Christmas on Thanksgiving

**Welcome to the 88th Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade**

Every year I feel as though life is moving faster and faster. This year that was definitely the case. I swear that the year had just started before I realized that it was my birthday yet again (which is in June). And just as soon as it was the middle of the year it was the end of the year. You know what that means? It means that my favorite time of year is here! Yes folks, the holidays are indeed here and it’s definitely exciting. For me personally it means it’s time to feel like a kid again and enjoy the little things in life. It doesn’t matter if it’s egg nog in a carton or pumpkin and candy cane everything (I’m looking at you candy cane bark), hanging out with family or even some travel but, man, oh man are the holidays awesome. Yeah, the holidays are pretty awesome, but, maybe it’s different for some others.

It’s funny on who you ask from our (Spektrum) team as to what their favorite time of year is. For some, it’s the summer time. For some it’s Halloween and for others it could even be the 4th of July. We all have reasons why we love what we love and for me Christmas time is my favorite. I think that the reasons have a lot to do with what you liked growing up and what it is you like now. I’m a big kid at heart and that hasn’t, nor will ever change for as long as there is blood in my body. That should tell you how much I love this time of year. For me, the holidays do not kick off until after Thanksgiving wraps up. If there is any indication that I am not the only one that thinks like this then one need not look any further than the Hollywood Christmas Parade.

The Hollywood Christmas Parade takes place on the Sunday just after Thanksgiving. Sure it feels a little strange that the party kicks off so far out to Christmas, but, to be honest, if it were up to me it would be Christmas year-round. And for all of the people that go to this parade, the spirit of the holidays are definitely out in full force. This show has been going on for 88 years (yes, it’s true) and year-after-year it seems to be getting bigger and better. This year’s show was definitely a testament to the City of Hollywood and all of the fans love and appreciation of this event. With celebs and plenty of entertainment on tap it was one of the better years this time around.

We were lucky enough to be at the parade yet again. And this time around I was joined by our lovely reporter Daynie (who always manages to be glamourous no matter the event or time of day) and Angel (who is not only amazing in front of the camera but behind it) on the red carpet and on the parade route. We met plenty of celebs and personalities and couldn’t have been happier with the conversations we had. Everyone was in the holiday spirit and wanted to share their joy not only with us but, with everyone around. We got to chat with hosts Erik Estrada and Laurie McKenzie, Shaun Wayans, Frankie Grande, Elizabeth Stanton and many, many more people.

I could sit here and bore you with more details about how awesome this parade is, but, instead of doing that, I’d rather show you. Check out our vids and pictures from the parade down below. We’re sure that you will enjoy it just as much as we did. And if you haven’t been to it before, definitely make it a point to check it out. You will not be disappointed. Just be sure to bring some warm clothing. It is after Thanksgiving and the weather at that time can be a bit unforgiving. But, be prepared for a fun show that is full of excitement for the whole family.

88th Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade (Part 1)

8th Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade (Part 2)

**Daynie and Brenda on the red carpet of the Hollywood Christmas Parade**

**The US Marines kicking off the parade**

**Check out our interview with the one and only Shawn Wayans**

**You know it’s going to be epic when Batman and the Joker appear.**

**Daynie interviewing Erik Estrada and Laura McKenzie**

**Kids have a great time with the Air Force in their mini jets**

**Grand Marshall Mario Lopez and his family**

**It ain’t Christmas without a giant nutcracker rolling down Hollywood Blvd**

**Daynie interviews singer David Archuleta**

**Check out the Liberty High School Grenadier Band**

**More of the Liberty High School Grenadier Band**

**We interview beautiful travel host Elizabeth Stanton on the red carpet**

**Hanging with Mikalah Gordon and Ashen Moon**

**The cast of Charles in Charge all together once again**

**We love seeing the Air Force Mini Jets**

**Look at these amazing Back to the Future DeLoreans**

**When kids and jets get together you get smiles**

**The whole team from “Military Makeover” made the red carpet**

**Japanese-Americans were well represented at the parade**

**The Band of Merrymakers are ready to roll**

**Daynie and Angel glamming up the red carpet**

**Angel takes some awesome pics for us at the show**

Words and Photos By Daniel Navarrete

Additional Photos By Angel Muñoz

For more information on the Hollywood Christmas Parade please make sure to check out their website at Hollywood Christmas Homepage.

This article was prepared or accomplished by Angel Muñoz and Daniel Navarrete in their personal capacity. The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Spektrum Magazine, or its affiliates.