A century after the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the annual holiday tradition kicks off Thursday in New York City with new Spider-Man and Minnie Mouse balloons, zoo and pasta-themed floats, performances from Jennifer Hudson and Idina Menzel,

They’re up, up and — almost — away. The massive helium balloons that will float through City for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade took shape on Wednesday, when they were filled with helium ahead of the big event.

The best time of the year has arrived, and with it, the winter cold and Thanksgiving, which is the most anticipated celebration by millions of people across the country, but specif