Hollywood Christmas Parade Celebrates 80
NBC Southern California
by Reanna Delgadillo
November 25, 2011
Marie Osmond will be this year’s Grand Marshal
The Hollywood Christmas Parade will travel the streets of Los Angeles for its 80th year Sunday Nov. 27.
Eric Estrada, from the television series “CHiPS”, and Laura McKenzie, television travel expert, will host the event. Recording artist, actress, and singer Marie Osmond will be this year’s Grand Marshal.
"I know the song is ‘Hooray for Hollywood,’ but, personally, I’m cheering about being invited to be the Grand Marshal of this year’s Hollywood Christmas Parade," Osmond said. "I always get in the holiday spirit as soon as the Halloween décor is put away, so I will be in full Christmas celebration-mode by November 27th. "
The parade route begins at the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Orange and heads east, turns south on Vine, then heads back west on Sunset to Orange.
Organizers said this year's event could break attendance records.
“We plan to pull out all the stops this year and celebrate big time," said Bill Lomas, producer of the parade. "We anticipate attendance at this year’s parade to set the all-time record. It will be one of the most momentous occasions in the parade’s 80 year history.”
The parade features marching bands from Banning High School, Lafayette Jefferson High School, United States Marine Corps as well as equestrians, floats, balloons, and, of course, Santa Claus.
Organizers said the event will be taped and air on the Hallmark Channel Dec. 12, with repeats scheduled throughout the month.
Free curbside seating is available for the entire parade route. Tickets can be purchased for grandstand seating for $35. A $45 “Santa’s Package” also includes a ticket to Madame Tussaud’s Hollywood wax museum.
Parking is available at several nearby lots including Grant Parking lots located throughout Hollywood, as well as at the Hollywood & Highland Shopping Complex. |
