The historic 91st Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade, Supporting the 76th Anniversary of Marine Toys for Tots took place on Sunday, November 26h, 2023, and airs Friday, December 15th, 2023, at 8:00 p.m. (PST) on the CW Network. Erik Estrada, Laura McKenzie, Elizabeth Stanton, Montel Williams, and Dean Cain headlined as the hosts. This year’s Grand Marshall was Colonel Paris D. Davis, Retired, recent recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor presented by President Biden.
Colonel Paris D. Davis Grand Marshall
The 91st Hollywood Parade featured 100 Hollywood celebrities and VIPS, 14 Pre-Parade and Parade Performers, 10 award-winning bands from around the country, 6 larger-than-life character balloons, 3 colorful floats, and 39 movie cars.
Paula Abdul is Recognized:
Renowned for her contributions to music, dance, and charitable endeavors, Paula Abdul was honored as the 2023 Humanitarian of the Year at the Hollywood Christmas Parade on November 26, 2023. This prestigious recognition highlighted her generosity and dedicated commitment to giving back to the community.
Abdul’s compassionate spirit aligned seamlessly with the Hollywood Christmas Parade, a beloved tradition that had been spreading holiday joy and fostering community spirit for an impressive 91 years. Much like Abdul supported organizations such as Wigs & Wishes, Children’s Hospital LA, No Kid Hungry, American Humane Association, and Dancers Against Cancer, the Hollywood Christmas Parade proudly backed causes like Marine Toys for Tots, ensuring that less fortunate children could experience the festive joy of the holiday season.
Award-winning Marching Bands:
Agenda was on the red-carpet interviewing celebrities before the beginning of the parade. Here are some of those interviews.
Erik Estrade & Laura McKenzie
Sheryl Aronson: Talk about what it means to you both to host the Hollywood Christmas Parade.
Erik Estrada: We are honored to honored to have Colonel Paris D. Davis to be our Grand Marshall this year.
Laura McKenzie: He saved all these lives in Vietnam. He just received the medal from President Biden.
Montel Williams
Sheryl Aronson: What makes being a host at the Hollywood Christmas Parade meaningful to you?
Montel Williams: They’ve been doing this parade for 76 years. The Marine Toys for Tots has given away over 200 million dollars worth of toys to kids whose families can’t afford to buy them at Christmas. I love coming out every year to support this worthy cause.
Sheryl Aronson: The Grand Marshall, Colonel Paris D. Davis is a very special person. Please address what his presence means to the parade.
Montel Williams: Our Grand Marshall is an example of perseverance and forgiveness. This was a man who didn’t ask for an award. This was a man who deserved an award and finally a nation that decided to say, “Thank you.”
Ernie Hudson, Caitlin Bassett, Raymond Lee (NBC’s Quantum Leap)
Sheryl Aronson: Talk about being at the Hollywood Christmas Parade.
Raymond Lee: It’s so fun to be at the parade. We can feel the excitement and the energy of everyone.
Caitlin Bassett: we’re excited to support a good cause.
Ernie Hudson: It’s the most wonderful time of the year.
The Village People
Sheryl Aronson: Your band is iconic. What does it mean to be here?
Village People: We’re celebrating the 45th year of recording YMCA. We’re here to help spread some holiday joy.
Senator Steven Bradford
Sheryl Aronson: What does it mean to you to be here, Senator?
Senator Steven Bradford: Nothing beats the Hollywood Christmas Parade. It brings in the holiday season. I’m honored to be here and participate.
Jonathan Bennett (Hallmark Channel)
Sheryl Aronson: Hallmark movies are the quintessential embodiment of the holiday spirit. Talk about working for Hallmark.
Jonathan Bennett: Hallmark is telling so many different stories this holiday season – a tapestry of stories that represent diversity and love. Hallmark Channel is a wonderful family and the best network to work for. One of these reasons is because the executive’s care. They care about the stories and the talent, and I think it comes out in all our stories.
Check out more highlights from the 91st Hollywood Christmas Parade! All Photographs by Joseph Garcia and Sheryl Aronson
