In a festive twist that bridged the gap between the final frontier and the holiday season, the iconic cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG) donned their Starfleet uniforms and beamed down to the 1987 Hollywood Christmas Parade. The parade, held on the grounds of Paramount Studios, witnessed the crew of the USS Enterprise-D bringing interstellar joy to the streets of Hollywood.
As the first live-action Star Trek series since the conclusion of the revered Star Trek: The Original Series in 1969, TNG faced initial skepticism from die-hard fans accustomed to the original crew. The debut season, albeit somewhat lackluster, laid the foundation for a remarkable journey into the unexplored reaches of space. Led by the indomitable Captain Jean-Luc Picard, portrayed by the esteemed Patrick Stewart, the crew endeared themselves to both new and seasoned fans alike, ultimately becoming pioneers of science fiction television.
Taking a break from their cosmic explorations, the TNG ensemble, including Jonathan Frakes, Denise Crosby, Marina Sirtis, Michael Dorn (in full Klingon make-up), and Wil Wheaton, participated in the Hollywood Christmas Parade aboard a Starship Enterprise-inspired float. Adorned in their Starfleet uniforms, the crew waved enthusiastically to fans lining the parade route, bringing a touch of the final frontier to the festive proceedings.
However, the TNG holiday celebrations did not stop at the parade route. In 2013, a YouTube user named jamesconvenant gifted Trekkies worldwide with a heartwarming holiday surprise. Combining clips from various TNG episodes, the user crafted a Trek-themed rendition of the timeless Christmas carol, “Let it Snow.” What set this viral sensation apart was the ingenious use of Captain Picard’s iconic catchphrase, “Make it So,” cleverly replacing the traditional “Let it Snow” refrain.
With 4.1 million views and counting, the video seamlessly weaves together snippets of dialogue from the senior officers of the Enterprise-D, creating a musical masterpiece that resonates with fans across the galaxy. The editing prowess required to synchronize the diverse characters into a harmonious carol showcases the dedication of the Star Trek community to spreading holiday cheer in unconventional ways.
The Trek-themed “Let it So” not only adds a dash of merriment to the holiday season but also embodies the timeless messages of hope and unity that define the Star Trek universe. Despite the absence of an official Christmas celebration within the Star Trek canon, the video serves as a delightful reminder that the spirit of the holiday season transcends even the boundaries of space and time.
Star Trek, at its core, celebrates the best of humanity, envisioning a future where diversity is embraced, and people from all walks of life come together for a common purpose. The optimistic narrative of Star Trek serves as a beacon of hope, making it a fitting companion to the sentiments of the holiday season.
As fans revisit this heart warming Trek holiday tradition, it’s evident that the legacy of Star Trek: The Next Generation extends far beyond the stars, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture and the festive spirit of fans worldwide. So, this holiday season, as we gather with loved ones and exchange good tidings, let us also remember the TNG crew’s joyful presence in the 1987 Hollywood Christmas Parade and Captain Picard’s resonant call to “Make it So” in the Trek-themed yuletide carol.
