Hollywood Christmas Parade

Yeah most of the reviews for this event are right. It’s poorly organized and that kinda takes the hurrah out of this parade.
The web site makes a hashed up mess of telling you which streets are closed and how to get there and where to park. It’s hard enough for locals to figure out how to get there by the super long list of road closures. I can’t imagine how nerve racking it is if you only get to Hollywood every now and then. Most events get around this by creating a map that shows road closures. Oh yeah and maybe suggest where to park or offer shuttle buses along all those closed streets.
Parade started 90 minutes late. Judging by what other reviewers said from previous years that’s what they usually do. People drive from all over SoCal to attend or participate. The last entries finished at 9 pm and lots of the participants won’t get back home until midnight… On a Sunday night!
Delays of 5 – 10 minutes between parade entries.
They could be more selective about the entries they approve and manage the less entertaining entries so that they keep up the pace of the parade. There were quite a few entries where you pretty much asked yourself why??? Or felt like saying ok move it along…
They could also show more of a Christmas spirit at an event like this– more holiday songs, maybe even a holiday carnival or street fair that benefits a charity. Something, anything to fill the endless waiting time.
We had to get there by 3:30 (recommended participant drop off time) for an event that was scheduled to start at 5. It started at 6:30 and was over at 8:45.
Now with that said, here are a few positive things and tips if you are attending next year:
1. It is free family fun — lights, giant balloons, horses, and endless selection of cool cars with people waving, marching bands, etc.
2. Take the Metro to Hollywood and Highland if you can. Go Metro! If not… Über.
3. If you’re coming from south of Sunset Blvd., or west of Hollywood, park somewhere residential — Sunday all day parking is pretty much available.
4. You will be there a long time. In n Out on Sunset and Orange, and Tacos Gavilan on Sunset and La Brea are good choices for cheap and tasty food close by and clean bathrooms. Wear comfy shoes and if u have young kids, pack that stroller for survival. Curbside on the parade with chairs and blankets seems to be the way to go, especially w young kids.
5. Bring a little cash, no porta potties on Hollywood blvd but lots of small restaurants where a small iced tea gets u a bathroom key.
6. It’s hard to cross the parade route except at Highland, in between parade groups
7. The parade is on a Sunday so if u do get there early check out the farmers market, or catch a movie at the Arclight, or get a drink at Musso & Frank, hit the vintage shops

It’s a fun holiday parade. I’m certain it’s tough to put on such a show with so many moving parts!