Who else thinks Star Trek should have a presence in the parade each year?
Some balloons will always be synonymous with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Fans of the Turkey Day tradition can almost always count on the Peanuts character Snoopy being there to float along the skyline of New York City each November.
However, shouldn’t the world’s greatest science fiction franchise also be represented at the annual event? Some fans, particularly Trekkies, will obviously recall William Shatner representing the sci-fi brand at the 1968 addition of the parade, but I’m talking about Star Trek icons playing major roles in the festivities each and every year.
With that in mind, here are the Star Trek icons which could and should always have a foothold in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.
USS Enterprise
How can the USS Enterprise be denied permission to take off every November in New York City? If there’s one Star Trek icon perfectly suited for a giant balloon at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, it is the starship Enterprise. Certainly, it makes the most sense for the NCC-1701 (television or film) model to appear in NYC yearly because it is the most recognizable of Starfleet's vessels.
However, the new powers that be at Paramount Skydance could mix it up featuring the classic ship one year and the USS Enterprise-D the next. How about a Klingon Bird of Prey swooping past the rooftops in NYC? Yeah, that’s probably asking a little too much of Paramount, but the Enterprise… come on.
Look, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is even featuring massive Bluey and Dora balloons this year. So, where is the love for Trek, Paramount? A giant Macy’s balloon is certainly a better idea than that abysmal Section 31 streaming film.
Mr. Spock
Maybe a giant Mr. Spock balloon appearing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day event isn’t as practical as seeing the USS Enterprise flying along the parade route. However, iconic characters are represented in the annual event every single year. For instance, Spider-Man, Snoopy, and Pac-Man will be airborne on the last Thursday in November 2025. So, why not Star Trek’s most famous Vulcan?
Whether the character's balloon is depicted in the late Leonard Nimoy, Zachary Quinto, or Ethan Peck's image, Mr. Spock’s trademark Vulcan ears, those unmistakable bangs, and his brilliant, bright-blue uniform are all part of the global pop culture stage — he's incredibly recognizable, more so than the Minions. I love the Despicable Me franchise, but you can't tell me Stuart is more of an icon than Mr. Spock. Yes, there's a Stuart balloon this year.
Maybe Paramount could mix it up each year by having Spock hold a phaser, contacting the Enterprise with a communicator, firmly held in his hand, or even give Trekkies what they really want. Mr. Spock always had his Tricorder handy to take readings on those strange new worlds featured in Star Trek: The Original Series, and I think that accessory is perfect for a Macy's Spock balloon.
What kind of Star Trek-themed balloon and/or float would you like to see the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade feature each year? Share your thoughts and comments with us on the Redshirts Always Die Facebook and X pages.
And for those Trekkies interested in watching this year’s annual Turkey Day event, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade can be seen on both NBC and Peacock beginning at 8:30 a.m. ET on Thursday, Nov. 27.
Live long and prosper, Trekkies.