The iconic Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade featured a surprising and divisive new addition this year: a gigantic, 16-foot-tall version of the viral furry doll, Labubu.
A Gremlin on Parade
Making its grand debut on the 'Friendsgiving in Pop City' float, the colossal Labubu was joined by other characters in a vibrant festive celebration. The doll, which originates from the Chinese retailer Pop Mart, has seen its popularity skyrocket globally, often spotted as a trendy accessory dangling from handbags.
However, its transition from fashion item to parade giant was met with a sharply mixed response. The character's distinctive design—featuring a fuzzy coat, a face covered in freckles, and a set of prominent, spiky teeth—was a key factor in the polarising reception.
Social Media Erupts
The parade's broadcast quickly ignited social media platforms. Many viewers expressed shock and disapproval, with some questioning the state of modern culture. Conversely, dedicated fans of the character were delighted, defending the float's inclusion and describing the giant Labubu as 'cute'.
This clash of opinions has since fuelled a wave of new internet memes, cementing the moment as one of the most talked-about from the 2025 parade. The appearance demonstrated how a niche internet phenomenon can burst into the mainstream, sometimes with controversial consequences.
A New Kind of Parade Icon
The inclusion of Labubu marks a continued evolution for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, which has long blended traditional cartoon favourites with contemporary pop culture figures. The debut of this 16-foot-tall gremlin-like doll proves that the parade remains a potent platform for launching, or at least amplifying, global trends, even when they split public opinion down the middle.
