McAllen, September 13, 2025
News Summary
Dallas Cowboys legends Leon Lett and Tony Hill will participate in the Christmas Across America parade in McAllen, featuring celebrity attendees, live entertainment, and a unique fan experience. The event offers a chance for fans to meet these former athletes alongside additional family-friendly attractions and entertainment, including a grand fireworks display. With tickets starting at $10, proceeds will contribute to the parade’s success, making it a cherished holiday event for families and communities.
McAllen
Dallas Cowboys legends Leon Lett and Tony Hill will attend the Christmas Across America parade in McAllen on December 6, 2025, city officials announced. The parade will begin at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium and follow a 1.5-mile route, with paid tickets required for public attendance.
Key details
The event will include a meet-and-greet opportunity with Lett and Hill and a lineup of additional celebrity guests and family entertainment. Tickets are available for the Skybox Fan Experience, Vuelta Zone, and stadium seating, with prices starting at $10. Proceeds from ticket sales will support the parade.
Who are the featured guests?
Former Cowboys defensive lineman Leon Lett, nicknamed Big Cat, played for Dallas from 1991 to 2000, won three Super Bowls, and later served on the Cowboys’ defensive coaching staff. Tony Hill, a wide receiver for the Cowboys from 1977 to 1986, is also a three-time Super Bowl champion, scored 51 touchdowns during his 10 seasons with the team, and was a rookie during Super Bowl XII.
Other celebrity attendees and performers
Additional guests for the 10th annual Holiday Parade include telenovela actor Julian Gil as parade host, NCAA All-Stars The Cavinder Twins, and character guests such as Ronald McDonald and Garfield. The parade will also feature the return of the popular SpongeBob SquarePants balloon.
Event attractions and logistics
The parade will showcase live entertainment from the UTRGV Marching Band, local dance teams, and special performances leading to a grand fireworks display. A collaborative Skybox Fan Experience, introduced through a partnership including McAllen International Airport and the Dallas Cowboys, will run along the parade route. Volunteers are being recruited to assist with balloon handling and banner carrying.
Where and when
The parade will commence at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium on December 6, 2025, and will travel a 1.5-mile route through the parade corridor. Paid public admission is required, and ticket options include elevated and reserved viewing areas.
Community focus and support
City officials described the parade as a family-oriented holiday event designed to bring communities together and create shared experiences across generations of fans. Organizers said the presence of former professional athletes and national characters aims to connect long-time supporters and newer families attending the parade.
Additional context
This parade marks the 10th annual Holiday Parade under the “Christmas Across America” theme. Past celebrity hosts have included television personalities for English broadcasts as well as hosts for Spanish broadcasts, reflecting the event’s bilingual and bicultural audience. The event continues to combine local school and community groups with national-level entertainment and branded fan experiences to support holiday festivities and community engagement.
Tickets and participation
Tickets for the Skybox, Vuelta Zone, and stadium seating are on sale, with general pricing starting at $10. Organizers emphasize that ticket sales help fund the parade. Interested volunteers may sign up to help with balloon and banner operations, providing an opportunity for community members to participate directly in parade production.
What to expect on parade day
Attendees can expect a combination of celebrity appearances, marching-band performances, character balloons, local entertainment, and a fireworks finale. The meet-and-greet format will give fans a chance to interact with former Dallas Cowboys players Leon Lett and Tony Hill within the event schedule.
FAQ
When and where is the parade?
The parade is scheduled for December 6, 2025, beginning at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium and following a 1.5-mile route.
Which former Dallas Cowboys players will attend?
Leon Lett and Tony Hill are confirmed attendees. Both are three-time Super Bowl champions with Dallas; Lett played from 1991–2000 and later coached, while Hill played from 1977–1986 and scored 51 touchdowns during his Cowboys career.
Are tickets required and how much do they cost?
Yes, paid tickets are required for public attendance. Pricing starts at $10. Ticket options include Skybox, Vuelta Zone, and stadium seating, and proceeds support the parade.
What entertainment and attractions will be present?
Highlights include the UTRGV Marching Band, local dance teams, character balloons such as SpongeBob SquarePants, celebrity guests, a Skybox Fan Experience, and a grand fireworks display.
Will there be opportunities to meet the players?
Yes, a meet-and-greet opportunity with Leon Lett and Tony Hill will be provided for attendees as part of the event.
How can community members get involved?
Volunteers are being recruited for balloon handling and banner carrying. Additional participation options may include volunteering with local groups and supporting event logistics.
Event features at a glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | December 6, 2025 |
| Start location | McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium |
| Route length | 1.5 miles |
| Headlining guests | Leon Lett and Tony Hill |
| Other guests | Julian Gil, The Cavinder Twins, Ronald McDonald, Garfield |
| Entertainment | UTRGV Marching Band, local dance teams, SpongeBob balloon, fireworks |
| Special experiences | Skybox Fan Experience (ticketed) |
| Tickets | Paid admission required; starting at $10 |
| Volunteer roles | Balloon handling, banner carrying |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
McAllen Announces 2025 Holiday Parade Plans with Celebrities
Additional Resources
- MyRGV: Dallas Cowboy Legends to Show at This Year’s McAllen Holiday Parade
- KRGV: More Celebrity Guests Announced for McAllen Holiday Parade
- Texas Border Business: McAllen Holiday Parade Announces Return of Dallas Cowboys Legends
- Valley Central: McAllen Holiday Parade Arrives with Special Guests and New Floats
- KRGV: McAllen Holiday Parade Brings Cowboys Legends
- Wikipedia: Christmas Parade
- Google Search: McAllen Holiday Parade
- Google Scholar: Holiday Parade Events
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Parade
- Google News: McAllen Holiday
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.
