This coming Thanksgiving, furry little monsters will steal Santa’s spotlight—at least for a few blocks. Pop Mart, the international toy and art brand behind the wildly popular characters Laboobu and Mokoko, will debut a new float called Friendsgiving in Pop City at the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Time-out.
Standing nearly five meters tall, the mischievous Laboobu and his pink-haired friend Mokoko will appear as soft inflatable figures—the first of their kind in the parade’s history. They will lead a host of Pop Mart favorites: Skullpanda, Molly, Dima, Peach Riot, and Duckoo. Together, they will join the traditional parade of giant balloons, orchestras, and stars, which millions of spectators will witness on November 27.
“Our goal at Pop Mart is to ignite passion and spread joy. And that’s exactly what the Macy’s Parade has been doing for nearly a century,” said Pop Mart U.S. President Larry Lou. “Having our characters participate in such an iconic event is a significant milestone for us, especially in our 15th anniversary year.”
On the subject: How to Properly Host Thanksgiving: Three Tips for Immigrants
The launch of Pop Mart coincides with another milestone: the 10th anniversary of the Labubu and the Monsters series, whose bold and chaotic aesthetic sparked a global craze for designer toys. The platform’s theme successfully combines the spirit of the holiday with the brand’s international fan base.
“For over a century, the Macy’s Parade has brought together some of the most recognizable and beloved characters from around the world,” said parade producer Jordan Dabby. “This year, they’ll be joined by vibrant Pop Mart characters, giving the parade even more character.”
Pop Mart’s New York expansion won’t stop at 34th Street. In November, the brand will open a temporary holiday pop-up shop in Macy’s Herald Square, where fans can purchase collectible figurines and meet their favorite characters.
You can experience the Friendsgiving in Pop City platform in person at the parade, live on NBC, and streaming on Peacock on November 27.
