Don’t Miss: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade — For many of us, this week’s holiday will be marked by an abundance of TV football and gastronomical gluttony. But it just wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without the massive march through the streets of Manhattan. Now in its 85th year, the parade again will be studded with all kinds of stars, including Neil Diamond, Mary J. Blige, “American Idol” champ Scotty McCreery, the Muppets, and, of course, Santa Claus. But the real attraction, as always, are those humongous balloon creatures, which boggle the eyes and severe as a reminder not to bloat out at the dinner table. 8 a.m. today, NBC.

Today: “Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas” is a brand new holiday special based on the popular “Ice Age” films. It precedes the new “Peanuts” special, “Happiness Is a Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown.” 7 p.m., Fox.

Today: Will she wear a turkey meat dress? Probably not, but Lady Gaga promises to show more of a down-home side of herself on “A Very Gaga Thanksgiving.” It’s a special that has her preparing a feast with chef Art Smith and doing a duet with Tony Bennett. 8:30 p.m., ABC.

Friday: “The Elf on the Shelf: An Elf’s Story” is a whimsical new holiday special that focuses on a little guy named Chippey who is assigned by Santa to help a boy struggling to believe in the magic of Christmas. It airs right after another new special, “Hoops&Yoyo Ruin Christmas.” 7:30 p.m., CBS.

Saturday: “Debbie Macomber’s Trading Christmas” is a TV film that has a widow (Faith Ford) and a writer (Tom Cavanagh) swapping homes for the holidays. Of course, things don’t go as planned and they meet potential love interests along the way. 7 p.m., Hallmark.