Nintendo details Holiday 2026 plans, Mario balloon to appear in 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Posted on October 15, 2026 by Brian(@NE_Brian)
in General Nintendo, News
Nintendo today shared first details about its plans for the holidays, which includes the return of the Mario balloon for the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The company will also be hosting a sweepstakes in which you could win a two-night trip to Nintendo New York. This comes with a travel certificate for the base fare of a roundtrip JetBlue flight (excluding government taxes and fees) and a two-night stay for one winner and up to three guests. The winner and their guests will also receive a personal tour of the Nintendo New York store and access to the store’s holiday event activities.
Speaking of Nintendo New York, tons of merchandise items previously available only at that store as well as San Francisco are now available for the first time nationwide online. Everything can be found at Nintendo.com and through the Nintendo Store app. Festive window displays and seasonal decor will appear at Nintendo New York and Nintendo San Francisco as well.
Below is the full announcement from Nintendo:
What’s on your Nintendo holiday wish list? This season, it could be winning a magical trip to Nintendo New York or discovering that just-right Nintendo gift online that was once available only at Nintendo retail stores. The holiday spirit doesn’t stop with the wish list. The Mario balloon will take flight in the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, while Nintendo New York and Nintendo San Francisco will welcome visitors with holiday merchandise, seasonal offers and activities, creating more ways to share the Nintendo joy with the people who make the season special.
The entry period for the Nintendo New York My Nintendo Holiday Magic Sweepstakes starts today and ends on Nov. 2. Nintendo Account members can enter for a chance to win a two-night trip to Nintendo New York with travel taking place between Dec. 3 and Dec. 7, 2026. The prize includes a travel certificate, good for the base fare of a roundtrip JetBlue flight (excluding government taxes and fees), and a two-night stay for one winner and up to three guests. The winner and their guests will also get a personal tour of the Nintendo New York store and access to the store’s holiday event activities (subject to event timing and availability).
Just in time for the holiday season, hundreds of select merchandise items previously available only at Nintendo stores in New York and San Francisco are now available for the first time nationwide online, making it easy to shop from home at Nintendo.com and through the Nintendo Store app. Share the joy of Nintendo this holiday with exclusive items, <a href="https://comicvibe.com/12-star-wars-collectibles-that-summon-massive-wads-of-cash/” title=”12 Star Wars Collectibles That Summon Massive Wads of Cash”>collectibles and apparel inspired by your favorite characters and games including Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Animal Crossing, Pikmin, Splatoon and more.
Then, in mid-November, Nintendo stores in New York and San Francisco will transform with festive window displays and seasonal decor. Visitors can discover exclusive holiday merchandise including the Super Mario Winter Collection, and warm up the season with cozy attire, accessories and more – all with a distinct Nintendo feel. Holiday gift guides, festive shopping bags, and, for a limited time, a gift with purchase (requires minimum spend) will be available while supplies last. Special holiday events at Nintendo New York will start in early December, including costume appearances from Mario and Luigi. For updates and additional information about in-store holiday events, follow @NintendoStoreUS on Instagram and X.
The Mario balloon also returns for the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, bringing his larger-than-life energy to one of the season’s biggest traditions. Watch him take flight on Thursday, Nov. 26 on NBC, Peacock and Telemundo starting at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones.
