The Hollywood Christmas Parade 2025 is officially set for Sunday, November 30, and the beloved holiday tradition is returning with its full lineup of celebrities, floats, marching bands, and family-friendly entertainment. The event will once again take over the heart of Hollywood with a festive nighttime procession that marks the city’s official start to the holiday season.
The parade begins at 6:00 PM, with crowds expected to gather along the sidewalks hours earlier. This year’s confirmed details highlight major appearances, a classic route through Hollywood’s most iconic streets, and a mix of performances that reflect the parade’s long-standing legacy.
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Overview of This Year’s Event
This year marks the 93rd edition of the parade, a continuation of a tradition that began in 1928. Once known as “Santa Claus Lane,” the early version of the event featured a single float and a few entertainers. Today, it has grown into a nationally televised celebration that attracts tens of thousands of spectators.
For 2025, organizers have confirmed the route, celebrity appearances, and hosting lineup. The event remains centered around Hollywood Boulevard, Vine Street, and Sunset Boulevard, with the entire loop stretching about 3.2 to 3.5 miles. The parade maintains its late-November schedule, falling directly after the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
Confirmed Route and Timing
The parade begins promptly at 6:00 PM. Spectators planning to attend in person will notice the increased foot traffic well before that time. Pre-parade festivities typically start around 5:30 PM, with bands warming up, floats lining the staging area, and costumed performers preparing for the televised sections of the event.
The official route for 2025 follows the same format as recent years:
- Start at Hollywood Boulevard and Orange Drive
- Travel east along Hollywood Boulevard to Vine Street
- Head south on Vine Street
- Turn west onto Sunset Boulevard
- Continue back toward Orange Drive to complete the loop
The entire route is walkable for those wanting to get various vantage points. For many families and visitors, arriving early is essential to secure a good viewing spot along the sidewalks.
Celebrity Participants and Special Honors
Several major names are confirmed for the 2025 parade. This year’s Grand Marshal is actor Luke Wilson, who will lead the procession. A longtime figure in film and television, Wilson’s selection continues the parade’s tradition of spotlighting widely recognized entertainment figures.
Actor Anthony Anderson is being honored this year as Humanitarian of the Year. His work supporting health programs and community initiatives earned him the distinction. Anderson will ride in a featured car and participate in a segment recognizing charitable contributions throughout Los Angeles.
The hosting duties remain familiar. The official hosts for the 2025 broadcast presentation are:
- Erik Estrada
- Laura McKenzie
Co-hosts, who assist with various on-route segments and interviews, include:
- Elizabeth Stanton
- Montel Williams
Multiple celebrities from television, film, reality shows, and streaming platforms are scheduled to appear on floats or as part of promotional vehicles. Among the confirmed participants are Tori Spelling, Brian Austin Green, Cesar Millan, and several returning performers who have become fan favorites.
Entertainment, Music, and Special Performances
The Hollywood Christmas Parade is known for its blend of entertainment styles, and 2025 is no different. Guests can expect:
- High-school and college marching bands
- Dance teams from across the country
- Specialty character balloons
- Classic and new holiday floats
- Vintage movie cars and themed vehicles
Featured performers this year include singing groups and stage entertainers, as well as acts such as Terry Fator and magician Mai Wynn. The Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles is also returning with a holiday performance segment.
Performances will occur both along the route and at designated televised zones, where acts pause for cameras and studio-quality audio.
Tickets, Seating, and Viewing Options
Most sections along the parade route are free for public viewing. Sidewalk access has always been part of the parade’s charm, and families are encouraged to arrive early if they prefer these open spots.
However, grandstand seating is available for those who want an elevated, seated view and guaranteed comfort. Grandstand areas open at 4:00 PM and require a purchased ticket. These seats are popular because they provide clear sightlines, better sound, and close access to the televised segments.
Funds from grandstand ticket sales support Marine Toys for Tots, a charitable organization that partners with the parade each year to provide gifts for children during the holiday season.
If attending in person isn’t possible, viewers nationwide will be able to watch the recorded parade on The CW during the holiday broadcast schedule.
Traffic, Transportation, and Logistics
Hollywood becomes heavily congested on parade day, and road closures begin hours before the event starts. Because of this, organizers strongly encourage using Los Angeles Metro’s Red Line.
Both Hollywood/Highland and Hollywood/Vine stations sit directly on the parade route, making them ideal for visitors who want convenient access without worrying about parking or detours.
Road closures typically include:
- Hollywood Boulevard between Orange and Vine
- Portions of Vine Street southbound
- Selected stretches of Sunset Boulevard
Visitors planning to attend should prepare for high pedestrian volume, restricted vehicle access, and longer waits for ride-share pickups.
The Parade’s Long Legacy
The Hollywood Christmas Parade stands among Los Angeles’ most enduring public events. Over the past nine decades, it has remained a cultural symbol of the holiday season for both residents and visitors.
The event survived multiple interruptions throughout its history, including during World War II and again during the 2020 pandemic-related shutdown. Each time, the parade returned with renewed energy and continued the tradition of spotlighting entertainers, supporting charity, and promoting community involvement.
For many families, the parade marks the official start of winter festivities, even in the mild Southern California climate. Its mixture of nostalgia, celebrity appearances, and holiday music continues to attract new generations.
Helpful Tips for Attending in Person
If you plan on being part of the crowd this year, here are a few tips:
- Arrive early for sidewalk viewing, ideally before 5:00 PM.
- Consider purchasing grandstand seats if you want guaranteed visibility.
- Use the Metro Red Line to avoid traffic and road closures.
- Keep weather in mind; evenings in late November can be cool.
- Bring light snacks or water, as vendors may be limited along certain sections.
- If you wish to donate toys, look for collection points partnering with the parade’s charitable programs.
Looking Ahead to the Holiday Season
The Hollywood Christmas Parade 2025 brings together music, entertainment, community spirit, and the timeless charm of a classic holiday celebration. With a strong lineup of performers, a confirmed group of celebrity participants, and the traditional arrival of Santa at the end, this year’s event promises a memorable start to the festive season in Los Angeles.
Share your favorite part of the parade or your past experiences in the comments — we’d love to hear how you celebrate the holidays in Hollywood.