McAllen, September 30, 2025
News Summary
The 12th annual McAllen Holiday Parade, themed ‘Christmas Across America’, will be held at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium, featuring celebrity guests, giant balloons, and family-friendly activities. Organized by H-E-B and Bert Ogden Auto Group, the event expects over 260,000 spectators, offering a mix of entertainment including meet-and-greet opportunities with Dallas Cowboys legends. The parade will also debut a new float featuring Mr. Monopoly alongside familiar characters like SpongeBob SquarePants.
McAllen — The 12th annual McAllen Holiday Parade is themed “Christmas Across America!” and will take place on December 6 at 6 p.m. at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium. The parade is presented by H-E-B and powered by the Bert Ogden Auto Group. Organizers expect over 260,000 spectators and have announced a lineup of celebrity guests, new attractions and multiple fan engagement opportunities.
Leading details
This year’s parade is scheduled for December 6 at 6 p.m. at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium. The parade is presented by H-E-B and powered by the Bert Ogden Auto Group. The 12th annual McAllen Holiday Parade is themed “Christmas Across America!” and will feature a mix of celebrity appearances, giant balloons, marching bands and family-oriented activities. Over 260,000 spectators are expected to attend the event.
Notable guests and attractions
Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams (#33) will be one of the celebrity guests attending the parade. Additional celebrity guests include Argentine actor and model Julian Gil, University of Miami Women’s Basketball twins Haley and Hanna Cavinder, Garfield the Cat, and Ronald McDonald. SpongeBob SquarePants will return as a giant balloon character in this year’s parade, and a new float featuring Mr. Monopoly will debut as part of the parade’s collection of giant balloons.
There will be a meet-and-greet opportunity with Dallas Cowboys legends Leon Lett and Tony Hill for attendees to interact with the football icons. In addition, 75 followers of the parade’s social media platforms will win a chance to meet Dallas Cowboy players and legends through a dedicated giveaway program.
Local participation and entertainment
Local social media influencer Ivanna Mendoza (@rgvtaste_) will also participate in the parade and meet with attendees for pictures. Mendoza expressed pride in returning to the parade after originally performing with her high school’s drill team. The UTRGV Marching Band will also be part of the parade lineup, contributing to the festive atmosphere.
The parade will feature various entertainment including marching bands, carnival attractions, and family-friendly activities, designed to serve a broad audience and provide multiple viewing and engagement options for families and fans.
Tickets, giveaways and access
Ticket giveaway contests are ongoing, with winners to be announced on September 30. Tickets for the parade are available at Ticketmaster.com. Organizers have also promoted social media contests, and specifically noted that 75 followers of the parade’s social media platforms will win a chance to meet Dallas Cowboy players and legends.
Organizational context
The parade is in its twelfth year and continues to be presented by H-E-B and powered by the Bert Ogden Auto Group. City management highlighted that the presence of former Dallas Cowboys players is expected to generate excitement and serve as a bridge between generations of fans.
What to expect on site
Attendees can expect a parade route and stadium viewing areas designed to accommodate a large crowd, a schedule of marching bands and performance groups including the UTRGV Marching Band, meet-and-greet zones for celebrity guests and players, and a display of giant balloons and floats including the new Mr. Monopoly float and returning characters such as SpongeBob SquarePants.
Background
The McAllen Holiday Parade has grown into an annual holiday tradition that combines national and local performers, community groups and corporate sponsors. This year’s theme, celebrity roster and new balloon debut continue the event’s approach of mixing high-profile guests with local cultural and school-based participation to attract a wide audience.
FAQ
- When is the parade?
- This year’s parade is scheduled for December 6 at 6 p.m. at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium.
- What is the parade theme?
- The 12th annual McAllen Holiday Parade is themed “Christmas Across America!”
- Who is presenting the parade?
- The parade is presented by H-E-B and powered by the Bert Ogden Auto Group.
- Which celebrity guests will attend?
- Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams (#33) will be one of the celebrity guests attending the parade.
- Are there additional celebrity guests?
- Additional celebrity guests include Argentine actor and model Julian Gil, University of Miami Women’s Basketball twins Haley and Hanna Cavinder, Garfield the Cat, and Ronald McDonald.
- Will there be meet-and-greet opportunities?
- There will be a meet-and-greet opportunity with Dallas Cowboys legends Leon Lett and Tony Hill for attendees to interact with the football icons.
- Is there a new balloon or float debut?
- A new float featuring Mr. Monopoly will debut as part of the parade’s collection of giant balloons.
- What is the expected attendance?
- Over 260,000 spectators are expected to attend the event.
- How can I get tickets?
- Tickets for the parade are available at Ticketmaster.com.
- Are there ticket giveaways?
- Ticket giveaway contests are ongoing, with winners to be announced on September 30.
- Who from the local community is participating?
- Local social media influencer Ivanna Mendoza (@rgvtaste_) will also participate in the parade and meet with attendees for pictures. Mendoza expressed pride in returning to the parade after originally performing with her high school’s drill team.
- What entertainment will be included?
- The parade will feature various entertainment including marching bands, carnival attractions, and family-friendly activities.
- Will familiar balloon characters return?
- SpongeBob SquarePants will return as a giant balloon character in this year’s parade.
- Which marching band is confirmed?
- The UTRGV Marching Band will also be part of the parade lineup, contributing to the festive atmosphere.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date and time | December 6 at 6 p.m. |
| Location | McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium |
| Theme | “Christmas Across America!” |
| Presenting sponsor | H-E-B |
| Powered by | Bert Ogden Auto Group |
| Expected attendance | Over 260,000 spectators |
| Headline celebrity | Javonte Williams (#33) |
| New balloon/float | Mr. Monopoly float debut |
| Ticket availability | Tickets for the parade are available at Ticketmaster.com |
| Giveaway announcement | Winners to be announced on September 30 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Texas High School Football Week 4 Highlights
Dallas Cowboys Legends to Attend Christmas Parade in McAllen
McAllen Announces 2025 Holiday Parade Plans with Celebrities
Additional Resources
- Texas Border Business: McAllen Holiday Parade 2025
- Google Search: McAllen Holiday Parade
- Valley Central: Javonte Williams Guest
- Wikipedia: Dallas Cowboys
- My RGV: Dallas Cowboy Legends
- KRGV: Holiday Parade Price Tag
- Texas Border Business: Mayor Launches Parade
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Christmas
- KRGV: Watch Live 2024 Parade
- Google News: McAllen Holiday Parade 2024
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
