Nintendo outlines 2026 holiday plans as Mario balloon returns for Macy’s parade
Nintendo has announced its 2026 holiday plans, including the Mario balloon’s return for the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The company will also run a Nintendo New York trip sweepstakes and bring hundreds of store-exclusive products to nationwide online sales.
A forecast as of publication. An announcement and on-sale availability require separate confirmation.
Nintendo has announced its 2026 holiday plans, led by the return of the Mario balloon for the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The parade will take place on Nov. 26. NBC, Peacock and Telemundo will broadcast it from 8:30 a.m. in all time zones; the source does not provide a single exact local or UTC start time.
Nintendo New York trip sweepstakes
My Nintendo members can enter the Nintendo New York My Nintendo Holiday Magic Sweepstakes through Nov. 2. One winner and up to three guests will receive a two-night trip, including a certificate for the base fare of roundtrip JetBlue flights, excluding government taxes and fees.
Travel is scheduled for Dec. 3–7, 2026. The prize also includes a personal tour of the Nintendo New York store and access to its holiday activities, subject to event timing and availability.
Store exclusives expand online
Hundreds of selected products previously sold only at Nintendo stores in New York and San Francisco will be available nationwide online for the first time through Nintendo.com and the Nintendo Store app. The selection includes collectibles, apparel and products inspired by Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Animal Crossing, Pikmin and Splatoon.
In mid-November, the New York and San Francisco stores will add festive window displays and seasonal decorations. Nintendo will also offer the Super Mario Winter Collection, gift guides, holiday shopping bags and a limited-time gift-with-purchase promotion requiring a minimum spend, while supplies last.
Holiday events at Nintendo New York will begin in early December and include appearances by Mario and Luigi in costume.
What we know
- Mario’s balloon will return for the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 26.
- The sweepstakes runs through Nov. 2 and offers a two-night Nintendo New York trip for one winner and up to three guests.
- Hundreds of products formerly exclusive to Nintendo stores in New York and San Francisco will debut in nationwide online sales.
- Nintendo New York’s holiday events will begin in early December.
Trust: Single source
- The story relies on one publisher. A second independent confirmation has not been established from the cited sources.
- Sources: Nintendo Everything.
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