Hollywood Christmas Parade

Hollywood Christmas Parade (2002- )

RunningReality show

The Hollywood Christmas Parade (formerly the Hollywood Santa Parade or Santa Claus Lane Parade) is an annual parade that takes place on the Sunday after Thanksgiving in the Hollywood community in Los Angeles, California, United States. The parade follows a 3.5-mile route along Sunset Boulevard and features various celebrities among its participants. Beginning in 1928, Hollywood merchants transformed a one-mile stretch of Hollywood Boulevard into "Santa Claus Lane" to boost shopping. Part of the promotion was a daily parade featuring Santa Claus and a film star. Originally called the Santa Claus Lane Parade, the inaugural event featured only Santa Claus and the actress Jeanette Loff.

The parade continued to grow in scale with the help of local businesses and the community. In 1931 Santa Claus rode a truck-pulled float instead of the reindeer-pulled carriage of previous years. American LegionPost 43 marched with a color guard, drum line and bugle corps. The Parade was suspended from 1942 to 1944 due to World War II, but reopened in 1945 with record attendance. In 1946 Gene Autry rode his horse in the parade and was inspired by the children yelling "Here comes Santa Claus, Here comes Santa Claus," to write the song "Here Comes Santa Claus" along with Oakley Haldeman. Autry would become a perennial Grand Marshal of the parade.

The parade continued to grow throughout the 1950s, '60s, and '70s, adding floats, animals, bands and celebrities. By 1978, the parade had been renamed the Hollywood Christmas Parade in order to attract more celebrities, and was broadcast locally on KTLA-TV with the help of Autry and Johnny Grant. This change also coincided with a shift in the parade's scheduling from Thanksgiving Eve to the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

Network
Scheduleevery Friday at 20:00 (120 min)

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
2025-12-12The 93rd Annual Hollywood Christmas ParadeDec 12, 2025
2024-12-14The 92nd Annual Hollywood Christmas ParadeDec 14, 2024
2023-12-15The 91st Annual Hollywood Christmas ParadeDec 15, 2023
2022-12-16The 90th Annual Hollywood Christmas ParadeDec 16, 2022
2021-12-17The 89th Annual Hollywood Christmas ParadeDec 17, 2021
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Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did the Hollywood Christmas Parade premiere?

The Hollywood Christmas Parade premiered on November 24, 2002.

Who was the Grand Marshal of the parade?

The Grand Marshal of the Hollywood Christmas Parade in 2002 was Bob Newhart.

Which musical group performed during the parade?

Destiny's Child performed during the Hollywood Christmas Parade in 2002.

Which famous puppet duo made an appearance in the parade?

The famous puppet duo, Lamb Chop and Charlie Horse, made an appearance in the Hollywood Christmas Parade in 2002.

Which famous magician performed during the parade?

The famous magician, Lance Burton, performed during the Hollywood Christmas Parade in 2002.

What was the theme of the parade in 2002?

The theme of the Hollywood Christmas Parade in 2002 was "It's a Small World Holiday."

How many balloons were featured in the parade in 2002?

The Hollywood Christmas Parade in 2002 featured 19 balloons.

Who was the host of the parade's broadcast?

The Hollywood Christmas Parade's broadcast was hosted by Erik Estrada, Laura McKenzie, and Dean Cain in 2002.

Which band performed the song "Feliz Navidad" during the parade?

The band War performed the song "Feliz Navidad" during the Hollywood Christmas Parade in 2002.

What type of vehicle did Santa Claus ride in during the parade?

Santa Claus rode in a vintage firetruck during the Hollywood Christmas Parade in 2002.

Which famous chef was involved in the parade?

The famous chef, Wolfgang Puck, was involved in the Hollywood Christmas Parade in 2002.

Who performed the national anthem during the parade?

American singer, songwriter, and actress M\u00fda performed the national anthem during the Hollywood Christmas Parade in 2002.

How long was the parade route in 2002?

The Hollywood Christmas Parade route was 3.5 miles long in 2002.

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