Don’t miss:

“The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” 9 a.m. Thursday, NBC

It’s not really Thanksgiving until gigantic floating balloons with big smiley faces invade our TV screens in the early-morning hours. (“Look kids, it’s SpongeBob!”). The 83rd annual march through Manhattan, which follows a new route this year, will also feature its usual assortment of marching bands, celebrities, cheerleaders and, of course, that jolly bearded guy in the red suit. Overseeing the festivities are Matt Lauer, Meredith Vieira and Al Roker of the “Today Show.”

Other bets:

“2009 American Music Awards” 8 tonight, ABC

Even in death, Michael Jackson wields his influence. He’s nominated in five categories of the “2009 American Music Awards,” including Artist of the Year. Scheduled performers at the 37th annual gala include the Black Eyed Peas, Adam Lambert, Jay-Z, Green Day and more.

“Dexter” 9 tonight, Showtime

The killer head games continue on “Dexter” as our guy studies those closest to Arthur in order to gain some insights into his murderous deeds.

“How I Met Your Mother” 8 p.m. Monday, CBS

On “How I Met Your Mother,” it’s time for another round of “Slapsgiving” action, and you know what that means: Barney better brace his face for pain.

“Castle” 10 p.m. Monday, ABC

Uh-oh. We’ve got a tricky situation brewing on “Castle.” When a man’s body is discovered in a garbage chute, two women step forward to identify him: his wife and his fiancee.

“Dancing With the Stars” 9 p.m. Tuesday, ABC

All the rigorous workouts, all the muscle aches and all the embarrassing wardrobe choices will finally pay off for someone on “Dancing With the Stars” as our winners tonight take possession of a clunky disco-ball trophy. Well, maybe it doesn’t pay off.

“The Biggest Loser” 8 p.m. Wednesday, NBC

So did they keep the weight off? More than 40 former contestants from the first seven seasons of “The Biggest Loser” gather to talk about how their lives are going now, and some discuss their ongoing struggle to battle the bulge.

“Glee” 9 p.m. Wednesday, Fox

Oh, we can hardly wait to see how this turns out: On a new episode of “Glee,” Kurt gives Rachel a makeover to impress Finn — but he may have ulterior motives. Hip-hop singer Eve guest stars.

3 NFL games Thursday

As always, it’s a day to feast on turkey — and pigskin. Three NFL games are on tap: Lions vs. Packers (9:30 a.m., Fox), Cowboys vs. Raiders (1 p.m., CBS) and Giants vs. Broncos (5:20 p.m., NFL Network).

“Ugly Betty” 9 p.m. Friday, ABC

Is this a sign that the apocalypse is near? On “Ugly Betty,” Wilhelmina suddenly stops caring about her appearance.

“The National Tree” 8 p.m. Saturday, Hallmark

“The National Tree” is a TV film about a father and son who bond on a cross-country trip, while transporting the national Christmas tree to Washington, D.C. Andrew McCarthy and Evan Williams star.