Hollywood Christmas Parade 2026: Where to Watch, When to Arrive & What Kids Will Love!
The Hollywood Christmas Parade 2026 rolls down Hollywood Boulevard on Sunday, November 29, the Sunday after Thanksgiving, with giant balloons, floats, marching bands, celebrities and Santa himself closing out the night. Watching from the curb is free along most of the route, so the whole family can catch the show without buying a thing.
This is the parade's 94th year, and the tradition goes all the way back to 1928, when stars like Gene Autry and Mary Pickford rode down the boulevard. Below, we cover the route, the best spots for kids, grandstand seats, Metro and parking, road closures, and the little tricks that make a long night in Hollywood a lot easier with little ones.
Photo: The Hollywood Christmas Parade
Key Takeaways
When: Sunday, November 29, 2026. Start time: TBA (the 2025 parade began at 6 p.m.).
Where: The route starts on Hollywood Blvd. at Orange Dr., right by the TCL Chinese Theatre, in Hollywood, CA 90028.
Cost: Free curbside viewing along most of the route. Reserved grandstand seats are $120 for adults and $60 for kids under 16.
Getting there: The Metro B Line stops at Hollywood/Highland and Hollywood/Vine, both right on the parade route.
Good cause: The parade supports Marine Toys for Tots and other charities that help families during the holidays.
When Is the Hollywood Christmas Parade 2026?
The Hollywood Christmas Parade always lands on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, which makes it Sunday, November 29, 2026. It's one of the very first big holiday events of the season in LA, and a fun way to officially flip the switch from turkey leftovers to Christmas mode.
The 2026 start time hasn't been announced yet. Last year the parade stepped off at 6 p.m., and street closures along the route begin around 4 p.m. We'll update this guide as soon as the official time is posted on the Hollywood Christmas Parade website.
Parent Tip: Plan your day backward from the parade. A late lunch and an early-afternoon nap for little ones go a long way when the fun runs past bedtime.
The Hollywood Christmas Parade Route
The parade follows a U-shaped loop through the heart of Hollywood. It starts on Hollywood Boulevard at Orange Drive, heads east on Hollywood Boulevard to Vine Street, turns south on Vine to Sunset Boulevard, then travels west on Sunset back toward Orange Drive.
Photo: The Hollywood Christmas Parade
That means your kids get to see the parade pass some of LA's most famous sights, including the TCL Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the corner of Hollywood and Vine. The stretch near the start, around the Chinese Theatre, is where the TV cameras and grandstands are, so it has the most buzz.
Looking for a little more breathing room? The route is long, and spots farther from Hollywood and Highland are usually easier to snag than the ones right at the start.
Parent Tip: Pick one landmark as your family meeting spot, like a specific Walk of Fame star or storefront, in case anyone gets separated in the crowd.
What Kids Will See at the Parade
Think of it as a two-hour holiday variety show that comes to you. Here's what usually rolls by:
Giant character balloons: Oversized balloons bobbing above the boulevard are a favorite with little kids.
Floats and novelty acts: Festive floats, classic cars and fun surprises from across the entertainment world.
Marching bands, dance and cheer teams: School bands and performers travel from near and far to march in Hollywood.
Celebrities: Stars from TV, movies and music wave from cars and floats. In 2025, actor Luke Wilson was the grand marshal and Anthony Anderson received the Humanitarian Award. The 2026 grand marshal is still TBA.
The U.S. Marines: The Marines march in support of Toys for Tots, the parade's main charity.
Santa Claus: The big guy always saves himself for the grand finale.
Photo: The Hollywood Christmas Parade
The parade has a big heart, too. Every year it shines a light on Toys for Tots, which now helps children and families all year long, not just at Christmas. The full 2026 lineup of celebrities, balloons and bands will be posted on the official parade website as it's announced.
Parent Tip: Turn the parade into a giving moment. Let your kids pick out a new, unwrapped toy for a Toys for Tots donation this season, then cheer extra loud when the Marines march by.
Free Curbside Viewing vs. Grandstand Seats
Good news for your holiday budget: watching from the curb is free along most of the parade route. Families stake out spots on the sidewalk, and the earlier you arrive, the better your view.
If you'd rather skip the curb, reserved grandstand seats are sold on Ticketmaster:
Adults: $120
Children under 16: $60
Seating: All seats are reserved, and seat assignments are issued when you order.
Refunds: No refunds or exchanges.
Little ones: Young children can sit on a lap, but a child needs their own ticket to have their own seat.
Which one is right for your crew? Grandstands are great with toddlers and grandparents, since you have a guaranteed seat and don't need to arrive hours early. Free curbside viewing is perfect for families with older kids who don't mind waiting and love being close to the action.
Parent Tip: Grandstand tickets are not tax deductible and can't be refunded, so double-check your date and headcount before you buy.
Getting There: Metro, Parking and Road Closures
Take the Metro
The Metro is the easiest way to get to the parade. Take the Metro B Line to Hollywood/Highland or Hollywood/Vine, and you'll walk right out onto the parade route. Check the Getting There and Parking page for more information.
Parking
Parking is always tight in Hollywood, especially on parade night. One of the best places to park is the Hollywood and Highland shopping complex (now called Ovation Hollywood), and there are other paid public lots nearby. Contact each lot for its fees, come early, and watch for streets posted with No Parking signs for the parade.
Road Closures
"No Parking" signs go up along the route starting Thursday, November 26, and enforcement runs from Saturday, November 28 through Monday morning, November 30. Here are the key closures to know:
Saturday, Nov. 28, 12:01 a.m.: Hollywood Blvd. between Orange Dr. and Highland Ave. closes for the whole weekend and reopens Monday at 6 a.m.
Sunday, Nov. 29, 6 a.m.: Hollywood Blvd. between La Brea Ave. and Orange Dr. (reopens at 10 p.m.).
Sunday, 1 p.m.: Sunset Blvd. between La Brea Ave. and Highland Ave., plus several side streets.
Sunday, 3 p.m.: The 101 Freeway off-ramps at Cahuenga Blvd. (both directions) and the southbound Vine St. off-ramp (reopen at 10 p.m.).
Sunday, 4 p.m.: Hollywood Blvd. from Highland to Gower, Vine St. and Highland Ave. from Franklin to Santa Monica Blvd., and Sunset Blvd. from Highland to Gower.
You'll find the complete list of closures and reopening times on the official 2026 road closures page.
Parent Tip: Load your TAP cards before you leave home so you can skip the line at the station, especially on the ride home when everyone heads to the Metro at once.
Tips for Enjoying the Parade with Kids
Arrive early: The best curbside spots fill up hours before the parade starts, so bring something to keep the kids busy while you wait.
Dress in layers: Late November evenings in Hollywood get chilly once the sun goes down. Pack jackets, hats and a blanket.
Bring snacks and water: Lines at nearby restaurants get long on parade night.
Make a restroom plan: Have everyone use the restroom before you settle into your spot.
Protect little ears: Marching bands are loud up close. Kid-sized earmuffs or headphones help sensitive ears.
Light them up: Glow sticks or a light-up necklace make it easier to spot your kids in a crowd after dark.
Check the rules: Please check the official website for the latest rules on chairs, strollers and what you can bring.
Can't Make It? Watch the Parade on TV
Staying cozy at home is a great option with very little ones. The Hollywood Christmas Parade is filmed and shown on TV in December. In 2025, it premiered on The CW on December 14, then aired on local stations.
The 2026 TV date is TBA. Keep an eye on the parade's TV and air dates page for this year's schedule, then make it a family pajama-and-cocoa night.
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Takeaway
The Hollywood Christmas Parade is one of the easiest ways to kick off the holidays in LA: it's free from the curb, it's right on the Metro, and it ends with Santa waving from Hollywood Boulevard. Mark Sunday, November 29, 2026 on the calendar, take the train, arrive early, and bundle up.
Want to keep the holiday fun going? Our list of free Christmas events below is packed with more ways to celebrate without spending a thing.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Hollywood Christmas Parade 2026?
The Hollywood Christmas Parade 2026 is on Sunday, November 29, the Sunday after Thanksgiving. The start time hasn't been announced yet. The 2025 parade began at 6 p.m., and road closures along the route started around 4 p.m., so plan to arrive in the afternoon.
Is the Hollywood Christmas Parade free?
Yes. Watching from the curb is free along most of the parade route, so families can enjoy the balloons, bands, celebrities and Santa without a ticket. Reserved grandstand seats near the start of the route are the only paid option, and they're sold separately through Ticketmaster.
Where does the Hollywood Christmas Parade start?
The parade starts on Hollywood Boulevard at Orange Drive, near the TCL Chinese Theatre. It travels east on Hollywood Boulevard to Vine Street, south on Vine to Sunset Boulevard, and west on Sunset back toward Orange Drive in a U-shaped loop.
How much are Hollywood Christmas Parade grandstand tickets?
Grandstand tickets are $120 for adults and $60 for children under 16. All seats are reserved, there are no refunds or exchanges, and young children can sit on a lap, though a child needs their own ticket to have a seat of their own.
What is the best way to get to the Hollywood Christmas Parade?
The Metro is the easiest option. Take the Metro B Line to the Hollywood/Highland or Hollywood/Vine station, both of which put you right on the parade route. If you drive, the Ovation Hollywood complex and nearby public lots charge for parking, and many streets close in the afternoon.
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