NEW YORK (AP) — The holiday season really begins when the huge helium balloons start floating through New York. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – two years away from the 100th anniversary – this year there will be 17 giant character balloons, 22 floats, 15 novelty and heritage inflatables, 11 marching bands, 700 clowns, 10 performance groups and more stars than fits 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 are the most important things you need to know about the parade and how to watch it.

What time does the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade start?

For the second year in a row, the parade starts at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, in all time zones.

What channel will air the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

It will be on NBC, available with an antenna or through cable and satellite providers.

What if I want to stream it?

For wire cutters, the parade will be simulcast on Peacock with an encore broadcast beginning at 2:00 PM EST/PST. There will also be a Spanish-language simulcast on Telemundo.

What will the weather be like?

It may be a wet day; the forecast calls for rain with temperatures around 40 degrees, clouds and wind speeds around 16 km/h. New York City law prohibits Macy’s from flying full-size balloons when sustained winds exceed 23 miles per hour or when gusts exceed 55 miles per hour.

Who are some of the stars performing?

This year it is more exciting than ever. Grammy, Oscar, Emmy and Tony winner Jennifer Hudson will perform, as will global pop icon and Grammy winner Kylie Minogue and Tony, Grammy and Emmy winner Billy Porter.

Anyone else?

Reality TVs Ariana Madix, Broadway belter Idina Menzel, hip-hop T-pain, members of the WNBA champion New York Liberty and country duo Dan + Shay. Other music artists include The war and the treaty, Lea Salonga, Loud Luxury, The Temptations, Chlöe, Jimmy Fallon & The Roots and Coco Jones. It starts with the ‘Glow’ actor Alison Brie cutting the ribbon.

Who will host the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

For those watching on TV or computers: the trio of hosting stalwarts – Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb And Al Roker from “Today.” But this year could be more emotional because it could be Kotb’s last: her last official day at “Today” will be January 10th.

What are the new balloons?

There will be six new character balloons, including Minnie Mouse, “Extraordinary Noorah” featuring The Elf on the Shelf, Gabby from “Gabby’s Dollhouse,” Goku from “Dragon Ball,” Marshall from “Paw Patrol” and a new “Spider-Man.” “

What about new floats?

New floats include those from brands such as Disney Cruise Line, Haribo, Netflix’s ‘Wednesday’, ‘Universal Orlando Resorts’ and ‘The Grannies Car’ from BBC Studios’ ‘Bluey’. Nickelodeon and Paramount’s “Dora the Explorer” will have both a float and a balloon. One new float will draw attention to the Rao’s food brand, featuring a knight and a dragon in battle, made with real pasta elements. Another will celebrate the Bronx Zoo’s 125th anniversary with images of a tiger, a giraffe, a zebra and a gorilla.

Is your state represented by any of the bands?

The marching bands will come from Massachusetts, Indiana, Tennessee, Texas, Arkansas, South Dakota, Georgia, South Carolina, West Virginia and of course New York.