Celebrating Christmas with the Cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation
The iconic cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation made a memorable appearance in the 1987 Hollywood Christmas Parade, bringing joy to fans and spreading holiday cheer. From their festive parade appearance to a heartwarming Christmas mash-up video, the crew of the USS Enterprise-D found unique ways to celebrate the holiday season. Let's take a closer look at how Captain Jean-Luc Picard and his crew joined in on the holiday fun.
A Festive Parade Appearance
Captain Picard sings "Let it Snow!"
The cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation made a dazzling appearance in the 1987 Hollywood Christmas Parade, donning their full Starfleet uniforms and bringing the spirit of the Federation to the streets of Hollywood. This historic parade appearance marked a special moment for fans and the cast alike, as they waved and interacted with the enthusiastic crowd from a Paramount Studios, Starship Enterprise-inspired float.
Star Trek TNG Lessons Captain Picard flute
The 1987 Hollywood Christmas Parade was a delightful showcase of holiday magic, and the presence of Jonathan Frakes, Denise Crosby, Marina Sirtis, Michael Dorn (in full Klingon make-up), and Wil Wheaton added an extra touch of intergalactic excitement to the festivities. TrekCore.com's official Twitter/X account shared a throwback video of this iconic parade appearance, allowing fans to relive the memorable event.
Twitter article posted by TrekCore.com
A Trek-Inspired Christmas Mash-Up
While the characters of Star Trek: The Next Generation may not officially celebrate Christmas in the traditional sense, they found a creative way to embrace the holiday spirit. In 2013, a heartwarming Christmas mash-up video emerged on YouTube, featuring various clips from the beloved show set to the tune of the classic Christmas carol, 'Let it Snow.'
The Trek-themed video, with its clever use of Captain Picard's iconic phrase, 'Make it So,' in place of 'Let it Snow,' quickly became a viral sensation, capturing the hearts of millions of fans around the world. This heartwarming creation, crafted by YouTube user jamesconvenant, seamlessly combined the senior officers' lines from Star Trek: The Next Generation to form the lyrics of the beloved holiday song.
With 4.1 million views on YouTube, the Trek-inspired Christmas mash-up brought joy to fans and served as a heartwarming reminder of the values embodied in the Star Trek universe. The video's message of hope and unity resonated deeply with viewers, reflecting the enduring spirit of the holiday season and the timeless appeal of Star Trek's vision for a better future.
The Timeless Legacy of Star Trek: The Next Generation
Star Trek: The Next Generation continues to inspire and captivate audiences, with its timeless message of hope, diversity, and the boundless potential of humanity. The show, which premiered in 1987 as the first live-action Star Trek series since the iconic Original Series, initially faced skepticism from die-hard fans. However, the compelling characters, led by the charismatic Captain Jean-Luc Picard (portrayed by Patrick Stewart), quickly won over viewers and cemented their place in the hearts of fans.
Despite a somewhat rocky start, TNG went on to produce some of the most iconic and thought-provoking science fiction television of all time. The show's exploration of moral and ethical dilemmas, its diverse and beloved characters, and its optimistic vision of the future have solidified its status as a beloved cultural phenomenon.
As Star Trek: The Next Generation continues to be embraced by new generations of fans, its availability for streaming on Paramount+ ensures that its enduring legacy will be preserved for years to come. The show's themes of unity, compassion, and the pursuit of knowledge remain as relevant today as they were during its original airing, making it a timeless source of inspiration and optimism for viewers around the world.
