The days following Thanksgiving mean only two things in Los Angeles: crowded parking lots at shopping malls and the annual Hollywood Christmas Parade.

On Sunday, celebrities, high school marching bands from all over the country, floats and other forms of roving entertainment will take to the streets to help usher in the holiday season.

As usual, thousands are expected to attend, but for the first time in its history, the two-hour parade will be recorded and broadcast nationwide on MyNetworkTV on Dec. 10 at 8 p.m. and on Christmas Eve at 10 p.m.

Another first will the inclusion of giant balloons, showcasing timeless characters such as The Cat in the Hat and The Grinch.

“Chips” star Eric Estrada and “World’s Funniest Moments” host Laura McKenzie have been tapped to host the telecast, while child actors Kyle and Christopher Massey will report from the parade’s sidelines.

Other celebrity participants include Genie Francis, Antonio Sabato Jr. and actor Jonathan Goldsmith, best known for his commercial persona as “The Most Interesting Man in the World.”

Musical talents such as Brian McKnight, War, and “American Idol” star Ace Young will also be in attendance.

But of course, the main star, as in all previous years, will be Santa Claus.

This year’s grand marshal is Susan Lucci of “All My Children” fame, and parade organizers say she was chosen for a specific reason.

The classic soap opera, which for years was filmed in New York, will soon be moving to Los Angeles to resume production.

Michel Papadaki, chairman of Hollywood Santa Parade LLC, said Lucci was good candidate because she is leading the move of “All My Children” to Hollywood.

“We’re struggling here with TV shows and movies moving out of Hollywood, that’s one of the reasons for highlighting her,” he said.

Lucci said she was glad to take the job. “I am thrilled and honored to serve as the Grand Marshal of the 2009 Hollywood Christmas Parade,” she said in a statement issued by parade organizers. “I am so happy that this year’s parade will be telecast for the first time ever as a two-hour primetime television event, spreading holiday cheer and happiness to Americans across the country. … I’m looking forward to working in Los Angeles and enjoying the beautiful sunny weather in the Southland.”

In the days leading up to the parade, families can celebrate the holidays a little earlier during Santa’s Hollywood Party.

The bash filled with 21 amusement rides, 12 game booths, food vendors and a beer and margarita garden, will be held at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament at 6657 Hollywood Blvd. on Friday through Sunday.

This year’s parade will have a U-shaped route, starting at Orange Street and Hollywood Boulevard, East onto Hollywood Boulevard turning South onto Vine Street, and then traveling West onto Sunset Boulevard back to Orange Street.

For a listing of street closures for the parade as well as additional information, visit www.thehollywoodchristmasparade.com.