The Hollywood Christmas Parade always takes place the Sunday after Thanksgiving. That means this year’s 93rd annual parade will be on November 30, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Pre-parade entertainment will kick off at 5:30 PM, with grandstand seating opening at 4:00 PM for those eager to get a prime view of the festivities.
Route and Viewing Areas:
The parade spans a scenic 3.2 miles along a U-shaped route that begins at Hollywood Boulevard and Orange Drive, in front of the iconic Chinese Theatre. From there, it heads east along Hollywood Boulevard, turns south onto Vine Street, and then west onto Sunset Boulevard, concluding at Orange Drive again.
The route offers spectacular views of the parade’s colorful floats, character balloons, marching bands, dance groups, equestrian units, and celebrity guests. A detailed route map is available for attendees planning their parade experience.
Entertainment and Highlights:
The Hollywood Christmas Parade is renowned for its lively and family-friendly entertainment. Expect to see a variety of character balloons, marching bands, dance troupes, and horse-mounted units. Live performances include appearances by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles, among other talented acts. The night’s festivities will culminate with the arrival of Santa Claus and his reindeer, bringing holiday magic to life.
Celebrity participation is a highlight of the event. Actor Luke Wilson will serve as the 2025 parade grand marshal, while actor Anthony Anderson will be honored as the Humanitarian of the Year. Numerous other celebrities and local officials are scheduled to join the celebration, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Support for a Good Cause:
The parade also serves as a charitable event supporting Marine Toys for Tots, helping bring joy to children in need during the holiday season.
Ticketing and Attendance:
Grandstand seating, which provides a close-up view of the parade, is available at the start of the route. Tickets begin at $35 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster. The rest of the parade route is free to watch, with thousands of spectators expected to arrive early to secure the best viewing spots along the route.
Preparations and Street Closures:
To accommodate the parade, streets in Hollywood will begin closing as early as 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, November 29. Hollywood Boulevard between Orange Drive and Highland Avenue will be closed throughout the weekend, reopening on Monday, December 1 at 6 a.m. Additionally, Hollywood Boulevard between La Brea Avenue and Orange Drive will close at 6 a.m. on November 30.
Glimpse of Festivities:
On November 24, over 5,000 performers, including Santa, gathered at the Ovation Hollywood shopping complex for a preview of the parade entertainment. The event featured performances by groups such as the PAVA World Korean Traditional Band, Chinese Lion Dancers, Gevorkian Dance Academy, and the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles.
The Hollywood Christmas Parade is a cherished holiday tradition, bringing joy and community spirit to residents and visitors alike. Whether attending in person or watching from afar, this festive event promises a magical start to the holiday season in Los Angeles.
