December 3, 2019
The annual Hollywood Christmas Parade kicked off on Sunday night (Nov. 1) for it's 88th installment. The parade began its 3.5 mile stretch at the corner Orange Drive and Hollywood Blvd at 8pm (PST.) The celebration attracted over a million attendees. Mario Lopez of Access Hollywood served as 2019 Grand Marshal, alongside Erik Estrada, Laura McKenzie, Dean Cain, Montel Williams and Elizabeth Stanton who co-hosted the festivities.
Pictured: Parade Grand Marshal -Mario Lopez, Dionne Warwick and Brett Michaels.
The celebration included musical performances by Dionne Warwick, The Band Of Merrymakers, Rock of Ages, and David Archuleta. The stage was decorated with snow covered christmas trees and the historical TCL Chinese Theatre as a backdrop for concert.
Other celebrities guests in attendance: Shawn Wayans and The Boo Crew; Scott Baio - Charles in Charge; Ace Young -American Idol Finalist; Chad Ridgely - Comedian; Brandon Jenner - Musician, Frankie Grande - Rock of Ages, Josie Davis - actress, Santa Claus and more.
Erik Estrada, Frankie Grande "Rock of Ages", Montel Williams, Scott Baio
Photos by Tony Escamilla
Rock and roll legend, Bret Michaels received the Humanitarian of the Year award in recognition of his various philanthropic efforts, including a planned trip to the Bahamas and Puerto Rico in December to bring supplies and toys to people affected by the recent devastating hurricanes while on his Unbroken World Tour.
“Michaels’ relentless effort to give back is why we chose to recognize him for this year’s award. He is continuously looking for opportunities to help others, so in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian in September, he knew he needed to do something to help,” commented Sharratt MacEachern, the co-executive producer of the Hollywood Christmas Parade. “At his own expense, Michaels will take his own plane to drop-off much needed supplies and toys to people of the Bahamas and Puerto Rico—many of whom are still badly hurting in the wake of Hurricane Dorian and Hurricane Maria’s devastation. This giving spirit is another example of why the Hollywood Christmas Parade recognized Michaels with the Humanitarian of the Year award.”
This year’s parade featured Marine Toys for Tots program, which will provide gifts to less fortunate children everywhere. The Hollywood Christmas Parade is produced by Associated Television International in association with The City of Los Angeles.
The parade will air as a two-hour special on The CW on Friday, December 13 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT.