The 88th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will kick off at 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving day, featuring the iconic giant helium character balloons, floats, marching bands, dancers, clowns, celebrities, Broadway show performances, the Radio City Rockettes, and much more before.

It is an awesome opening act ending with the traditional arrival of Santa Claus to usher in the holiday season. The nationally-televised parade will wind its way on a route through the streets of Manhattan before ending at Macy's flagship store on 34th Street.

Kids of all ages love the big balloons and this year the favorites clear the air space to make room for new friends.

BALLOONS: There will be 16 giant helium balloons this year, including these

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new additions:

  • Paddington -- The huggable teddy bear from the children's book will be carrying his trademark suitcase.
  • Pikachu -- This is the third balloon version of the Pokemon character that's appeared in the Macy's Parade.
  • Pillsbury Doughboy --- A new classic version of the Pillsbury Doughboy is making his Macy's Parade debut.
  • Red Mighty Morphin Power Ranger -- One of the tallest and longest balloons in the parade.
  • Skylanders Eruptor -- The flame-bodied Eruptor made his parade debut.
  • Thomas the Tank Engine -- From the Thomas & Friends animated series.

FLOATS: There are five new floats among the 27 in the line-up:

  • At the Ball Game -- Cracker Jack's float features a baseball theme.
  • Beauty of Beijing -- This float from the Sino-American Friendship Association celebrates the wonders of Beijing and Chinese culture.
  • Dora and Friends: Aventuras Fantasticas -- The float featuring Nickelodeon's Dora and Friends is set in Dora's new home of Playa Verde.
  • The Girl-Powered Spinning Machine -- The float's Girl-Powered Spinning Machine transforms toys from GoldieBlox, which wants to inspire future female engineers, into larger-than-life form as an elaborate machine.
  • Treasure Hunt -- Pirate's Booty's float will have a schooner flying a Treasure map sailing down the parade route.

CELEBRITIES: Among the celebrities who'll be appearing are: Nick Jonas, Lucy Hale, KISS, Sandra Lee, Hilary Duff, Idina Menzel, Miss USA 2014 Nia Sanchez, Meghan Trainor, Quvenzhane Wallis, and more!

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