It’s Eevee! What’s not to like?
8
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
I just love the detail.
7
Look at this photo and tell me you’re not giggling.
6
Kung Fu Panda's Po
That pose is so cool.
5
Uncle Dan
I don’t know what it is, but this thing is making me laugh.
4
SpongeBob and Gary
So near-perfect.
3
Goku
The details, the vibe … yes, it’s fantastic.
2
Bluey
This one makes me so happy just to look at.
1
Baby Yoda is undefeated.
