From a chance to visit Nintendo NEW YORK to seasonal store celebrations and Mario's return for the 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Nintendo is giving fans new ways to celebrate their favorite characters and make memories this holiday season.
Courtesy of: Nintendo of America Inc.
Written By: William Antie
The holiday season is getting a little more colorful for Nintendo fans! From exclusive merchandise and festive shopping experiences to a sweepstakes offering a chance to visit Nintendo NEW YORK, Nintendo is bringing its beloved characters into the holiday celebrations.
Whether you're looking for gifts inspired by your favorite Nintendo games, hoping to experience the magic of a Nintendo store in person, or getting ready to watch Mario take part in a historic Thanksgiving Day Parade, there are plenty of reasons for fans to get excited this season.
Enter for a Chance to Visit Nintendo NEW YORK
Ever wanted to experience the magic of Nintendo NEW YORK during the holiday season? Nintendo is giving eligible fans a chance to make that wish a reality through the My Nintendo Holiday Magic Sweepstakes.
Running from October 15 through November 2, 2026, the sweepstakes offers one winner and up to three guests the opportunity to travel to New York City for a special holiday visit. The prize includes round-trip air travel through JetBlue travel certificates, a two-night hotel stay, ground transportation between the airport and hotel, and a VIP tour or experience at the Nintendo NEW YORK store.
The winner and guests may also have the opportunity to participate in holiday event activities at the store, subject to timing and availability.
The trip is scheduled for December 3 through December 7, 2026, with the prize package valued at approximately $3,271.
How to enter: Eligible participants must be legal residents of the contiguous United States or Washington, D.C., and at least 18 years old. A Nintendo Account is required, along with 10 My Nintendo Platinum Points for each entry. Participants may submit up to 10 entries, using a maximum of 100 Platinum Points.
Entries close at 11 p.m. Pacific Time on November 2, 2026. No purchase is necessary, and official rules apply.
Ready to enter?
Visit the official My Nintendo Holiday Magic Sweepstakes entry page and review the official sweepstakes rules before entering.
Nintendo Store Exclusives Are Coming Online Nationwide
For fans who cannot make a trip to New York City or San Francisco, there's another reason to celebrate.
Nintendo has expanded online access to hundreds of selected merchandise items that were previously available only at its Nintendo NEW YORK and Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO stores. Fans across the country can now shop for these items through Nintendo's website and the Nintendo Store app.
The merchandise draws inspiration from a variety of Nintendo franchises, including Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Animal Crossing, Pikmin, Splatoon, and more.
Whether you're shopping for yourself or searching for a gift for another Nintendo fan, the expanded selection offers another way to bring a little of your favorite gaming world into everyday life.
Explore the merchandise: Visit the official Nintendo merchandise store to browse the available selection.
Nintendo NEW YORK and Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO Get Festive
Starting in mid-November, Nintendo NEW YORK and Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO will welcome the season with festive window displays and decorations, seasonal merchandise, and holiday shopping experiences.
Fans can look forward to the Super Mario Winter Collection, featuring cozy attire and accessories inspired by the Mushroom Kingdom's most recognizable characters. The stores will also offer holiday gift guides, festive shopping bags, and a limited-time gift with purchase, while supplies last and subject to a minimum spending requirement.
For those visiting Nintendo NEW YORK, the holiday celebrations will continue into early December, with special events that include appearances by Mario and Luigi in costume.
These seasonal activities offer fans another opportunity to celebrate Nintendo's characters beyond the screen and enjoy a little holiday spirit while exploring the store.
Because event details, timing, and availability may vary, fans planning a visit should check for updates before heading out.
Mario Returns for the 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
One of the biggest holiday highlights for Nintendo fans arrives on Thanksgiving morning.
Mario will return to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, November 26, 2026, as the iconic event celebrates its 100th parade.
The familiar Mario balloon will once again bring a little Mushroom Kingdom magic to the festivities, connecting one of gaming's most recognizable characters with a beloved American holiday tradition.
For fans who have followed Mario's journey through decades of games, seeing him take part in this historic parade is another opportunity to celebrate the character's lasting place in popular culture.
The parade will air on NBC, Peacock, and Telemundo, beginning at 8:30 a.m. local time across all time zones.
Whether you're watching from the streets of New York City or tuning in from home, Mario's return offers a fun way to kick off Thanksgiving Day.
A Holiday Season Full of Nintendo Possibilities
From a potential holiday trip to Nintendo NEW YORK to expanded access to exclusive merchandise, seasonal celebrations at Nintendo's retail locations, and Mario's return for a historic Thanksgiving parade, Nintendo is giving fans several ways to celebrate this time of year.
Some experiences offer the chance to make new memories in person, while others make it easier to bring a favorite character or game into your home. And for longtime fans, these holiday celebrations are another reminder of how Nintendo's worlds continue to connect people across generations.
Source: ChrisWill Media
About the Authors: Christopher L. Antie and William Antie are podcast journalists and media personalities covering entertainment, travel, culture, events, and stories from across a wide range of industries. Together, they bring a conversational and experience-driven approach to the stories they share. Follow more from Chris & Will through their podcast, What About Our Life?, on iHeartRadio and at chrisandwill.com.