A few photos of holiday lights around Los Angeles, Silver Lake, Hollywood, Burbank and Glendale.
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Sunday, December 1, 2013
2013 Hollywood Christmas Parade
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| Astronaut float at the 2013 Hollywood Christmas Parade |
Thousands of people lined the streets in Hollywood tonight to watch the 82nd Hollywood Christmas Parade. Former American astronaut Buzz Aldrin, the second person to walk on the moon, was this year’s Grand Marshal.
The Hollywood Christmas Parade got its start in 1928, when businessman Harry Blaine originated the idea of turning the one mile section of Hollywood Boulevard between Vine and La Brea into “Santa Claus Lane.” Blaine and other local merchants hoped the event would draw more holiday season shoppers to the area, which was being promoted as the “world’s largest department store.”
Santa Claus Lane became known for its decorated Christmas trees and daily parades featuring a reindeer-drawn sleigh, Santa and a celebrity.
Past parade Grand Marshals have included Bob Hope (1978& 1993), Gene Autry (1980), Roy Rogers and Dale Evans (1981), James Stewart (1987), Arnold Schwarzenegger (1990), Charlton Heston (1991) and Magic Johnson (2004).
Gene Autry rode his horse in the 1946 parade. After hearing the crowd yelling "Here Comes Santa Claus, Here comes Santa Claus," he wrote the song “Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)." Oakley Haldeman added the music. Released in 1947, it became both a country and pop hit. In 1949, Autry performed the song in his movie "The Cowboy and the Indians."
Since then, Here Comes Santa Claus has been recorded by numerous artists, including Doris Day, Bing Crosby, Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, Billy Idol, Bob Dylan, Mariah Carey and Chicago. Even the cast of Glee has covered the song.
The Hollywood Christmas Parade got its start in 1928, when businessman Harry Blaine originated the idea of turning the one mile section of Hollywood Boulevard between Vine and La Brea into “Santa Claus Lane.” Blaine and other local merchants hoped the event would draw more holiday season shoppers to the area, which was being promoted as the “world’s largest department store.”
Santa Claus Lane became known for its decorated Christmas trees and daily parades featuring a reindeer-drawn sleigh, Santa and a celebrity.
Past parade Grand Marshals have included Bob Hope (1978& 1993), Gene Autry (1980), Roy Rogers and Dale Evans (1981), James Stewart (1987), Arnold Schwarzenegger (1990), Charlton Heston (1991) and Magic Johnson (2004).
Gene Autry rode his horse in the 1946 parade. After hearing the crowd yelling "Here Comes Santa Claus, Here comes Santa Claus," he wrote the song “Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)." Oakley Haldeman added the music. Released in 1947, it became both a country and pop hit. In 1949, Autry performed the song in his movie "The Cowboy and the Indians."
Since then, Here Comes Santa Claus has been recorded by numerous artists, including Doris Day, Bing Crosby, Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, Billy Idol, Bob Dylan, Mariah Carey and Chicago. Even the cast of Glee has covered the song.
Here Comes Santa Claus - Lyrics
Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus,
Right down Santa Claus lane
Vixen and Blitzen and all his reindeer
Pullin' on the reins
Bells are ringin', children singin'
All is merry and bright
Hang your stockings and say your prayers
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight!
Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus,
Right down Santa Claus lane
He's got a bag that's filled with toys
For boys and girls again
Hear those sleigh bells jingle jangle,
Oh what a beautiful sight
So jump in bed and cover your head
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight!
Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus,
Right down Santa Claus lane
He doesn't care if you're rich or poor
He loves you just the same
Santa Claus knows we're all Gods children
That makes everything right
So fill your hearts with Christmas cheer
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight!
Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus,
Right down Santa Claus lane
He'll come around when the chimes ring out
That it's Christmas morn again
Peace on earth will come to all
If we just follow the light
So lets give thanks to the lord above
That Santa Claus comes tonight!
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