Young Girl Goes Viral for Unexpected Reaction to Al Roker Giving Her a Golden Ticket to See the Radio City Rockettes

A young paradegoer surprises Al Roker with an adorable response after he gifts her a golden ticket to see the Rockettes during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Elliot on NBC News.Credit : Peacock 

A little girl’s interaction with Al Roker is going viral after a perfectly timed moment during the 99th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

During the telecast, the longtime NBC personality, 71, can be seen working the crowd when he spots a birthday girl named Elliot and cheerfully calls her over.

Roker leans in with his trademark warmth and asks, “So how old are you? Today’s your birthday?” The girl nods shyly before telling him she’s turning seven, earning a bright “Happy birthday!” in return.

Al Roker gifting Elliot the Golden Ticket.Peacock 

As the crowds cheer around them and the parade’s balloons and floats roll by, Roker unveils a surprise just for her. He excitedly reveals a golden ticket and tells her, “You get to see the … Radio City Music Hall Rockettes!”

The moment takes a hilarious turn when Elliot quietly replies, “I did that yesterday,” catching Roker completely off guard. He bursts into laughter and recovers instantly, telling her, “You did it yesterday! Oh my golly! Well, you get to see them again!”

The charming exchange prompts giggles from the crowd and an enthusiastic “Yay!” from the birthday girl. Roker wishes her well — “Happy birthday, sweetheart” — and encourages her to say hello to Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie, who laugh as Savannah chimes in, “Hey, we saw her yesterday!”

The clip didn’t stay just a parade moment — journalist Dave Itzkoff shared the video on X, where it quickly took off and has since earned more than 13,000 likes. Comments poured in, with one user writing, “One thing a kid’s gonna do is be honest.”

Another viewer added, “She was not impressed by Al Roker. Her sarcastic ‘yay’ was the best.” The sweet exchange continues to resonate as viewers replay the moment and celebrate its unfiltered holiday joy.

And while the Rockettes, who are celebrating their 100th anniversary this year, are already part of Elliot’s holiday season, a second trip courtesy of Al Roker makes her birthday one she — and the internet — won’t forget anytime soon.