Turkey? Check. Floats? Check. A giant yellow legend gobbling his way through Manhattan? Absolutely. This Thanksgiving, PAC-MAN is chomping into history as he makes his first-ever appearance in the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 27, 2025, bringing retro joy and pixel-powered nostalgia to one of America’s most iconic holiday traditions.
To celebrate PAC-MAN’s 45th Anniversary and the recent launch of PAC-MAN WORLD 2 Re-PAC, Bandai Namco has leveled up the festivities by sending the beloved arcade hero soaring over New York City. Imagine him floating high above the streets, ready to snack on PAC-Dots, fruit, and maybe a few parade balloons unlucky enough to drift too close.
A Giant Icon Takes Flight
Built by the legendary Macy’s Parade Studio, the PAC-MAN balloon stands as a tribute to generations of gamers. Measuring over 40 feet long and nearly 38 feet wide, it mirrors PAC-MAN’s look in PAC-MAN WORLD 2 Re-PAC. And yes, he’s got the classic red cherries in hand, giving fans a juicy slice of arcade history alongside the modern makeover.
With his wide grin, bold bounce, and signature “waka-waka” attitude, PAC-MAN is ready to charm everyone from nostalgic parents to joystick-loving teens discovering him anew.
Celebrating 45 Years of Arcade Greatness
Forty-five years after gobbling his first pellet, PAC-MAN’s impact still echoes across the gaming world. From arcade cabinets to console hits, music charts to TV screens, the character has become a universal pop-culture symbol. Guinness World Records even crowned him the Most Successful Coin-Operated Game of all time.
This parade debut is just one part of a year-long celebration packed with special partnerships, events, and activations honoring the franchise’s legacy and future.
Macy’s Herald Square Hosts PAC-MAN Pop-Up
The arcade magic doesn’t stop at the parade. This November, Macy’s Herald Square will level up with a PAC-MAN pop-up experience featuring free-to-play arcade machines and themed merchandise. It’s a nostalgia buffet perfect for longtime fans and curious newcomers wanting their first taste of pellet-powered joy.
Watch PAC-MAN’s Grand Glide
The 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade airs November 27 at 8:30 a.m. across all U.S. time zones on NBC and Peacock. Tune in to cheer for PAC-MAN as he trades maze walls for Manhattan skyscrapers and brings retro gaming energy to mainstream holiday magic.
PAC-MAN WORLD 2 Re-PAC: A Modern Revival
PAC-MAN’s balloon hugeness isn’t the only thing lighting up the season. The newly released PAC-MAN WORLD 2 Re-PAC lets a new generation of adventurers explore Pac-Land in a vibrant 3D action-platformer. Available on Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, PlayStation 5 and 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam, the remake delivers classic charm with modern shine. Expect bouncing platform puzzles, classic fruit collectibles, and ghost-dodging thrills packed into one joyful sprint of nostalgia.
For PAC-MAN news and updates, please follow the official PAC-MAN channels: TikTok, X, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and Discord.
