The beloved icon joins the lineup for the first time and brings an experiential pop-up to Macy’s Herald Square in celebration of PAC-MAN’s 45th Anniversary

PAC-MAN™, one of the most recognizable icons in video game history, is leveling up Thanksgiving this year, bringing his unmistakable charm and timeless energy to one of America’s most beloved celebrations. In honor of PAC-MAN’s 45th Anniversary and the recent launch of the newest game in the iconic franchise, PAC-MAN WORLD™2 Re-PAC, Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. today announced that PAC-MAN will make his official debut in the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® on Thursday, November 27. 

As he makes his way through the streets of Manhattan, the ever-hungry hero will be ready to chomp anything and everything in sight. For 45 years, PAC-MAN has been delighting fans by eating up PAC-Dots and colorful Fruits while outsmarting his mischievous Ghost rivals - Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde.

The balloon, created in collaboration with Macy’s Parade Studio, brings the beloved yellow hero to life as he floats high above the streets of New York City. Measuring 40 feet and 5 inches long, 38 feet and 9 inches wide, and 37 feet and 3 inches tall, the design pays homage to both classic and current PAC-MAN games. The balloon character design draws direct inspiration from PAC-MAN WORLD 2 Re-PAC, the recently released loving remake of one of the most popular PAC-MAN games of all time. As a tribute to the original game, PAC-MAN holds a pair of shiny red cherries - the very first bonus item Fruit gamers encounter in the 1980 arcade classic.

“For 45 years, PAC-MAN has made a lasting impact by bringing people of all ages together through the power of play,” said Susan Tran, Sr. Director of Brand Development for PAC-MAN at Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. “Seeing PAC-MAN join one of America’s most cherished holiday traditions is an incredible way to celebrate the legacy and joy he continues to spark around the world. We can’t wait for fans everywhere to spot him chomping high above New York City this Thanksgiving.”

“For more than a century, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has brought everyone’s favorite characters to life and this year we’re thrilled to see PAC-MAN join the fun” said Jordan Dabby, producer of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.  “As he celebrates 45 years of nonstop adventures and Power Pellet chomping, PAC-MAN is trading pixels for pavement with his first ever flight through Manhattan. Generations of fans will be smiling and cheering ‘Waka Waka’ as he makes his Parade debut Thanksgiving morning!”

As part of PAC-MAN's 45th anniversary celebration, his debut in the Parade marks one of several activations and partnerships planned throughout the year to honor the character’s enduring impact on pop culture. Alongside PAC-MAN’s Parade debut, Bandai Namco is partnering with Macy’s to launch an immersive pop-up experience this November at the iconic Macy’s Herald Square that will include a variety of free-to-play PAC-MAN arcade games and products just in time for the holiday season.

Audiences nationwide can watch the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade only on the official telecast on NBC and Peacock, broadcast starting at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones. To follow and participate in the excitement, check out @macys on various social platforms and follow #MacysParade. For more information, visit macys.com/parade. For PAC-MAN news and updates, please follow the official PAC-MAN channels: TikTok, X, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and Discord.

Originally released as a coin-operated arcade cabinet, PAC-MAN is one of the most influential and longest-running video game franchises in history. In the game, players control PAC-MAN who has to chomp PAC-Dots while being chased by colorful Ghosts in mazes that get increasingly more difficult with each level. Since the official introduction of its innovative gameplay and game design, PAC-MAN sparked a worldwide phenomenon that attracted multiple generations of players across genders. Its popularity led to several game sequels, a full merchandising program and hit music single as well as two animated television series. With record breaking achievements, PAC-MAN has been recognized by the Guinness World Records with awards such as “Most Successful Coin-Operated Game.” The franchise continues to release new console and mobile games and in 2025, PAC-MAN™ commemorates its 45th Anniversary with a variety of partnerships, activations and launches.

PAC-MAN WORLD™2 Re-PAC brings one of most popular PAC-MAN™ games of all time to a new generation of players, putting them in the role of the iconic character in a 3D action-platforming game set in Pac-Land.  The game is available now on Nintendo Switch™, Nintendo Switch™2, PlayStation®5, Playstation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam® in Digital Standard and Digital Deluxe Editions. For more information, visit https://www.bandainamcoent.com/games/pac-man-world-2-re-pac.