(NECN/WCBS: East Rutherford, N.J.) - The newest members of Macy's famous Thanksgiving Day Parade along Fifth Avenue tested their wings in Jersey Saturday.

Ronald McDonald, The Pillsbury Doughboy, Mickey Mouse dressed as a sailor and the amazing Spider-Man took a test flight in the Meadowlands before their big debut on Turkey Day.

The handlers got a workout as well as they trained to pull the giant balloons.

Material courtesy of WCBS.

(NECN/WBBM: Chicago, Ill.) - The Christmas season is officially underway at Macy's flagship store in Chicago.

Saturday marked the 102nd annual lighting of the Great Tree. The 45-foot tree includes 10,000 lights and 1,200 ornaments.

Former Destiny's Child member Michelle Williams got some help from a few youngsters in pushing the button to make the tree come to life.

Macy's flagship store is located on State Street in downtown Chicago. The store also unveiled its holiday windows on Saturday.

Material courtesy of WBBM.

(NECN/WBBM: Chicago, Ill.) - Two of the biggest names in daytime talk created a mob scene on Chicago's Magnificent Mile on Friday.

Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres teamed up to promote the December issue of O Magazine.

The two media stars share the cover and gave away copies of the special issue.

Although the event had almost no publicity, about 1,000 people flocked to see Oprah and Ellen.

The issue is due to hit newsstands on November 12th.

Material courtesy of WBBM.

(NECN: John Moroney, Cambridge, Mass.) - He's Brother Blue: the street performer who hoped to change the world one story at a time.

But his wife of 60 years still recalls their first encounter, long before Hugh Morgan Hill became known as the father of modern storytelling.

Hill: "I had never in my whole life had been to a dance, but there I was stuck and among the boys was this man named Hugh Hill, very formal, very different than what he is now, I wonder if it was my fault."

The 88-year-old hill died Tuesday at his home Cambridge, Massachusetts.

(NECN: Jay Carr) - You've seen him as Ace Ventura and The Grinch -- and now, he'll be playing Ebenezer Scrooge! Jim Carrey takes on the role in the animated classic "A Christmas Carol."

Disney kicks off the holiday season with its 3D version, retelling Charles Dickens' novel.

Thumbs up? Thumbs down?

Click here for more information on the movie.

NECN movie critic Jay Carr has the review.

(NECN) - A powerhouse singer and an unstoppable backup band are in the NECN studio! Blaque Lyte is giving us a taste of the talent that will be featured tomorrow night for Steppin' Out for the Dimock Center.

Click here for more information on the event.

Danny McClain is opening up for the headliner national megastar Brian McKnight and he joins NECN for a preview!

(NECN: New Haven, Conn.) - Some young musicians from New Haven, Conn. put on quite a show at the White House this week!

Students from the New Haven Neighborhood Music School performed for First Lady Michelle Obama as part of her ongoing series featuring different genres of music.

The First Lady told the musicians the discipline and determination they're learning will serve them throughout life.

Mrs. Obama gave the kids a big shout-out for practicing even when they don't feel like it and lugging around those heavy instruments.

(NECN) - A local music journal calls him "Boston's biggest songwriting secret."

Well he won't be a secret for long because Mark Stepakoff is joining us here in the NECN Coffeehouse this morning!

(NECN) - Garen Daly, film critic and host of FrugalYankee.com , joins us to discuss movies out this weekend.

Daly says he expects people to enjoy Jim Carey's latest, A Christmas Carol. Carey shines as Scrooge, but the heavy emphasis on animation may leave you a little cold. Daly also says the film could be scary to kids, so parents beware.

The Men Who Stare at Goats, is a "wonderful little film," according to Daly. Although George Clooney is the star, Daly says Jeff Bridges and Kevin Spacey steal the movie.

(NECN) - NECN's Art Goody is joined by Gail Crowell of the West Kennebunk Animal Welfare Society, who brought two furry friends available for adoption.

Gabby, a dwarf rabbit, and Walter, a four month old guinea pig are looking for a loving home.

For more info call 207-985-3244, or visit AnimalWelfareSociety.org.