Everyone loves a parade! During the holidays in Los Angeles, you can welcome Santa Claus when his sled lands on Hollywood Boulevard, watch a procession of colorfully decorated boats, and experience the world-famous Rose Parade.
HOLLYWOOD CHRISTMAS PARADE
Every year on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, Santa Claus arrives in Tinseltown along with floats, celebrities, and marching bands along Hollywood Boulevard. The 87th Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade took place on November 25. The Grand Marshal was Nancy O'Dell, co-host of the most-watched entertainment news program in the world, the Emmy Award-winning Entertainment Tonight. The two-hour parade broadcast will premiere on The CW on December 14 and is hosted by Erik Estrada, Laura McKenzie, Dean Cain and Montel Williams, with special co-hosts Elizabeth Stanton and Garrett Clayton.
Starting on Hollywood Boulevard at Orange, the U-shaped parade route travels east to Vine Street, south on Vine to Sunset Boulevard, and west on Sunset back to Orange. To get to the parade, Go Metro and take the Metro Red Line to the Hollywood/Vine or Hollywood/Highland Station.
L.A. Harbor Holiday Afloat Parade (Dec. 1, 2018)
Celebrating its 56th year with the theme "Holiday Magic," the Los Angeles Harbor Holiday Afloat marks the beginning of the holiday season for harbor boaters, the surrounding communities of Wilmington, San Pedro, and the beach cities of the South Bay. This year’s Grand Marshal is David Arian, VP of the Port of LA Board of Harbor Commissioners. The Exy Johnson and Irving Johnson, the official Tall Ships and Maritime Ambassadors of the City of Los Angeles, will participate in the parade along with vessels of all shapes and sizes, including powerboats, sailboats and harbor working craft.
The Holiday Afloat Parade starts at 6 p.m. in the East Basin Channel of the Port of Los Angeles. Thousands of spectators watch the mile-long procession from public viewing stations along the route, including the Los Angeles Maritime Museum and Ports O’ Call Village.
Spirit of San Pedro Holiday Parade (Dec. 3, 2018)
The San Pedro Chamber of Commerce and the San Pedro Historic Waterfront Business Improvement District present the 37th Annual Spirit of San Pedro Holiday Parade on Sunday, Dec. 3. This year's Grand Marshal is KOST 103.5 DJ, Mark Wallengreen. The Community Grand Marshal is Coach Domenic Costa, San Pedro's Honorary Mayor (2016-18).
The parade takes place from 1-3 p.m. in Historic Downtown San Pedro. Thousands line the parade route each year to cheer on the bands, drill teams, schools and nonprofit organizations, elected officials and celebrities as they make their way through downtown San Pedro. The parade will start at 13th Street and Pacific Avenue, turn on 6th Street and end at 6th and Palos Verdes Streets.
Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade (Dec. 9, 2018)
Now in its 55th year, the Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade kicks off at 5:55pm on Saturday, Dec. 9 with a traditional fireworks display, followed by the parade from 6-8 p.m., rain or shine. Inspired by this year's theme, "Let's Dance!" the parade boats circle the Marina’s main channel several times as spectators watch from popular viewing spots like Burton Chace Park, Fisherman's Village and other waterfront venues. The 2017 Grand Marshal is award-winning journalist Carol Costello, the host of HLN’s Across America with Carol Costello.
King Harbor Holiday Boat Parade (Dec. 9, 2018)
With a "California Christmas" theme, the 26th Annual King Harbor Holiday Boat Parade is taking place on Saturday, Dec. 9. The entire harbor along Harbor Drive lights up with festively decorated boats and stand up paddleboards (SUPs) parading with sparkling, colored lights and seasonal decorations. This year's Grand Marshal is KTLA 5 Meterologist Vera Jimenez, who co-owns the Hermosa Beach Fish Shop.
The parade starts with SUP/paddlecraft at 4:30 p.m. and the decorated boats follow at 5:30 p.m. The Holiday Boat Parade is free and can be viewed from popular locations like the King Harbor Marina / Moonstone Park, Portofino Hotel and Seaside Lagoon Seawall.
130th ROSE PARADE (JAN. 1, 2019)
The 130th Rose Parade is taking place on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2018 at 8:00 a.m. (PST) featuring spectacular floral floats, marching bands from across the country, and high-stepping equestrian units. The 130th Rose Parade theme is "The Melody of Life," celebrating the universal language of music. Singer, songwriter, and philanthropist Chaka Khan is the 2019 Tournament of Roses Grand Marshal. As a New Year's Day treat for millions of viewers around the world, Chaka is scheduled to perform in the parade’s Opening Spectacular. For detailed information on tickets, locations and schedules, visit tournamentofroses.com/events/roseparade.