See the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in New York City

THE 89TH ANNUAL MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE AIRS ON NBC ON NOVEMBER 26 BEGINNING AT 9 A.M. (ALL TIME ZONES). Will you be tuning in or lining up to see it? The parade is the real kick off of the holiday season and a favorite American tradition. It is also the BEST time to visit New York City. You can go Christmas shopping (think F.O. Schwarz Toy Store, www.fao.com, and American Girl Store,www.americangirl.com/retailstore/new-york), see a show, and catch the parade, of course.

Some fun facts:

*The parade has 8,000 participants.

*More than 3.5 million spectators turn out for it.

*Roughly 50 million will tune in to watch it on television.

*Some of this year’s stars include Radio City Rockettes, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, Mariah Carey, Dove Cameron and Sofia Carson, Cirque du Soleil, Daughtry, Andra Day, Andy Grammer, Sandra Lee, Shawn Mendes, MercyMe, MIPSO, Miss America 2016 Betty Cantrell, Jennifer Nettles, NHL legends Mark and Marty Howe, Jake Owen, Panic! at the Disco, Plain White T’s, Rachel Platten, Questlove with the cast & the Muppets of “Sesame Street”, Prince Royce, the cast of Broadway’s “School of Rock,” Trey Songz, Jordin Sparks, Chica and the gang from Sprout and Train.

*Broadway street performances include “Something Rotten”, Finding Neverland,” and “Fiddler on the Roof.”

*The New York City parade tradition dates back to 1924.

*There will be 17 giant balloons, 24 novelty/ornament baloons, balloonicles, and trycaloons this year, such as Wimpy Kid, Hello Kitty, Paddington, Snoopy & Woodstock, SpongeBob SquarePants, Thomas the Tank Engine, Kool-Aid Man, the Elf on the Shelf, Red Mighty Morphin Power Ranger, and more.

*There will also be 27 floats, 1,100 cheerleaders, 1,000 clowns, 12 marching bands, and the one and only Santa Claus.

Wanna Go?: Good luck! It is hard to find a hotel this time of year in New York City, at least one on the parade route. It can be done but you’ll pay top dollar (think the Ritz Carlton and Trump Tower). The best alternative, assuming it’s not already booked up, is The Warwick New York Hotel. This 6th Avenue property offers folks a prime spot for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Book the VIP Thanksgiving Parade Package and enjoy overnight accommodations, a complimentary breakfast for two at Murals on 54 (reservations required 48 hours in advance), and a prime spot on the sidewalk outside the hotel for you, your family and friends for up to four hours. The Warwick New York Hotel has partnered with TaskRabbit this year, so all guests will be sure to receive the best possible spot outside the hotel. Rates start from $500 per night. Book by Nov. 18 for stays Nov. 26 through 30. Minimum three-night stay required. www.warwickhotelny.com

For more about the parade visit www.macys.com/parade