Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade brings Pac-Man and Labubu to Manhattan

NEW YORK (AP) — The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade brought balloons depicting Buzz Lightyear and Pac-Man to the New York City skies on Thursday, as floats featuring Labubu and Lego graced the streets.

The parade, which started on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and closed at the iconic Macy’s Herald Square flagship store on 34th Street, included dozens of balloons, floats, clown groups and marching bands.

It was a chilly day in the city, with temperatures in the 40s, but wind gusts between 25 mph (40 kph) and 30 mph (48 kph), making it feel colder, according to David Stark, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in New York.

Officials watched the forecast closely, since city law prohibits Macy’s from flying full-size balloons if sustained winds exceed 23 mph (37 kph) or wind gusts are over 35 mph (56 kph). Weather has grounded the balloons only once, in 1971, but they also sometimes have soared lower than usual because of wind.

But a little cold wasn't a big deal for Megan Christy, who traveled to the city from Greensboro, North Carolina, for the parade, donning a warm onesie as she staked out a spot along the route.

“It’s not raining. We’re very excited about that. And it’s not too bad. Not too cold,” she said. “It’s just a great day for a parade.”

A star-studded lineup of performances was sprinkled throughout the show, along with a slew of marching bands, dancers and cheerleaders.

Performers included “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo, Conan Gray, Lainey Wilson, Foreigner, Lil Jon, and Audrey Nuna, EJAE and Rei Ami of HUNTR/X, the fictional girl group at the heart of this year's Netflix hit “KPop Demon Hunters.” The Radio City Rockettes were also there, as were cast members from Broadway's “Buena Vista Social Club,” “Just in Time” and “Ragtime.”

The parade featured a few new balloons, including a large onion carriage featuring eight characters from the world of “ Shrek.” “KPop Demon Hunters” was also represented in the sky with the characters Derpy Tiger and Sussie.

The event aired on NBC, hosted by Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker from “Today” and their former colleague Hoda Kotb. On Telemundo, the hosts were Andrea Meza, Aleyda Ortiz and Clovis Nienow. The parade was also simulcast on NBC's Peacock streaming service.

Balloon handlers guide the Spider Man balloon past Radio City Music Hall during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)

The Mario balloon floats down Sixth Avenue during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)

Balloon handlers guide the Macy's balloons down Sixth Avenue during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)

Spectators watch as balloons and floats pass on Sixth Avenue during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)

The Tom Turkey float makes its way down Central Park West to kick off the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)

Balloon handlers guide the Spider Man balloon past Radio City Music Hall during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)

Volunteers work during the balloon inflation for the 99th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

People take photos of Buzz Lightyear balloon during the preparations for the 99th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Volunteers pass a Spider-Man balloon during preparations for the 99th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 2, 2026--

GDC IT Solutions (GDC) has announced the asset acquisition of Global Help Desk Services, Inc. (GHDSi), a Connecticut-based outsourced IT service desk provider delivering support to midmarket and enterprise organizations.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260401874601/en/

The transaction expands GDC's operational footprint and enhances its ability to deliver 24/7 IT service desk support across healthcare, insurance, manufacturing, and global institutions. By integrating GHDSi's experienced team and established client relationships, GDC further strengthens its position as a trusted provider of responsive, secure, and scalable IT service desk support.

The acquisition also creates immediate value for GHDSi's existing clients. They can expect full continuity of the service they have come to rely on. Beyond that, those organizations now have access to GDC's full spectrum of IT services and solutions — including managed IT, IT consulting, workforce staffing, and application development, supporting more comprehensive and scalable IT strategies.

"At GDC, our priority has always been helping organizations operate more efficiently through dependable, high-touch IT support," said Dan Logan, CEO of GDC IT Solutions. "GHDSi has built a strong reputation for service excellence and long-term client partnerships. Together, we are expanding our expertise, our international presence, and our ability to deliver consistent, reliable service."

"GHDSi aligns well with our service-first approach," said Mike Coons, CFO and EVP of Mergers and Acquisitions at GDC. "This acquisition supports continued scale while strengthening our presence in key vertical markets."

Steve Wetherell, Owner of GHDSi, shared what guided his decision to move forward with GDC: "When I spoke with companies interested in acquiring GHDSi, I set two main priorities: that my customers would be taken care of and that my employees would be taken care of," said Wetherell. "I determined quickly that GDC had considerable experience in the service desk space and our business cultures aligned. This gave me confidence that our customers would continue to receive first-class service, as well as access to other IT services, and that our employees would receive the value they deserved and have opportunities to grow beyond the service desk."

Through this acquisition, GDC reinforces its mission to support clients' strategic IT initiatives while ensuring expert, attentive technical support for end users across industries.

About GDC IT Solutions
GDC IT Solutions is a trusted managed IT services provider serving clients from small businesses to Fortune 500 enterprises since 1995. With a 100% U.S.-based delivery team, GDC provides end-to-end IT services including IT service desk support, managed IT, application development, workforce staffing, hardware deployment, and networking and infrastructure. GDC is dedicated to delivering technology solutions that drive efficiency, security, and long-term business growth.

GDC IT Solutions with Global Help Desk Services, Inc. after the completed acquisition signing.