Universal Orlando’s beloved holiday mascot, Earl the Squirrel, is heading to New York City for the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! For the first time ever, Universal Orlando Resort will have its very own balloon in the iconic Thanksgiving tradition, and it’s a pretty fitting honor for a little squirrel with quite the backstory.
Although Universal has partnered with Macy’s for its annual holiday parade at Universal Studios Florida for years, Earl will make history as the resort’s first dedicated balloon in the New York City parade on November 26, 2026. Universal is also bringing a little piece of its Orlando parade to Manhattan, complete with dancers, balloon handlers, and even a dancing acorn!
From Christmas Tree Troublemaker to Holiday Icon
Earl’s story actually began with a real squirrel who developed a taste for the electrical wiring in Universal Studios Florida’s Christmas tree while it was stored in their warehouse. After Team Members repeatedly discovered damaged wires, they eventually caught the furry culprit in action.
Universal safely relocated the squirrel, but the story became an inside joke among Team Members. They began hiding a squirrel figure in the Christmas tree, and guests soon caught on.
Universal creative Lora Sauls explained to Entertainment Weekly:
“Earl has risen to the status of Universal Studios Florida’s Christmas icon. He started as a real, little squirrel in our Christmas tree who loved chewing on some blue lights, and it grew in the fandom.”
Over time, Earl developed quite the following, eventually inspiring merchandise and his own costumed character debut in 2021.
Universal’s Rob Cametti helped create Earl’s cartoon appearance, drawing inspiration from classic rubber-hose animation and Cousin Eddie’s famous winter hat from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. For his Macy’s debut, Earl’s giant balloon will incorporate his signature Christmas lightbulb, a nod to the real squirrel who started it all.
Following his Thanksgiving appearance, Earl will join Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s at Universal Studios Florida. The Orlando parade runs November 14 through January 3, although Earl won’t appear until after Thanksgiving.
You can catch Earl alongside other new balloons, during the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 26 at 8:30 AM ET on NBC.
