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Special Characters

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Special Characters are an element featured in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade that consist of paid participants that deliver a certain performance depending on their role. Special Characters encompass a wide variety of performers, including (but not limited to) costumed characters (both face and fur), stilt walkers, balloonheads, inflatable costumes, unicyclists, celebrity lookalikes, tricyclists, actors, and select drivers. Mascots of college sports teams that appear alongside the marching bands of their respective schools do not count as Special Characters, nor do characters that are not cast by Macy's, but a third party (i.e. Ronald McDonald, Grimace, etc.).

Most Special Characters are also accompanied by a Special Character Escort, who assist the character in maneuvering down the Parade Route. Some of these characters appear alongside clown units on foot, while others have made appearances alongside floats, toy floats, and other specialty units.

Listed below are the known Special Characters that have appeared in the Parade lineup over the years.

Special Characters[]

  • Mickey Mouse (1935, 1939-1941, 1951, 1964, 1968-1977, 1980-1981, 1984-1985, 2005, 2021-present)
  • Minnie Mouse (1935, 1939, 1951, 1964, 1970-1971, 1974, 1976-1977, 1981, 1984-1985, 1989, 2005, 2021-present)
  • Popeye (1939, 1941, 1977, 1982-1986, 1990, 1996, 2001, 2011)
  • Pluto (1940-1941, 1968-1977, 1981, 1984-1985, 2005, 2021-present)
  • Pinocchio (1941, 1968, 1971, 1978, 1981, 1984, 2005)
  • Donald Duck (1941, 1962, 1964, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1984-1985, 2005, 2021-present)
  • Pinhead (1950-1951)
  • Smokey Bear (1952, 2000, 2011)
  • Felix the Cat (1953-1955, 1959, 1982, 1989-1990, 2011)
  • Gerald McBoing-Boing (1955)
  • Mr. Magoo (1955)
  • Deputy Dawg (1961)
  • Mighty Mouse (1961, 1973, 1984, 1987-1991, 1993)
  • Alvin and the Chipmunks (1961, 1982-1983, 1986, 1992)
  • Alfred E. Neuman (1961, 1964)
  • Woody Woodpecker (1961, 1976)
  • Howdy Doody (1961-1962, 1976, 1987)
  • Bozo the Clown (1962)
  • Alice in Wonderland (fairytale version, 1963, 1996-2006, 2008-2011, 2015-2017)
  • Sugar Bear (1965)
  • Loveable B. Truly (1965)
  • So-Hi (1965)
  • Mr. Met (1966-1967)
  • Mrs. Met (1966)
  • Goofy (1968, 1970-1977, 1980-1981, 1984-1985, 2005, 2021-present)
  • The Three Little Pigs (1968-1971)
  • Big Bad Wolf (1968-1971)
  • Snow White (1968-1976, 1981, 2005)
  • The Seven Dwarfs (1968-1976)
  • Honest John (1968, 1978)
  • Gideon (1968, 1978)
  • Baloo (1969)
  • King Louie (1969)
  • Peter Pan (1969-1976, 2005, 2023-present)
  • Captain Hook (1969-1976, 2005)
  • Dumbo (1972)
  • The Country Bear Jamboree (1972)
  • Alice in Wonderland (Disney version, 1973-1974, 1981, 2005)
  • Brer Bear (1973, 1981)
  • Brer Fox (1973, 1981)
  • The Mad Hatter (1973-1974, 2005)
  • The White Rabbit (1973-1974, 2005)
  • Gus (1973)
  • Jaq (1973)
  • Robin Hood (1973)
  • Little John (1973)
  • Prince John (1973)
  • Weebles (1975-1978)
  • Buford the Beaver (1975-1978)
  • Dumpherey the Dragon (1975-1977)
  • The Pink Panther (1976, 1984, 1988, 1991-1992, 2001, 2011)
  • The Big Apple Mascot (1976)
  • The Human Fly (1977)
  • Bugs Bunny (1977, 1981, 1986-1987, 1989-1990, 2001, 2011)
  • Daffy Duck (1977, 1979-1981, 1986-1987, 1989)
  • Porky Pig (1977)
  • Speedy Gonzales (1977)
  • McGruff the Crime Dog (1979, 1982-1990, 1993, 2004)
  • Fred Flintstone (1979-1984, 1992-1993)
  • Barney Rubble (1979-1984, 1992)
  • Paddington Bear (1979, 1984, 1989-1990, 2001)
  • Wilma Flintstone (1979, 1982-1984)
  • Betty Rubble (1979, 1982-1984)
  • Princess Aurora (1979, 2005)
  • Prince Philip (1979, 2005)
  • Casper the Friendly Ghost (1979-1980, 1986-1988)
  • Leo the Lop (1980)
  • The Smurfs (1980, 1982-1983, 1985-1987, 2008-2014)
  • Serendipity (1980)
  • Bert and Ernie (1980, 1984, 1988, 1990)
  • Henrietta Hippo (1980)
  • Freddy Frog (1980)
  • Underdog (1980, 2001)
  • Rocky the Flying Squirrel (1980)
  • Bullwinkle J. Moose (1980)
  • Little Mouse (1980)
  • Chip 'n Dale (1981, 1989, 2005, 2021)
  • Cookie Monster (1981)
  • Raggedy Ann (1981, 2001, 2002, 2011)
  • Raggedy Andy (1981)
  • Spider-Man (1981-1983, 1987-1992, 1994-1998, 2011, 2022-present)
  • Richie Rich (1981-1982, 1986-1987)
  • LeMutt (1981-1982)
  • Count von Count (1982)
  • Pac-Man (1982-1983)
  • Ms. Pac-Man (1982-1983)
  • Frankenstein (1982, 1984)
  • Baby Frankenstein (1982, 1984)
  • Fifi La Femme (1982)
  • Baxter (1982-1983)
  • Brutus (1982-1985, 1990)
  • Wimpy (1982-1985, 1990)
  • The Wombles (1982, 1984)
  • Berenstain Bears (1983-1984, 1990)
  • Baby Pac-Man (1983)
  • Dino from The Flintstones (1983, 1991-1993)
  • Captain America (1983, 1985, 1987-1992, 1994-1998)
  • Norfin Trolls (1983, 1986-1987)
  • Gary Gnu (1983-1984)
  • Astrosniks (1983-1985)
  • Snoopy (1983-1984, 1999, 2001-2002, 2012, 2016-2018)
  • Garfield (1983-1984, 2001, 2003)
  • Marmaduke (1983-1984)
  • Nancy and Sluggo (1983-1984)
  • T.J. LUV (1983)
  • Amelia the Good Air Fairy (1983)
  • Hägar the Horrible (1983-1985, 1990)
  • Q*bert (1983)
  • Yogi Bear (1983-1984, 1991, 2011)
  • Scooby-Doo (1983-1984, 2011)
  • Allstar Seaworthy (1983-1984)
  • Huckleberry Hound (1983)
  • Bump (1983)
  • Olive Oyl (1983, 1990, 1996, 2001, 2011)
  • Heathcliff (1984-1985)
  • Goriddle Gorilla (1984)
  • Pandy and Pinky (1984)
  • Jolly Giant (1984)
  • Jumbo Jet (1984)
  • Pat Patriot (1984)
  • Ernie Eagle (1984)
  • Curious George (1984)
  • Odie (1984)
  • Mr. S. Snake (1984)
  • Mr. Happy and Little Miss Sunshine (1984)
  • Darth Vader (1984)
  • ManTech Robots (1984)
  • Peter Rabbit (1984, 1989-1990, 2001)
  • Hong Kong Phooey (1984)
  • Quick Draw McGraw (1984)
  • Jabberjaw (1984)
  • Beetle Bailey (1984, 1990)
  • Phantom of the Opera (1984)
  • The Flash (1984)
  • Hawkman (1984)
  • Betty Boop (1984, 1990, 2001, 2011)
  • Rainbow Brite (1984-1985)
  • The Cat in the Hat (1984-1986, 1995)
  • Gumby (1984-1985, 1988-1989, 1994, 1996)
  • Fird (1985)
  • Lots-A-Lots-A-Leggggggs (1985)
  • Ted E. Bear and Patti Bear (1985-1989)
  • Sheriff Damon Onion (1985)
  • The Juice (1985)
  • Zuccarina (1985)
  • Teddy Ruxpin (1985-1986, 1990)
  • Dargon (1985)
  • General Spidrax (1985)
  • Blue Beetle (1985)
  • Winnie the Pooh (1985)
  • Tigger (1985)
  • Eeyore (1985)
  • Bumblelion (1985)
  • Butterbear (1985)
  • Hoppopotamus (1985)
  • Grammi Gummi (1985)
  • Tummi Gummi (1985)
  • Cubbi Gummi (1985)
  • Mr. Potato Head (1985, 1988-1989, 2011)
  • Mrs. Potato Head (1985)
  • Dagwood and Blondie (1985, 1990)
  • Archie, Jughead, Veronica and Betty (1986-1989)
  • Heart to Heart Bear (1986-1987)
  • Danger Mouse (1986-1988)
  • Marvin (1986, 1990)
  • Sylvester (1986, 1989)
  • Tweetie Bird (1986-1987)
  • Pillow People (1986-1987)
  • Wolverine (1987-1992, 1994-1998)
  • Clifford the Big Red Dog (1987, 1989, 2011)
  • Quik Bunny (1987, 2001)
  • California Dancing Raisins (1987-1993)
  • Reggie (1987-1989)
  • The Kentucky State Park Lark (1987)
  • Charlie Brown (1987-1989, 2006-2011, 2015, 2019, 2021-Present)
  • Lucy van Pelt (1987-1989, 2006-2012, 2015-2018, 2021-Present)
  • Linus van Pelt (1987-1989, 2006-2012, 2015-2018, 2021-Present)
  • Dancing Twin Towers (1988-1990)
  • Chuck (1990)
  • Moose (1989-1990)
  • Mr. Weatherbee (1989-1990)
  • Count Duckula (1989)
  • Yosemite Sam (1989)
  • Wile E. Coyote (1989)
  • Charlie, Itchy and Carface (1989)
  • Sad Sam and Honey (1990)
  • Babar the Elephant (1990-1991, 2011)
  • Emily Elizabeth (1990-1996)
  • Dennis the Menace (1990)
  • Toxie (1990-1999)
  • Sarge (1990)
  • Flik Flak (1990)
  • H.R. Pufnstuf (1990)
  • Loretta and Leroy Lockhorn (1990)
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990-1991, 2005, 2012-2017, 2018-2020, 2023-present)
  • Kermit the Frog (1990, 1994, 2001)
  • Miss Piggy (1990, 1994)
  • Buster Bunny (1990)
  • Babs Bunny (1990)
  • Plucky Duck (1990)
  • Dizzy Devil (1990)
  • F.R.O.Y.D. (1990-1991)
  • Eureeka (1990)
  • Wizard of ID (1990)
  • Koko (1990)
  • Mother Goose (1991-2016, 2008-2019)
  • Old King Cole (1991-1998, 2004-2013, 2018)
  • Little Boy Blue (1991-1998, 2000-2001, 2008-2011)
  • Chanticleer (1991)
  • Little Edmond (1991)
  • The Grand Duke of Owls (1991)
  • Laurel and Hardy (1991)
  • Pigfoot (1991)
  • Pigcasso (1991)
  • Tasmanian Devil (1991)
  • Digeri Dingo (1991)
  • Bull Gator (1991)
  • Axl Gator (1991)
  • George Jetson (1991)
  • Astro (1991)
  • Batley (1991)
  • Doug (1991)
  • Stimpy (1991)
  • Bucky O'Hare (1991)
  • Niddler (1991)
  • Bloth (1991)
  • Zwibble Dibble (1991)
  • The Balloonatiks Superheroes (1991-1992)
  • Muffy VanderBear (1991-2000)
  • Sgt. Kabukiman (1992-1997)
  • Tom and Jerry (1992)
  • Tom and Jerry Kids (1992)
  • NoZone (1992)
  • Waldo (1992)
  • Wenda (1992)
  • Wizard Whitebeard (1992)
  • Odlaw (1992)
  • Lemon, Mint and Cherry (1992)
  • Bubsy Bobcat (1993)
  • Aero the Acrobat (1993-1994)
  • Wally Bear (1993)
  • Recycleman (1993)
  • Barney the Dinosaur (1994-2004, 2011)
  • Baby Bop (1994-2004)
  • B.J. (1994-2004)
  • Mr. Golftee (1994)
  • Daren the Lion (1994, 1996-2002)
  • Dudley the Dragon (1994-1995)
  • Bloopy (1995)
  • Hootie the Owl (1995)
  • Peppermint Pig (1995-1996)
  • Raspberry Lion (1995)
  • Blue M&M (1995-1998, 2000-2002)
  • Happy Ness & Friends (1995)
  • Smart Alex (1995)
  • Wompkee (1996-2002, 2003-2019)
  • Fremont and Purrscilla (1996-2000)
  • Captain Drug-Free (1996)
  • Kente Claus (1996-1997)
  • Sleepy Bear (1996)
  • Miss Ochie (1997)
  • Ollie Octopus (1997)
  • PocaHoppy (1998-2000)
  • Vitaman C, Vitaman E, Betacarotine, Lycopene and Lupein (1998)
  • Dee Dee (1998)
  • Kerbie the Kernel (1999)
  • Skipper the Dolphin (1999)
  • Wake Me Willy (1999)
  • Kofi Bear (1999)
  • Green M&M (1999-2003)
  • BAC (2000)
  • Thermy (2000)
  • Power Panther (2000, 2003, 2005)
  • greendog (2000-2004)
  • Freedom Frog (2000-2001)
  • Mr. and Mrs. Snubelgrass (2000)
  • Woodsy Owl (2000)
  • Simple Simon and the Pieman (2000-2001)
  • Yankee Doodle Dandy (2001)
  • Girl Power Characters (2001)
  • Snuggle Bear (2001)
  • Sonic the Hedgehog (2001)
  • Tommy Pickles (2001, 2011)
  • Chuckie Finster (2001)
  • Dexter (2001)
  • BuzzBee (2001)
  • Pikachu (2001, 2020)
  • Jimmy Neutron (2001)
  • Cheesasaurus Rex (2001)
  • Jeeves (2001)
  • Magenta (2001)
  • Tickety Tock (2001)
  • Percy, the Poor Little Penguin (2001-2002)
  • PB Polar Bear (2001-2002)
  • Adele Lee (2001-2002)
  • Presidential Teddy (2002)
  • Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus, and Dorothy the Dinosaur (2001-2003)
  • Maggie Moo (2002)
  • Captain Macy (2002-2014, 2018)
  • Spyro the Dragon (2002)
  • Grimace (2002-2005, 2020-2024)
  • Hamburglar (2002-2005, 2021-2024)
  • Birdie the Early Bird (2002-2005)
  • The CarePlus Bunnies (2002)
  • Wild Thing (2002-2003)
  • Whovillians (2002)
  • Dr. Tusk (2002)
  • King (2002)
  • Nurse Fish (2002)
  • Peeps Chick (2003)
  • Charmin Bear (2003)
  • Bearemy (2003-2014)
  • Pawlette Coufur (2003-2013)
  • Piggley Winks (2003-2006)
  • The Rainbow Cubs (2003-2006)
  • Maya and Miguel (2004)
  • Digit (2004-2006)
  • The Blue Meanie (2004)
  • Aladdin (2005, 2021-Present)
  • Princess Jasmine (2005, 2021-Present)
  • Cinderella (Disney version, 2005, 2021-2022)
  • Prince Charming (2005, 2022)
  • The Pillsbury Doughboy (2005-2007)
  • Pied Piper (2006, 2011, 2015)
  • The Wind in the Willows (2010, 2012-2013)
  • Splat (2007)
  • Lumberjack on Rocking Moose (2007, 2020-present)
  • Princess Skyler (2008-2010)
  • Stem (2008-2013, 2015-2017)
  • Mermaid on Rocking Lobster (2009-2013, 2022-present)
  • Sleigh Driver Elf (2009-2019, 2021-present)
  • Elves (2009-present)
  • Lion Tamer on Rocking Lion (2010)
  • Minions (2010, 2013)
  • Pirate King (2010-2012, 2014-2016)
  • Lewis the Duck (2010-2018)
  • Candy Girl on Rocking Horse (2010, 2023)
  • Holly and Hal Moose (2010-2013)
  • Banner Pushers (Lead, 2011-2015)
  • Robbers (Tough Guy & Bulldog, 2011-2019, 2021-2023)
  • Henry and Justin (2011-2017)
  • Bakers (2011-2012, 2022)
  • Banner Pushers (Mid-Way, 2011-2015)
  • Arthur the Aardvark (2011)
  • Blue (2011)
  • Turkey Tech Gobbler Mascot (2011-present)
  • Mrs. Macy (2011-2012, 2014, 2018)
  • Hare on Rocking Tortoise (2012)
  • Circus Clown on Rocking Lion (2012)
  • Bandleader (2012)
  • Pirate Queen (2012, 2014-2016)
  • Jesters (2012-2016)
  • Cookie Engineers (2012, 2016-2017)
  • Clara (2012-2019, 2021-present)
  • Toy Soldier on Rocking Horse (2012-2014, 2019)
  • Webster the Duck (2013)
  • Baker Puppets (2013-2015)
  • Swiss Puppets (2013-2019, 2021-2022)
  • Gru (2013)
  • Goldie (2014-2016)
  • Pirate's Booty Pirate (2014-2016)
  • Ruby Rails (2015-2016)
  • Sailor Jack (2015-2016)
  • Colonel Sanders (2015-2017)
  • Butterfly Hunter on Rocking Giraffe (2015, 2017)
  • Mount Rushmore Mascots (2015-2017, 2019)
  • Engineers (2015, 2021)
  • Inflatable Elves (2015-2016, 2021, 2024-present)
  • Banner Pushers (2016-2018)
  • Jumping Stilt Clowns (2016)
  • Krazy Glue Dancers (2016-2017)
  • Flapper Dancers (2016)
  • Unicycle Referees (2016-2019)
  • Giant Panda (2016)
  • Lumberjill on Rocking Moose (2017-2019)
  • Rag Dolls (2017)
  • Sailor on Rocking Lobster (2018-2019)
  • Pirate on Rocking Lobster (2020-2021)
  • Penguins (2017-2020)
  • Poinsettias (2017-2020)
  • Jingle Bells (2017-Present)
  • Macy's Starlets (2018-2023)
  • FriendsWithYou Raindrops (2018)
  • Elf on the Shelf Scout Elves (2018-2019, 2021-2024)
  • Paper Dolls (2019-2022)
  • Farmers (2019)
  • Gardener on Rocking Tortoise (2019)
  • Flower Girl on Rocking Flamingo (2019)
  • Pirate on Rocking Lobster (2020-2021)
  • Gravy Pirates (2021)
  • Moana (2021-present)
  • Princess Tiana (2021-present)
  • Rapunzel (2021-present)
  • Geoffrey the Giraffe (2021-present)
  • Moose Crossing Moose (2021, 2025-present)
  • Rag Doll Clowns (2021)
  • Penguin and Polar Bear (2021)
  • Groom Unicyclist (2022)
  • Flip and Nemo (2022)
  • Black Panther (2022-Present)
  • Mirabel (2022-Present)
  • Raya (2022)
  • Prince Naveen (2022-present)
  • Flynn Rider (2022)
  • Jellyfish (2022-present)
  • Cowgirl on Rocking Horse (2022)
  • Geoffrey the Giraffe Inflatable (2022-present)
  • Frantic Bananas (2022-2024)
  • Dapper Turkeys (2023-present)
  • Miguel (2023-present)
  • REO Truck Passengers (2023-present)
  • Bowling Pins (2024-present)
  • Granny Bingo and Granny Muffin (2024)
  • Kinder Chocolate Bars (2024-present)
  • Cookie and Crouton (2024-present)
  • Rag Doll on Rocking Horse (2024-present)
  • Wednesdays (2024)
  • Fisherman on Rocking Tortoise (2024)
  • REO Truck Driver (2024-present)
  • Extraordinary Noorah (2024)
  • Wigglefoot (2025-present)
  • Farmer's Dog Food Vendors (2025-present)
  • Hercules (2025-present)
  • Loki (2025-present)
  • Malificent (2025-present)
  • Cruella de Vil (2025-present)
  • Dr. Facilier (2025-present)
  • Labubus (2025-present)

Gallery[]

Current Special Characters[]


Former Special Characters[]

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