The 85th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City kicks off at 9 AM on November 24. This year thousands of onlookers, a healthy mix of Big Apple natives and visitors arriving on holiday flights to New York City, will cheer on more than two dozen floats, 11 marching bands, and 1,600 cheerleaders.

USA Today reports scheduled performances from some big name musicians, including Mary J. Blige, Cee Lo Green, Neil Diamond, and Avril Lavigne.

Looking to snag a good viewing spot? You better get there early. The festivities get under way at 9 AM on 77th Street and Central Park West. The parade will then march through Columbus Circle before turning down Central Park South.

The procession hits the home stretch along 7th Avenue to 42nd Street before heading east on the Avenue of the Americas and ending at 34th Street Herald Square.

Flickr photo credit: Hans J E