What Universal announced
Universal Orlando has created a larger-than-life balloon for Earl the Squirrel, the resort's original holiday character. It will debut in New York during the 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 26, then travel to Florida for Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's at Universal Studios Florida starting in early December.
The new balloon stands 30.4 feet tall and 14.5 feet wide. Universal's design shows Earl holding a blue Christmas light and wearing his winter cap, a nod to the real squirrel that inspired the character after it was found nesting in Universal Studios Florida's Christmas tree and stealing blue lights.
Why the early-December wording matters
Holidays at Universal Orlando runs from November 14, 2026, through January 3, 2027, but Universal did not say that Earl's balloon will appear for the entire event window. Its official release says the balloon joins the Orlando parade starting early December.
Travelers visiting from November 14 through the end of November should not assume the new balloon will already be in the parade. Universal has not published the balloon's exact first Orlando date, daily parade times or a guarantee that it appears in every performance. Check the official app and same-day entertainment schedule close to the visit.
Where guests can meet Earl
Universal says guests can meet Earl daily in Universal Studios Florida and on weekends in Universal CityWalk as part of the destination-wide holiday celebration. Its official events guide lists the CityWalk Earl the Squirrel meet-and-greet from November 21, 2026, through January 3, 2027. The same guide lists Green & Red Coconut Club Wednesdays through Sundays from November 20 through January 3.
Universal has not published exact appearance hours or separately defined the final date for Earl's daily Universal Studios Florida meet-and-greet. See Fruglar's CityWalk holiday events guide for the complete dated CityWalk lineup.
Universal also announced Earl's Hazelnut Dot Cake for Universal Studios Florida: chocolate cake with hazelnut spread, toasted hazelnuts, and red and green dot sprinkles. No price, venue or daily inventory was published.
The Holiday Tribute Store changes for 2026
This year's Holiday Tribute Store at Universal Studios Florida will be themed to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade's 100-year history. Universal promises themed environments, collectibles, seasonal surprises and new Earl apparel, accessories and collectibles, but it has not published a complete merchandise list, prices or the store's operating schedule.
The broader holiday celebration—including Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's—is included with regular theme park admission. That does not make CityWalk transportation, parking, food, merchandise or separately sold holiday add-ons free.
How to plan the holiday visit
If Earl's new balloon is a must-see, target December rather than the opening weeks of the holiday season, then confirm the parade schedule shortly before arrival. For a November trip, plan around the established parade and other included holiday entertainment without counting on the balloon.
Fruglar's 2026 Holidays at Universal guide explains the full November 14-January 3 lineup, first-year Epic Universe festivities and the separately booked Holiday Tour. Use the free Universal Hackulator to compare ticket, hotel and Annual Pass strategies before adding paid extras.
Fine print and official verification
Universal confirms the New York debut, balloon dimensions, early-December Orlando arrival, meet-and-greet cadence, November 21–January 3 CityWalk meet-and-greet window, Tribute Store theme and Earl-inspired cake. It has not published the balloon's exact first Orlando parade date, daily parade or appearance times, a separately defined final date for the Universal Studios Florida meet-and-greet, food or merchandise prices, inventory, or a guarantee that every element will be available every day. Dates, entertainment and availability may change.
Read Universal Orlando's official October 28 announcement
