The Hollywood Christmas Parade is Los Angeles’s biggest holiday parade and the unofficial start of the Christmas season in LA. Every year on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, marching bands, floats, giant balloons, celebrities and Santa Claus himself roll down Hollywood Boulevard after dark. In 2026 the parade is on Sunday, November 29.
The parade began in 1928 as the Santa Claus Lane Parade, and it still has an old-Hollywood feel. Watching from the curb is free. This guide covers the date, route, seating, road closures, getting there and tips for a good spot.
In this guide
For more holiday fun, see our guide to Christmas lights in Los Angeles.
Hollywood Christmas Parade 2026 at a glance
- Date: Sunday, November 29, 2026 (the Sunday after Thanksgiving)
- Time: evening, typically 6 to 8 p.m., with pre-parade entertainment from about 5:30 p.m.
- Route: 3.2-mile loop on Hollywood Boulevard, Vine Street and Sunset Boulevard, starting at Orange Drive
- Cost: free curbside viewing; paid grandstand seats sell out early
- Metro: B Line to Hollywood/Highland or Hollywood/Vine
When is the Hollywood Christmas Parade?
The parade is always held on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. For 2026 that is November 29, three days after Thanksgiving on November 26. Recent parades have started at 6 p.m. and lasted about two hours, with entertainment beginning around 5:30 p.m. and grandstand seating opening in the afternoon. Confirm the final schedule on the parade’s official website the week before.
The parade route
The route is a U-shaped loop of about 3.2 miles through the heart of Hollywood:
1. It starts at Hollywood Boulevard and Orange Drive, in front of the TCL Chinese Theatre.
2. It heads east on Hollywood Boulevard along the Walk of Fame.
3. It turns south on Vine Street.
4. It turns west on Sunset Boulevard.
5. It ends back near Orange Drive.
The section in front of the TCL Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Roosevelt hotel is where the grandstands and TV cameras are, so the performances there are the most polished.
Grandstand seats and free viewing
Grandstand tickets give you a reserved bleacher seat near the start of the route. In recent years they cost about $120 and sold out well before parade day, so watch for sales in the fall.
Free curbside viewing is available along most of the route, especially east of Highland Avenue on Hollywood Boulevard and along Vine Street and Sunset Boulevard.
Tips for a good free spot
- Arrive by early afternoon for a front-row spot on Hollywood Boulevard; families start setting up hours ahead.
- Vine Street and Sunset Boulevard are usually less crowded than Hollywood Boulevard.
- Bring folding chairs, blankets and warm layers; Hollywood evenings in late November can drop into the 50s.
- Pack snacks and water; nearby shops get very busy.
- Pick a meeting point in case your group gets separated.
What to expect
The parade mixes classic and Hollywood elements:
- Marching bands from local high schools and colleges.
- Floats and giant balloons, often handled by volunteer teams and military units.
- Celebrities and grand marshals riding in classic cars and on floats.
- Musical performances at the grandstand area.
- Santa Claus and his sleigh as the grand finale.
The parade is filmed and broadcast later in December on local TV, so if you cannot make it in person you can still watch at home.
Road closures
Expect major closures across Hollywood on parade weekend. In recent years, closures started late Saturday night, with most streets around the route closed from about 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. on parade Sunday and some reopening only on Monday morning. Driving into Hollywood on parade day is not recommended.
Getting there
- Metro: the best option. Take the B Line to Hollywood/Highland or Hollywood/Vine, both right on the route. Trains are crowded after the parade, so be patient. See our LA Metro guide.
- Rideshare: drop-off points are far from the route because of closures. Walk a few blocks south of Sunset for an easier pickup.
- Parking: Hollywood garages fill early and charge event rates.
Make a day of it in Hollywood
Arrive early and explore before the parade:
- Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame and see the TCL Chinese Theatre forecourt.
- Grab dinner on Hollywood Boulevard or in nearby Thai Town.
- See the Hollywood Sign from the Ovation Hollywood terraces before the light fades.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Hollywood Christmas Parade 2026?
Sunday, November 29, 2026, the Sunday after Thanksgiving. It usually starts at 6 p.m.
Is the Hollywood Christmas Parade free?
Yes, curbside viewing is free. Reserved grandstand seats cost extra and sell out early.
Where does the Hollywood Christmas Parade start?
At Hollywood Boulevard and Orange Drive, in front of the TCL Chinese Theatre.
How long is the Hollywood Christmas Parade?
About two hours, on a 3.2-mile route.
What is the best way to get to the parade?
Take the Metro B Line to Hollywood/Highland or Hollywood/Vine. Road closures make driving difficult.
Photo credits
Featured image: U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Sarah Corrice / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain.
