Everyone loves a parade, and in Los Angeles you can welcome Santa when his sled lands in Hollywood or watch a procession of colorfully decorated boats of all shapes and sizes.
Hollywood Christmas Parade (Nov. 25, 2012)
Every year, beginning at 6 p.m. Pacific Time on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, Santa Claus arrives in Tinseltown along with floats, celebrities and marching bands on Hollywood Boulevard. The 81st edition of this American tradition takes place on November 25th and is hosted by Erik Estrada and Laura McKenzie. There are plenty of places to watch the Hollywood Christmas Parade for free on the street, or you can purchase grandstand seats. Santa's Package is $45 (a $60 value) and includes a grandstand seat at the parade and a ticket to Madame Tussauds Hollywood. A grandstand seat-only ticket is $35. Group discounts available.
Los Angeles Harbor Holiday Afloat Parade (Dec. 1, 2012)
Celebrating its 50th year with the theme of “Fifty Golden Years of Holiday Lights,” the Los Angeles Harbor Holiday Afloat Parade marks the beginning of the Holiday season for LA Harbor boaters, the surrounding communities of Wilmington, San Pedro and the beach cities of the South Bay. Officials and community leaders will take part in the parade as judges or passengers on dozens of parade boats. The main body of decorated boats stretches for about one mile. Vessels of all shapes and sizes will participate, including powerboats, sailboats, tall ships 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 will be able to view the procession from official viewing points, including the Los Angeles Maritime Museum and Ports O’ Call Village in San Pedro. A 50th Anniversary Celebration immediately follows the parade at The Plaza at Cabrillo Marina from 8:30-11 p.m., featuring live entertainment and an appetizer buffet. Admission is $12.
Holiday Spirit of San Pedro (Dec. 2, 2012)
Now in its 32nd year, the Holiday Spirit of San Pedro starts at 1 p.m. The parade will assemble at the corner of 15th Street and Pacific Avenue, go north along Pacific Avenue to 6th Street, turn east and proceed along 6th Street to the disbanding area at Liberty Plaza, 5th and Palos Verdes Streets. This intersection is also the drop-off and pick-up area for participants. Thousands line the parade route each year to cheer on the bands, drill teams, schools and non-profit organizations, elected officials, celebrities and corporate participants as they make their way through downtown San Pedro. This year's Community Grand Marshal will be Dennis Lord, the Sports Grand Marshal will be Port of Los Angeles High School Girls' Athletics, and the Youth Grand Marshal is the Boys and Girls Clubs of Los Angeles Harbor.
Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade (Dec. 8, 2012)
Celebrating its 50th Anniversary, the Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade kicks off at 5:55 p.m. with a traditional fireworks display. With the theme of “Solid Gold Christmas,” the parade itself will take place from 6-8 p.m., rain or shine. The parade boats will circle the Marina’s main channel several times. As in previous years, the parade boats will be judged on Saturday evening.
Experience an unforgettable view of the Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade from the deck of a festively-decorated Hornblower Cruises & Events yacht. The Hornblower Parade of Lights Dinner Cruise includes a boarding glass of champagne, cash bar, four-course seated dinner and DJ. Boarding is at 5 p.m. and the cruise is from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $99 per person, $89.10 for Seniors/Military, and child is $59.40 (ages 4-12). Special discount for groups of 15 or more.
King Harbor Boat Parade (Dec. 15, 2012)
The 21st Annual King Harbor Yacht Club Christmas Boat Parade takes place from 5:30-7 p.m. in Redondo Beach. Centered around the theme of “A Christmas Wish,” the entire harbor along Harbor Drive lights up with brilliantly decorated boats parading sparkling, colored lights and seasonal decorations. The nautical parade is free and can be seen from many of the pier or marina restaurants or along the break wall.
124th Rose Parade (Jan. 1, 2013)
With the theme of “Oh, the Places You'll Go!" the 124th Rose Parade will take place on Tuesday, January 1, 2013 at 8 a.m. (PST) featuring spectacular floral floats, marching bands from across the country, and high-stepping equestrian units. Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace, is the Grand Marshal of the 2013 Tournament of Roses and will ride in the parade on New Year’s Day. The 124th edition of the Rose Parade (often referred to as the "Rose Bowl Parade") will be broadcast on ABC, Hallmark Channel, HGTV, KTLA (Tribune), NBC, RFD-TV and Univision. The Rose Parade is also seen in more than 220 international territories and countries. Admission is free. Reserved seating is $45-$90.