A squirrel with a fondness for blue Christmas lights is about to make a giant entrance.
Earl the Squirrel, a holiday character from Universal Orlando Resort, will debut as a balloon in the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 26. The 30-foot-tall balloon will show Earl holding a blue Christmas light and wearing his signature winter cap.
Houston viewers can watch the parade on NBC, Peacock or Telemundo. It begins at 8:30 a.m.
Earl’s story started nearly 20 years ago, when Universal’s entertainment team discovered a real squirrel nesting in the resort’s Christmas tree. The squirrel reportedly liked to take strands of blue lights back to its nest. The resort later made Earl part of its holiday tradition through hidden tree appearances, merchandise and character meet-and-greets.
After the New York parade, Earl’s balloon will head to Florida to join Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s in early December. Universal Orlando’s holiday celebration runs Nov. 14 through Jan. 3, 2027.
