By Valerie Milano & Juan Markos
Photos THT
Hollywood, CA (The Hollywood Times) 12/1/25 – For more than a decade, The Hollywood Times has proudly covered the Hollywood Christmas Parade, and the 93rd annual celebration once again delivered everything we love: tradition, spectacle, community spirit, and that unmistakable holiday magic that only Hollywood can produce.
This year’s parade returned live on November 30th, with the nationally televised primetime broadcast scheduled to air on The CW Network on Friday, December 12, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT. As always, Hollywood Boulevard transformed into a glittering holiday canvas, stretching from the TCL Chinese Theatre across the storied Walk of Fame, lined with families, performers, floats, and stars there to support Marine Toys for Tots.
This year’s media operations were once again steered by longtime parade publicist Steve Moyer, whose expert touch has elevated the event for years. Joining him was Ali Lasky and her stellar team at The Influence PR, including the ever-gracious Nicole Muj, who kept the red carpet running flawlessly. Their coordination, energy, and holiday-season patience created a warm and efficient environment for press, talent, and crew, a true seasonal masterclass.
The Hollywood Times’ own Juan Markos and I were on-site covering arrivals, interviewing celebrity guests, civic leaders, performers, and parade honorees who stopped by to share holiday greetings and their passion for supporting Toys for Tots. Even after 10+ years of covering this parade, standing on that joyful red carpet never loses its charm.
This year’s glittering cast of participants included:
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Grand Marshal Luke Wilson
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Humanitarian of the Year Anthony Anderson
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Parade hosts Laura McKenzie and Erik Estrada
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Pre-show co-hosts Elizabeth Stanton and Montel Williams
Hollywood favorites and notable personalities who graced the parade included:
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Terry Fator, Byron Scott, AC Green
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Music artist Estelle
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Sharna Burgess of Dancing With the Stars
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Brian Austin Green and Tori Spelling (who also celebrated the 25th anniversary of David & Donna from 90210)
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Ian Ziering, Cara Jade Myers, Jack Murillo, Vivica A. Fox, Marisol Nichols, Kareem Davis, Natalie Burn, Timothy Woodward Jr., Bianca & Chiara D’Ambrosio, and Cesar Millan
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Influencers Rachel McCord, Sebastian Topete, and Nour Khodr
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Performers Liz Lentz, Melinda Lindner, Sara Reeves, Thelma Houston, and Alexia Smith (Ms. Hollywood)
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Former LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and General Laster
Casts and ensembles who added to the celebration included:
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Masters of Illusion performers Murray Sawchuck and Dani Elizabeth Sawchuck
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The cast of The Bay — A Martinez, James Preston, Olivia d’Abo, and Gregori Martin
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The cast of The Sandlot — Shane Obedzinski, Marty York, and Grant Gelt
- Stephanie Powers
From my spot in the press pit alongside Nicole Muj, we watched the full magic unfold – towering balloons, vintage cars, floats wrapped in holiday lights, precision marching bands, and elaborate performances that seemed to transform the boulevard into a living movie set.
Standout participants from the U.S. Marine Corps included:
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The Marine Color Guard
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The Marine Drum Major
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Sgt. Caesar and Harper, the beloved mascots
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Domi Gergely, the Toys for Tots Toddler of the Year
And of course, nothing compares to the moment Santa Claus arrives, escorted by Marines, showered in cheers, with nearly 100 pounds of confetti launched into the Hollywood sky. Thanksgiving may be over, but on this night, Christmas officially begins.
Once the parade neared its end, and once the frigid temperatures convinced me I’d braved enough, I slipped away to the official after-party at the Author Services Building, just steps from the route. Inside, the energy was warm and celebratory as performers, media, producers, and parade insiders gathered to toast another successful year.
It’s the kind of Hollywood gathering that reminds you exactly why this parade has lasted for 93 years: it brings people together, both on the street and behind the scenes.
After more than ten years covering the Hollywood Christmas Parade, the reason I return is simple: the tradition, the community, the artistry, and the heart.
The 93rd Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade delivered all of it, and more.
And as always, The Hollywood Times will be back next year: on the red carpet, in the press pit, and wherever the story leads.
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