Earl the Squirrel is trading Universal Orlando’s Christmas tree for the streets of New York City. The resort’s holiday mascot will make his debut as a giant balloon at the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 26, 2026, marking the first time Universal Orlando has had its own balloon in the famous holiday procession.
The first look at Earl’s new ride through Manhattan comes courtesy of Entertainment Weekly, which revealed the design and spoke with the Universal and Macy’s creative teams behind the project. The balloon brings the character’s oversized personality to life, complete with his signature winter hat and a blue Christmas light that connects directly to the story of how he became a holiday icon.
Although Earl is not an actual character from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, the classic comedy did help inspire his look. Universal visual design and retail creative Rob Cametti told Entertainment Weekly that Cousin Eddie’s plaid hat with ear flaps was one of his references when developing Earl’s design. Classic rubber-hose cartoons, including Betty Boop, also helped shape the squirrel’s exaggerated, old-fashioned cartoon appearance.
The balloon is part of a particularly fitting celebration for Universal and Macy’s. The 2026 parade marks its 100th anniversary, connecting the event to Universal’s own history with parade balloons. NBC, Universal’s parent company, traces its connection to the original parade back to 1927, when a balloon modeled after Felix the Cat appeared in the inaugural procession. We previously reported that the iconic Underdog Balloon will also be making a return this year.
How Earl the Squirrel Became a Universal Orlando Holiday Icon
Earl’s story began with a real squirrel that discovered the Christmas decorations at Universal Studios Florida. The animal repeatedly chewed through blue lights on the park’s large Christmas tree display, leaving the resort’s creative team wondering who or what was responsible for the damage. After setting up cameras, they discovered the culprit was a squirrel rather than a human troublemaker.
The squirrel was humanely rehomed, but the incident became an inside joke among Universal team members. The resort began hiding a small squirrel figure in its Christmas tree for guests to find, turning the search into a recurring holiday tradition. Earl eventually grew beyond the hidden figurine, becoming a costumed character and merchandise favorite in 2021.
Now that little Christmas tree troublemaker is getting a much bigger spotlight. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade creative director Brendan Kennedy explained that the team wanted to preserve the story behind Earl by including his trusty lightbulb in the balloon design. Creating the finished figure involved sketching and 3D modeling, followed by flight testing to make sure the balloon could move properly during the parade. Its components are heat-steamed together and hand-painted.
Earl will not be traveling alone, either. Universal is bringing its parade team to New York, including balloon handlers, backup dancers, and a dancing acorn to accompany the squirrel during the televised event. That should give viewers a taste of the character’s personality beyond the balloon itself.
Earl the Squirrel Returns to Universal Orlando for Christmas
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is only the beginning of Earl’s holiday travels. After his New York debut, the balloon will head back to Florida to join Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s at Universal Studios Florida in early December.
Universal’s broader holiday celebration runs from November 14, 2026, through January 3, 2027. Guests visiting before Earl’s balloon joins the in-park parade can still look for the character at the resort and explore new seasonal merchandise at the Holiday Tribute Store.
The 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade airs on NBC, Peacock, and Telemundo on November 26, beginning at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones. For Earl, it is a remarkable journey from a squirrel chewing on Christmas lights to a giant balloon floating through one of America’s biggest holiday traditions. Cousin Eddie would probably have something to say about the hat, too.
