But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids How big is a Macy's parade balloon?
Nov 14, 2025
Will Koss, the Executive Producer of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, shares a behind-the-scenes look at this iconic event. He reveals how massive balloons are made from proprietary fabric, heat-sealed together, and intricately hand-painted. Koss also discusses selecting characters, the impressive scale of float construction, and the teamwork required to manage 90 handlers keeping balloons afloat. Plus, learn why helium is crucial for floating and how they securely attach balloons to tiny strings for the parade's spectacular display.
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Parade Prep Takes Years
- Preparing the parade takes almost two years and many specialized roles.
- Artists, sculptors, carpenters and designers collaborate across long lead times to deliver the event.
Inside Macy's Giant Workshop
- Will Koss led a tour of Macy's 80,000 sq ft studio where floats, puppets, and balloons are made by artists and technicians.
- The studio includes carpentry, metal, animation, sculpting and painting areas all under one roof.
Floats Fold And Reassemble
- Floats fold down to about nine by twelve feet so they can travel through tunnels and streets.
- Teams reassemble them in New York with cranes the day before the parade like a giant Lego puzzle.