Turkey day is upon us

Macy's 79th Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade
Thursday, November 24, 9am - 12pm
Although you can't tell by looking at stores, window displays, and even some front yards, Christmas season doesn't officially kick off until Thursday's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. America's most beloved parade will feature it's traditional floats, from classic comic strip characters to timeless toys, and naturally an all-star cast of enormous balloons. Scooby-Doo [this season's Macy's mascot], Dora the Explorer, Jo Jo's Circus and, get this, a Healthy Mr. Potato Head (stylishly sporting sneakers and a water bottle!) are the new balloons getting ready to join in on the fun. The parade begins at 77th street and Central Park West, proceeds to Columbus Circle where it veers down Broadway to 34th and 7th Avenue. Check out an actual map of the route.
You can also watch the parade on NBC.

For the more daring:
Watch as the balloons get inflated on Thanksgiving Eve. Every year on Thanksgiving Eve thousands of New Yorkers and visitors watch the giant balloons get filled with helium, near the American Museum of Natural History at 77th Street and Central Park West.

Actually, I don't know what's more daring, the cold November night with tourists and children. Or, a cold November morning with twice as many tourists and children. Given the choices I would rather the balloon blowup.
And since I am on assistant Thanksgiving preparation detail, the parade will have to be caught on TV.

And if the whole turkey day thing isn't your bag you can check out Julia Darling continuing her November residencey at Rockwood Music Hall. Admit is free.