ReachNYC Digital

Macy's 80th annual Thanksgiving Day Parade

Macy's is hosting it's 80th annual Thanksgiving Day parade this Thursday, November 23rd at 9am. Viewed as the official start of the Christmas season, the parade this year will feature 800 cheerleaders, 800 clowns, 14 giant helium character balloons, 28 novelty, ornament balloons and balloonicles, 10 marching bands, 27 floats, and an impressive list of entertainers including Chris Brown, Gloria Estefan, Ciara, and many more.

Though they're celebrating 80 years, Macy's will unveil a new tradition at this years parade. The Macy’s Great American Marching Band, a musical group, consisting of over 200 students from each of the 50 states, will now be a part of history. The headliner of the parade, Santa Claus, will close out the festivities, officially marking the 2006 holiday season.

The Route: Stepping off on 77th St. and Central Park West, the Parade proceeds to Columbus Circle and turns onto Broadway, marching down to 34th St.

Viewing locations are as follows. From Central Park West: The west side of the street from 70th St. to Columbus Circle, and on the east side of the street from 70th to 65th St. On Broadway: Between 58th & 38th Sts. On 34th Street: The south side of the street between Broadway and Seventh Ave. To ensure a good viewing location, get there early — people start arriving as early as 6:30 a.m.

The Parade can also be seen on NBC from 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. noon.

Here's a map of the parade route, including restricted areas.