The holiday season really kicks off when the massive helium balloons start floating through New York
NEW YORK (AP) -- 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.