Thousands of spectators lined up the streets to witness the second McKinley Hill Grand Christmas Parade last Saturday.

The 3.5-kilometer parade featuring marching bands, bike clubs, performance groups, giant balloons, and floats kicked off at 4:30 p.m.

'The Girl in the Orange Dress' stars Jessie Mendiola, Ria Atayde, and Hannah Ledesma graced the Grand Entrance of the parade.

The crowd was thrilled at the sight of 25-foot balloons depicting famous Christmas characters such as Santa Claus, Elf, Reindeer, and Gingerbread Man.

Kids were especially delighted with Shopkins, Powerpuff Girls, and Pororo mascots.

The parade was capped with a fireworks display.

Inside the Venice Grand Canal Mall, mallgoers were also able to watch the spectacle.

OPM rock band Itchyworms headlined the Christmas concert after the parade. Also entertaining the crowd for the night were Kapamilya artist JK Labajo and Pinoy rock band Miles Experience.

The McKinley Hill Grand Christmas Parade was inspired by the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

"This Christmas, we want to bring the utmost happiness to people of all walks of life and backgrounds," Megaworld Corp Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing Noli Hernandez said.

Hernandez explained that this year's parade was an "upgrade" from last year, with more floats and bigger attractions introduced.

"For this parade, we continue a tradition of coming together as one community to celebrate the joys and the festivity of Christmas," he added.

For the rest of the holiday season, McKinley Hill will be having four Christmas Towns at the Venice Grand Canal Mall:

• Shopkins -- Cinema Lobby
• Barbie -- near 7-Eleven
• Paw Patrol -- 2nd floor near World Balance
• Snow World -- near Kidzoona

There, kids and kids at heart can also join mascot meet-and-greet opportunities.

Guests may also watch out for promos from dining establishments and retail establishments.

More details may be found at www.megaworld-lifestylemalls.com.