Eek! I can’t believe I’m already writing about Christmas, but the holidays are upon us, and the December calendar is filling up fast with festive events. This year marks the 33rd year for the Montrose Christmas Parade, which is scheduled for Saturday, December 5th at 6 pm. As in years past, there will be a mix of local parade entries, school bands, celebrities, dignitaries and Santa Claus in his famous Glendale police helicopter!

The parade starts at Honolulu Ave and Rosemont Ave and runs east towards Verdugo Rd.  Parking is available in the open city parking lots, on the open side streets and within the surrounding neighborhoods.  It’s best to arrive early, set up some chairs and blankets (dress warm!) and get some dinner in one of the many Montrose restaurants. I suggest drinking a warm cup of hot cocoa. Mmmm.

Thanks to Charter Communications, you will also be able to watch the parade broadcast live on channels 6 and 25. Watch for the re-broadcasts of the parade through January 9, 2010. It will air every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 3 pm, every Friday at 2:30 pm, and every Saturday at 1 pm.

Looking to volunteer this holiday season? There are plenty of positions available for volunteering if you would like to help before and/or during the parade.  For more information, call Liz at 818-249-7171 or Steve at 818-259-5195.

History of the Montrose Christmas Parade

The Montrose Christmas Parade was originally conceived in 1976 by Founder, Frank Roberts, to attract shoppers at the start of the Christmas shopping season to the unique and eclectic collection of shops, businesses and restaurants along Honolulu Avenue. Sadly, Roberts passed away October 18, 2005. The 2005 parade was dedicated in memory of Frank and his passion, dedication and spirit of volunteerism.

Very much a family-focused parade, more than 150 community service and youth groups, drill teams and bands from the surrounding cities participate in the parade each year.  The city also has the unique honor of a fly-by with Santa Claus in one of Glendale’s finest police helicopters. 

See you at the parade!

Photo Courtesy of The Montrose Christmas Parade website

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