Macy's 2016 Thanksgiving Day Parade introduces 3 new balloons and brings back 2 classics

Culture

One of the highlights of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is, without a doubt, the balloons — the giant helium-filled works of art that have helped make the annual event so iconic. This year's parade marks the 90th celebration and features three new creations: a balloon from the movie Trolls, one from The Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and one called Trixie the Dog. 

Returning staples include Ronald McDonald, Spongebob Squarepants, Pikachu, the Pillsbury Doughboy, Hello Kitty, The Elf on the Shelf, Skylanders Eruptor, Thomas the Tank Engine, the Red Power Ranger, Paddington, an Angry Bird, Dino and Ice Age's Scrat with his acorn. Descriptions of each balloon can be found at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade website

In terms of additions to the parade lineup, the Trolls balloon accompanies the release of DreamWorks' latest animated film, which made its way into theaters on Nov. 4. Poppy, Branch and Guy Diamond are the Trolls featured in the balloon. The figures are more than two stories tall with their hair making up 12 to 14 feet of their length. 

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid balloon also celebrates a recent release. The 11th book in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series came out on Nov. 1 and the balloon, which features the titular character, reaches as high as a five story building and is as long as 10 bicycles.

Earlier this month a test flight of the balloons was done at Citi Field.

Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images
Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images

Joining the parade for the first time in four years is a Charlie Brown balloon. The balloon features Charlie holding a kite and getting tangled in its string. 

The Felix the Cat balloon is also making a grand return, and was the first balloon to ever be displayed at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade back in 1927. The original Felix was filled with oxygen, and just like in its original debut, will be carried on poles. Trixie the Dog will also be carried on poles. The first ever helium balloons joined the parade in 1928.

Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images
Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images