Santa Claus makes his appearance at the with U.S. Marine Corps at the Hollywood Christmas Parade

On November 26th, 2023, the 91st Anniversary of the Hollywood Christmas Parade kicked off with a red carpet entrance at the TCL Chinese Theatre and Hollywood Walk of Fame. DYF Entertainment and the Family Film Awards were sponsors for another consecutive year, contining their support of the parade. The parade benefits the U.S. Marine “Toys for Tots,” and was presented by Associated Television International in association with the City of Los Angeles. Presently, the U.S. Marine “Toys for Tots” Program distributes an average of 18 million toys to seven million less fortunate children annually.

Dr. Jeannie Yi (Jin Sheng), CEO of DYF Entertainment, receives a certificate with host Montel Williams (R)

Thousands of spectators lined the 3.2-mile parade route to watch more than 90 celebrities and VIPs, 14 parade performers, 10 bands, 6 four-story character balloons, 3 giant floats, 8 novelties, 39 classic cars, ending with the appearance of Santa Claus and his reindeer. Led by Grand Marshal Colonel Paris D. Davis, Retired, a recent recipient of the Medal of Honor, the parade took a U-shaped route east on Hollywood Blvd. to Vine Street, south on Vine Street to Sunset Boulevard, then west on Sunset Boulevard, and back to Orange Drive. Around 5,000 participants took part in the parade that was hosted by Erik Estrada, Laura McKenzie, Dean Cain and Montel Williams, with special co-host Elizabeth Stanton.

Dr. Jeannie Yi (Jin Sheng), CEO of DYF Entertainment, TV host Joey Zhou, Yuhua Ge; David McKenzie, producer of Hollywood Christmas Parade, Dr. Jeannie Yi (Jin Sheng), CEO of DYF Entertainment, and host Montel Williams; Dr. Jeannie Yi (Jin Sheng), CEO of DYF Entertainment  

The pre-parade entertainment included performances by the Village People, pop-opera singer Anna Azerli and an appearance by the Grinch. Notable participants included Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, singer Paula Abdul, singer Dwight Yoakum, radio host Kerri Kasem, pop duo Aly & AJ, and actors Chris Kattan, Craig Robinson, Ernie Hudson, Brandon Routh, Ming-Na Wen, Denise Richards, and Tatyana Ali. Distinguished guests included Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Chinese Consul General in Los Angeles Guo Shaochun, Deputy Consul General Shi Yuanqiang, and Li Chunlin. A viewing party and celebration dinner was held at the VIP Room at the Roosevelt Hotel for invited guests by DYF Entertainment and the Family Film Awards.

Invitation to the viewing party and dinner at the Roosevelt Hotel

Since 1928, the live Hollywood Christmas Parade has been a loved and cherished annual holiday tradition enjoyed by the local community, as well as by millions watching the televised airings of the parade nationally on The CW Network and internationally on Armed Forces Network around the world. The only exceptions were during World War II from 1942 to 1944 when the parade wasn’t held, and, of course, in 2020, when the parade wasn’t held due the pandemic. The parade was then presented again in 2021 and 2022, and returned this year to celebrate its 91st Anniversary live in the streets of Hollywood, California!

TV host Joey Zhou and host Gigi Yam

The Family Film Awards are making their comeback, with an awards show planned in 2024 and under new leadership with Dr. Ma Xiaoqiu. In 2020, during the pandemic, Dr. Ma Xiaoqiu, Lifetime Chairman and President of the Family Film Awards, and the New York-based entertainment company, DYF Entertainment, saw the value and importance of family-themed movies. The Family Film Awards under the helm of Dr. Ma Xiaoqiu are looking to regain their brilliance, and once again become an integral part of the entertainment industry. She hopes that the Family Film Awards will help unite the people of China and the United States at a critical moment in our history, and allow the two countries to produce the best film and television works that families all over the world can enjoy.

Dr. Ma Xiaoqiu