The historic 92nd Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade, supporting the 77th anniversary of Marine Toys for Tots, took place on Sunday, December 1, 2024, and will air Friday, December 14, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. PST on the CW Network.
Hosted by Dean Cain and Laura McKenzie, alongside Elizabeth Stanton and Montel Williams, this year’s celebration featured Oscar-nominated actor Jeremy Renner as the Grand Marshal. Renner, also the founder of the RennerVation Foundation, shared his thoughts on the red carpet:
“I still believe in the magic of Santa, and I believe in love . . . The representation of my family being here tonight celebrates that same idea. I truly feel that we shouldn’t hold each other separate from anyone else … what we need in this world is more kindness and the output of goodness,” said Renner.
Adding to the evening’s highlights, two-time Emmy Award-winning television personality Mario Lopez was honored with the 2024 Humanitarian of the Year Award for his significant contributions to the community.
The parade itself was a spectacle, featuring 110 Hollywood celebrities and VIPs, 16 pre-parade and parade performers, 12 award-winning bands from across the country, 13 larger-than-life character balloons, 5 colorful floats, and 75 novelties and movie cars. Agenda was on the red carpet, capturing exclusive interviews with the stars before the festivities began.
Dean Cain and Laura McKenzie (Hosts of the Hollywood Christmas Parade)
Sheryl Aronson: What makes the Hollywood Christmas Parade special for both of you after hosting it for so many years?
Laura McKenzie: I’m so honored to be here every year. It’s always about community, family, and being considerate to each other. I embrace those family values and thoroughly enjoy Christmastime—it’s my favorite time of the year!
Dean Cain: I love the Hollywood Christmas Parade. I’ve been here nine or ten times, but this is the first time I get to co-host it with the beautiful boss, Laura McKenzie. Our Grand Marshal is the fantastic Jeremy Renner, and Mario Lopez is being given the Humanitarian of the Year Award.
Clay Aiken (Singer/TV Personality)
Sheryl Aronson: Clay, you have a new Christmas album out, which is very exciting. Tell me more about it.
Clay Aiken: It’s new music that’s old music. It’s Christmas music, and Christmas is about the familiar, about tradition and nostalgia. I wanted songs that evoked memories and feelings with some of the classics. I’m thrilled to come back and sing for the first time in almost 15 years. Christmas Bells Are Ringing is my first project after taking a big break from the music world, and I want to invite my listeners to celebrate the magic of the holiday season with me.
Lt. General James B. Laster & Lieutenant Len Anderson IV (U.S. Marine Corps)
Sheryl Aronson: Please talk about the significance of Toys for Tots as it is supported by the U.S. Marines.
Lt. General James B. Laster: It’s all about giving children hope and joy. We also have a literacy program, which has already been designated as one of the fastest ways to help a child get out of poverty and receive a good education.
Lieutenant Len Anderson IV: The Marines are dedicated and committed to a mission—whether it’s defending our nation or being a part of our communities to give something back locally. Being a part of Toys for Tots is rewarding because, on Christmas morning, children who wouldn’t otherwise receive a present will have a gift of their own from Santa.
Michael Cooper and AC Green (Lakers Legends)
Sheryl Aronson: Talk about what it meant to be on the infamous “Showtime Lakers.”
Michael Cooper: It was very special. The team had incredible camaraderie and a deep commitment to the Los Angeles community to play the best possible basketball.
AC Green: We loved each other. We were one big family and enjoyed that special chemistry. Showtime was a worldwide global phenomenon, and it was a privilege to be a part of the team at that time.
Elizabeth Stanton (Co-host of the Hollywood Christmas Parade, Host of CW’s World’s Funniest Animals)
Sheryl Aronson: Elizabeth, you’ve been co-hosting the parade for several years. What does it mean to you?
Elizabeth Stanton: I was just having this conversation with Montel Williams, and we were trying to figure out how many years we’ve done the parade. I think it’s my 13th year. Being able to be here is very special because I used to come to the parade with my parents (Laura McKenzie & David McKenzie) when I was a little girl. The Hollywood Christmas Parade gets the city of LA into the holiday spirit.
James Tupper (Actor, Big Little Lies & Men in Trees)
Sheryl Aronson: James, you’re here with your son. What does it mean to you having him by your side at the Hollywood Christmas Parade?
James Tupper: As a family, we’ve been very fortunate. I’ve taught him since he was a little boy about giving back to others who are less fortunate. Toys for Tots is an amazing organization, and we’ll do everything we can to help these kids during the holiday season.
Sheryl Aronson: On a professional note, what will you be doing next as an actor?
James Tupper: I’ll be doing the play The Seagull, a new production starring Sasha Alexander (Rizzoli & Isles, NCIS, Shameless). Making their LA stage debuts are Parker Sack (Dopesick, Unstoppable) and Cece Kelly (The Last Thing He Told Me, Family Camp). The production is directed by Bruce Katzman, author of Secrets of Chekhov.
Enjoy more highlights from the parade:
