The Macy’s Parade Studio in Moonachie unveiled some of the new floats that are expected to take part in this year’s 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
From LEGO to Pop Mart and even chocolate-themed floats, each design tells its own story.
“What we’re doing is building up these giant things, probably three stories high, out of just raw materials to make these magical memories,” said Brendan Kennedy, director of Creative Production, Macy’s Studios.
Highlights include a live, puppeted “Stranger Things” float featuring an 8 1/2-foot-tall Demogorgon and a Pop Mart float with 15-foot-tall figures.
Building each float can take more than a year, with intricate details from metal armatures to custom paint designed to withstand movement.
Studio staff say their hard work pays off when the floats hit the streets. One standout float, inspired by a popular snack, features whimsical snow day scenes and will be pulled by a wrapped truck through Manhattan.
The parade returns this Thanksgiving, giving fans a chance to see these creative ideas come to life.