What to Expect at the Hollywood Christmas Parade 2018

Allyson DeFoor
Nov 19, 2018
2 min read

santa, claus, hollywood, christmas, parade — This is Santa Claus's 15th year being in the parade! Courtesy of thehollywoodchristmasparade.org

It's that time of year again! When all the floats, four story character balloons and celebrities march down the street together, all to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season. This Sunday (November 25th) marks the 87th Anniversary for the Hollywood Christmas Parade, and wouldn't you know that this is going to be the best year yet! With hosts like Erik Estrada and Laura McKenzie, and guests including The Grinch (balloon), Montel Williams, Naathan Phan (Masters of Illusion), David Archuleta (American Idol), Santa Claus, and so many more, it will be a fun outing for the whole family to enjoy!

korean, art, dancers, dance, traditional — Korean American Youth Performing Artists (KAYPA) at the Hollywood Christmas Parade Press Conference

Diversity

Diversity in America is a big theme throughout the parade this year, and I think we can all appreciate the sentiment behind this. Some of this year's diverse groups include: PAVA, a traditional Korean Marching Band comprised of 80 junior volunteers from Southern California; members of Unified Young Armenians, who are sponsoring The Grinch; Celtic Irish Dance Academy; and Korean American Youth Performing Artists (KAYPA), a non-profit organization providing its members the opportunity to further educate themselves about their Korean heritage through dance, as well as share their culture with others. "The parade brings people together," says one of the organizers.

marines, marine corp, american flag, patriotic, toys for tots, hollywood, christmas, parade — Bell, CA Marine Corp Color Guard at the Hollywood Christmas Parade Press Conference

The Season of Giving

For Kate Linder (Yound and the Restless), the Hollywood Christmas Parade "symbolizes the start of the holiday season," so when's a better day to give the first gift of the season? The United States Marine Corp will have a designated donation area for their Annual Toys for Tots campaign. Bring an unused toy with you to donate to a child who might not get any gifts this year, or donate monetarily through their website or on-site.

Getting There

On the day of the parade, definitely "do not try to drive into Hollywood," said the Chief of Parking enforcement, Devon Farfan. Hollywood Blvd and Sunset Blvd will both be closed, and there will be 700 temporary parking enforcement signs from 12am Sunday morning - 12am Monday morning. You should consider taking public transit like the Metro, or an electric scooter/bike from one of the many providers around the city. All of the address and parade route info are in the picture below! If you do decide to drive in, remember to be kind to one another, in the spirit of the holidays, and in the words of Naathan Phan, "Let's all just be human beings together!"