NEW YORK—The holiday season really kicks off when the massive helium balloons start floating through New York. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade—two years away from its 100th birthday—this year will feature 17 giant character balloons, 22 floats, 15 novelty and heritage inflatables, 11 marching bands, 700 clowns, 10 performance groups and more stars than can fit around a table.
The parade begins on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and ends at Macy’s Herald Square flagship store on 34th Street, which serves as a stage and backdrop for performances.
Here’s key things to know about the parade and how to watch it….