Special Characters

Special Characters are an element featured in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Special Characters include a wide variety of performers, including (but not limited to) costumed characters (both face and fur), balloonheads, unicyclists, celebrity lookalikes, and actors. Most are also accompanied by a Special Character Escort. Some of these characters appear alongside clown units on foot, while others have made appearances on 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, 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, 1984-1985, 2005, 2021-present)
• Pinocchio (1941, 1968, 1971, 1978, 1981, 1984, 2005)
• Donald Duck (1941, 1962, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1984-1985, 2005, 2021-present)
• Pinhead (1951)
• Felix the Cat (1954-1955, 1959, 1982, 1989-1990, 2001, 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)
• Woody Woodpecker (1961, 1976)
• Howdy Doody (1961-1962, 1976, 1987)
• Bozo the Clown (1962)
• Sugar Bear (1965)
• Loveable B. Truly (1965)
• So-Hi (1965)
• Mr. and Mrs. Met (1966-1967)
• The Banana Splits (1968)
• Goofy (1968, 1970-1977, 1980, 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)
• Peter Pan (1969-1976, 2005, 2023-present)
• Captain Hook (1969-1976, 2005)
• Dumbo (1972, 1981)
• The Country Bear Jamboree (1972)
• Alice in Wonderland (Disney version, 1973-1974, 1981, 2005)
• Brer Bear (1973)
• Brer Fox (1973)
• 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)
• 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)
• Yogi Bear (1978, 1983-1984, 1991, 2011)
• Weebles (1978)
• Fred Flintstone (1978-1984, 1992-1993)
• Barney Rubble (1978-1984, 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)
• Serendipity (1980)
• Bert and Ernie (1980, 1984, 1988, 1990)
• The Smurfs (1980, 1982-1983, 1985-1987, 2008-2014)
• Henrietta Hippo (1980)
• Freddy Frog (1980)
• Underdog (1980, 2001)
• Rocky the Flying Squirrel (1980)
• Bullwinkle J. Moose (1980, 1996)
• 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)
• Count von Count (1982)
• Pac-Man (1982-1983)
• Mrs. Pac-Man (1982-1983)
• Tubby Baxter (1982-1983)
• Brutus (1982-1985)
• Wimpy (1982-1985)
• The Wombles (1982, 1984)
• Baby Pac-Man (1983)
• Dino from "The Flintstones" (1983, 1991-1993)
• Captain America (1983, 1985, 1987-1992, 1994-1998)
• Norfin Trolls (1983, 1985-1987)
• Gary Gnu (1983-1984)
• Astrosniks (1983-1985)
• Snoopy (1983-1984, 1999, 2001-2002, 2012, 2016-2018)
• Garfield (1983-1984, 2001, 2003)
• Hägar the Horrible (1983-1985)
• Q-Bert (1983)
• Scooby-Doo (1983-1984, 2011)
• Allstar Seaworthy (1983-1984)
• Olive Oyl (1983, 1990, 1996, 2001, 2011)
• Goriddle Gorilla (1984)
• Curious George (1984)
• Odie (1984)
• Darth Vader (1984)
• TerrorTech (1984)
• Peter Rabbit (1984, 1989-1990, 2001)
• The Berenstain Bears (1983-1984, 1990)
• Beetle Bailey (1984, 1990)
• Betty Boop (1984, 1990, 2001, 2011)
• Rainbow Brite (1984-1985)
• The Cat in the Hat (1984-1986, 1995)
• Fird (1985)
• Lots-A-Lots-A-Leggggggs (1985)
• Ted E. Bear and Patti Bear (1985-1989)
• McGruff the Crime Dog (1982-1983, 1985-1990, 1993, 2004)
• Sheriff Damon Onion (1985)
• The Juice (1985)
• Zuccarina (1985)
• Teddy Ruxpin (1985-1986, 1990)
• Dargon (1985)
• General Spidrax (1985)
• Heathcliff (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)
• 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)
• 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)
• Gumby (1988-1989, 1994, 1996)
• California Dancing Raisins (1988-1993)
• Dancing Twin Towers (1988-1990)
• Chip 'N Dale (1989, 2005, 2021)
• Moose (1989)
• Mr. Weatherbee (1989)
• Count Duckula (1989)
• Yosemite Sam (1989)
• Wile E. Coyote (1989)
• Charlie, Itchy and Carface (1989)
• Emily Elizabeth (1990-1996)
• Dennis the Menace (1990)
• Toxie (1990-1999)
• Sarge (1990)
• H.R. Pufnstuf (1990)
• The Lockhorns (1990)
• The 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)
• Mother Goose (1991-2019)
• Old King Cole (1991-1998, 2004-2013, 2018)
• Little Boy Blue (1991-1998, 2000, 2008-2011)
• Chanticleer (1991)
• Little Edmond (1991)
• The Grand Duke of Owls (1991)
• Laurel and Hardy (1991)
• Pigfoot (1991)
• Pigcasso (1991)
• Babar the Elephant (1991, 2011)
• 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)
• Sega Pico Mascot (1995)
• Wompkee (1996-2002, 2003-2019)
• Alice in Wonderland (Macy's version, 1996-2002-2006, 2008-2011, 2015-2017)
• 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)
• Diggity Devon (2000)
• Mr. and Mrs. Snubelgrass (2000)
• Smokey Bear (2000-2001, 2011)
• 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)
• 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-Present)
• Hamburglar (2002-2005, 2021-Present)
• 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 (2008-2017)
• Mermaid on Rocking Lobster (2009-2013, 2022-present)
• Sleigh Driver Elf (2009-2019, 2021-present)
• Elves (2009-present)
• Lion Tamer on Rocking Lion (2010)
• The Minions (2010, 2013)
• Pirate King (2010-2012, 2014-2016)
• Lewis the Duck (2010-2018)
• Candy Girl on Rocking Horse (2010, 2023-present)
• Holly and Hal Moose (2010-2013)
• Henry and Justin (2011-2017)
• Bakers (2011-2012, 2022)
• Arthur the Aardvark (2011)
• Blue (2011)
• Turkey Tech Gobbler (2011-Present)
• Mrs. Macy (2011-2012, 2014, 2018)
• Pirate Queen (2012, 2014-2016)
• Jesters (2012-2016)
• Clara (2012-2019, 2021-present)
• Toy Soldier on Rocking Horse (2012-2014, 2019)
• Webster the Duck (2013)
• Baker Puppets (2013-2015)
• Wooden Puppets (2013-2019, 2021-2022)
• Sam the Minuteman (2013)
• Gru (2013)
• Goldie (2014-2016)
• Pirate's Booty Pirate (2014-2016)
• Ruby Rails (2015-2016)
• Sailor Jack (2015-2016)
• Colonel Sanders (2015-2017)
• Mount Rushmore Mascots (2015-2017, 2019)
• Engineers (2015, 2021)
• Inflatable Elves (2015-2016, 2021)
• Jumping Stilt Clowns (2016)
• Krazy Glue Dancers (2016-2017)
• Flapper Dancers (2016)
• Unicycle Referees (2016-2019)
• Giant Panda (2016)
• Cookie Engineers (2016-2017)
• 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-present)
• FriendsWithYou Raindrops (2018)
• Elf on the Shelf Scout Elves (2018-2019, 2021-present)
• Paper Dolls (2019-2022)
• Farmers (2019)
• Gardener on Rocking Tortoise (2019)
• Flower Girl on Rocking Flamingo (2019)
• Gravy Pirates (2021)
• Pete the Pirate (2021)
• Princess Tiana (2021-present)
• Rapunzel (2021-present)
• Geoffrey the Giraffe (2021-present)
• Moose Crossing Moose (2021)
• Penguin and Polar Bear (2021)
• Groom Unicyclist (2022)
• Flip and Nemo (2022)
• Black Panther (2022-Present)
• Mirabel (2022-Present)
• Raya (2022)
• Moana (2022-Present)
• Prince Naveen (2022-present)
• Flynn Rider (2022)
• Jellyfish (2022-present)
• Cowgirl on Rocking Horse (2022)
• Geoffrey the Giraffe Inflatable (2022-present)
• Frantic Bananas (2022-present)
• Miguel (2023-present)
• Raider Red (2023)
• Candy Canes (2023-present)

Gallery

Current Special Characters

Turkey Tech Gobbler (2011-Present)

Charlie Brown (2006-2011, 2015, 2019, 2021-Present)

Lucy and Linus Van Pelt (2006-2012, 2015-2018, 2021-Present)

Geoffrey the Giraffe (2021-Present)

Mermaid on Rocking Lobster (2009-2013, 2022-Present)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2023-Present)

Captain Minnie Mouse (2021-Present)

Captain Mickey Mouse (2021-Present)

Sailor Goofy (2021-Present)

Grimace (2003-2005, 2020-Present)

Hamburglar (2003-2005, 2021-Present)

Frantic Bananas (2022-Present)

Raider Red (2023)

Lumberjack on Rocking Moose (2007, 2020, 2022-Present)

Elf on the Shelf Scout Elves (2018-2019, 2021-Present)

Jingle Bells (2017-Present)

Former Special Characters

Woody Woodpecker (1976)

Casper the Friendly Ghost (1979-1980, 1986-1987)

Serendipity (1980)

Bert and Ernie (1980, 1984, 1988, 1990)

Underdog (1980)

Rocky and Bullwinkle (1980)

SpiderMan (1981-1982)

The Wombles (1982)

Felix the Cat (1982)

Alvin and the Chipmunks (1982-1983)

Pac-Man and Ms. Pac-Man (1982-1983)

McGruff the Crime Dog (1982, 1985-1990, 1993, 2004)

The Berenstain Bears (1983-1984, 1990)

The Smurfs (1983-1986)

All-Star Seaworthy (1983-1984)

Garfield (1983-1984)

Lots-a-Lots-a-Leggggggs (1985) (Connected)

Lots-a-Lots-a-Leggggggs (1985) (Seperated)

Teddy Ruxpin (1985-1986)

Archie, Veronica, Betty, and Jughead (1986-1990)

Bugs Bunny (1986-1987)

Daffy Duck (1986-1987)

Linus Van Pelt (1987-1989)

Lucy Van Pelt (1987-1989)

California Dancing Raisins (1987-1993)

Bugs Bunny (1989)

Daffy Duck (1989)

Count Duckula (1989-1990)

Felix The Cat (1989-1990)

F.R.O.Y.D. (1990-1991)

The Lockhorns (1990)

Yogi Bear (1991)

Batley (1991)

Doug (1991)

Stimpy (1991)

Daren the Lion (1994, 1996-2002)

Bullwinkle J. Moose (1996)

Wompkee (1996-2003)

BAC (2000)

Thermy (2000)

Power Panther (2000, 2003, 2005)

Diggety Devon (2000)

Quik Bunny (2001)

Cheesasaurus Rex (2001)

Snoopy (2002, 2012, 2016-2018)

Bearemy (2002-2014)

Pawlette Coufur (2002-2013)

Maggie Moo (2002)

Wild Thing (2002-2003)

Rainbow Cubs (2003-2006)

Piggley Winks (2003-2006)

Digit (2004-2006)

Wompkee (2004-2019)

Chief Blue Meanie (2004)

Maya & Miguel (2004)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2005)

Pillsbury Doughboy (2005-2007)

Splat (2007)

Holly and Hal Moose (2009-2013)

Lewis the Duck (2010-2018)

Henry and Justin (2011-2018)

Felix the Cat (2011)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2012-2017)

Toy Soldier on Rocking Horse (2012-2013, 2019)

Christmas Carolers (2014)

Mount Rushmore Mascots (2015-2019)

Flapper Dancers (2016)

Lumberjill on Rocking Moose (2017-2019, 2021)

Poinsettias (2017-2020)

Penguins (2017-2020)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2018-2020)

Pikachu (2020)

Macy's Moose (2021)

Mother Goose

Miss Muffet

Mary, Mary Quite Contrary

Little Boy Blue

Old King Cole

Queen of Hearts