Enjoy a traditional Hollywood Blvd Family Activity--
The Hollywood Christmas Parade!
Parade-lovers: You'll adore this glitzy Hollywood Christmas spectacular!
What is the Hollywood Christmas parade? It's a Hollywood tradition that's 80 years strong! Like any Christmas parade, you'll find equestrian riders, marching bands, floats and (naturally), Santa Claus! What gives this parade its "only-in-Hollywood" spin is that THIS parade always features celebrities from the movie & television industry riding by in cars...and waving to the onlookers!
If you'd like to see some good pictures of the 2010 Hollywood Christmas, you may wish to view some of the terrific photos taken by one of our readers, Salpi Bezdjian. From celebrities to Santa Claus, she's got shots of all aspects of the parade. Here's a link to Part 1 of her 2010 Hollywood Santa Parade Pictures on Facebook. If you don't see your favorite celebrity on that page, then she still has 2 more pages you may view! Here's are links to Part 2 of her 2010 Hollywood Santa Parade photos, and also to Part 3 of her 2010 Hollywood Santa Parade pics.
History of the Hollywood Christmas Parade
What an exciting history this memorable parade has had! The parade was originally called the "Santa Claus Lane Parade." In fact, this name was even the inspiration for a song which has become widely played every December: Gene Autry wrote the famous song that goes, "Here comes Santa Claus, Here comes Santa Claus, Right down Santa Claus Lane" after attending this event!2007 was a special year in this historic parade's saga! The parade got a new name---the Hollywood Santa Parade. The parade also got a new sponsor---the City of Los Angeles!
Why did the parade's name change? Well, because after celebrating the 2006 holidays with a wonderful "Diamond Jubilee" parade marking the 75th anniversary of the parade, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce gave up sponsoring the parade. It was simply costing them too much money to continue it any longer. But...naturally, since the parade is such a traditional event, MANY people were in an uproar over this announcement! Thankfully, the city of LA stepped in, and continued the event which many SoCal families attend year after year after year.
In 2010, the parade changed names AGAIN...to the "Hollywood Christmas Parade!" And, that's what the name of the parade will be again THIS year! This iconic parade has been revitalized with a new dedication...and even a new website...and will be one of the most exciting Christmas events in Los Angeles this year!
At least from the guest's point of view, what's NOT to like about the Hollywood Christmas Parade? It's festive, it's fun and it's FREE. In other words, it's top-notch holiday entertainment at just the right price for any family's budget! (Note: In the pictures of the Hollywood Christmas Parade to your left and right, you're viewing slideshows of snapshots taken by members of the Flickr photo sharing community. Of course, the Flickr photos have been taken by hobbyists; if you'd like to view the professional photos taken by the parade sponsors, here's a link to the Hollywood Christmas Parade photo gallery from the parade's official website.)
In the slide show pictures, you can see some "practical" details about the parade, if you look at what's going on with the spectators instead of at the performers. If you look in the background, you'll notice how the crowds line the streets of Hollywood quite thickly. Actually, people start to stake out their spots much earlier in the day. You might notice that some people have brought folding chairs with them to help them wait for the parade more comfortably. Those in the back struggle to get a glimpse of the action!
Where should you stand to get a good view of the Hollywood Christmas Parade? Traditionally (and again this year), the parade starts near the Grauman's Chinese Theater on Hollywood Boulevard, then heads EAST. At the famous intersection of Hollywood & Vine, the parade route turns SOUTH towards Sunset Boulevard. At Sunset Boulevard, the parade heads back WEST to its ending point at Orange.
Map of the Hollywood Christmas Parade route: You may use the following link to view the printable PDF Hollywood Christmas Parade route map from the parade's new website.
Summary of 2011 Hollywood Christmas Parade info:
By choosing a grandstand seat, you get more than just a place to sit down. You'll be in the filming area, so you'll catch some of the extra action that will be shown on television. In other words, the bands will actually be playing, the equestrian units will be performing, and the celebrities riding in the parade will actually be looking your way! To reserve seating in the grandstands, you should call 1-866-PARADE1 (866-727-2331.) If a live representative is not available when you call, be prepared to leave your name, emaill address & phone number...and a parade rep will get back with you. Major credit cards are accepted.
Santa Claus Parade website: Here's a link to the Hollywood Santa Parade's official website, where you may look for updates & further information.
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Discover other SoCal Christmas activities: Del Mar Holiday Lights :: Griffith Park Christmas Activities :: Hollywood Santa Parade :: Knott's Christmas :: SeaWorld Christmas :: Disney: Disneyland Christmas Overview :: Disney Christmas Parade :: Disney Holiday Parade, pt 2 :: Disney Fireworks & Snow :: Santa's Reindeer Roundup :: Small World Holiday :: Haunted Mansion pics :: Haunted Mansion, pt 2 :: Other Activities: SoCal Christmas Activities :: Christmas Activities Calendar :: Seasonal Family Fun :: Stores: Michaels Craft Stores :: Party City/Los Angeles :: Party City/other So Cal :: Year-round costume stores :: Christmas Costumes: Angel Costumes :: Elf, Snowman & Reindeer Costumes :: Santa & Mrs Claus Costumes :: New Years: Disneyland New Years Eve ::
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