The Macy's Parade, which boasts 27 floats and 12 student marching bands from across the country, begins at 77th Street and Central Park West and concludes at Herald Square at 7th Avenue and 34th Street.

NBC broadcasts the full parade and CBS television will also offer special coverage of the event, with guest host,  Tony Award-winning Hairspray star Marissa Jaret Winokur. Both programs will air from 9 AM ET-noon.

NBC's broadcast promises performances by American Idiot, Memphis and Elf: The Musical in front of Macy's flagship store in Herald Square. The CBS special has announced special performances by Billy Elliot and Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles on Broadway, as well as "American Idol" winner Carrie Underwood.

The cast of Rain is set to re-create The Beatles’ famed 1969 Rooftop concert with a live performance of “Get Back" (replete with authentic guitars and Beatles clothing).

Various floats include performances and/or appearances by the students of Stage Door Manor; Tony winner Betty Buckley; Joan and Melissa Rivers; Jessica Simpson  (singing "My Only Wish for Christmas"); Gladys Knight on the Apollo Theater's "Top Hat!" float; Ann Hampton Callaway  (performing "Yes, Virginia (There's A Santa Claus"); and the cast of Million Dollar Quartet  (performing "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" on board the Marion-Carol "Showboat" float).

CBS coverage will also include chats with Elling star Denis O'Hare, Avenue Q veteran John Tartaglia, "SNL" comedian Colin Quinn (on Broadway with his solo comedy Long Story Short) and Will Estes ("Blue Bloods").