Dallas, October 6, 2025
News Summary
The Dallas Holiday Parade is set to delight spectators with its colorful floats, performances by marching bands, and special appearances. Taking place in early December, the parade promises a vibrant atmosphere with various entertainment options both before and after the main event. Attendance is free, though seating can be guaranteed through ticket purchases. Local charitable initiatives are also highlighted during the parade, making it a beloved community event.
Dallas
Parade set for early December with downtown start and two-hour run
The 2025 Dallas Holiday Parade will take place on Saturday, December 6, 2025. This will be the 38th annual parade. The parade starts at 9:00 a.m. and lasts approximately 2 hours. It begins at the intersection of Commerce and Houston streets.
Attendance at the parade is free, but seats can be purchased for guaranteed seating. After the parade, there will be pre- and post-parade vendors and entertainment at Main Street Gardens and Civic Gardens. The current event will feature colorful floats, dancers, and bands, along with a visit from Santa.
Broadcast and expected turnout
The parade is broadcast on 350 television stations across 159 markets. The 2024 parade, which was the 37th edition, attracted over half a million spectators despite chilly and damp weather conditions. It included performances by 18 marching bands and participation from 3,500 dancers.
Community and charitable focus
The parade serves as a community fundraiser, donating proceeds to Parkland Health and other local causes. This year’s event will also partner with Brandenburg Elementary School to provide 2,500 boxes of cereal for the North Texas Food Bank. All necessary information regarding volunteering, vendor participation, and ticket purchases is available on the event’s website and social media platforms.
History and context
The first Dallas Holiday Parade took place on December 3, 1988, organized by employees of The Adolphus and Children’s Medical Center Dallas. The inaugural event attracted a crowd of 70,000 and became known as the “Miracle on Commerce Street.” Historically, the parade has experienced a range of weather conditions, from bitter cold to hot days, so attendees are advised to dress appropriately.
Logistics and planning
Crowd management, street closures, and transit adjustments typically accompany downtown events of this size. Organizers and city departments coordinate public safety and sanitation, while vendors are assigned to the designated pre- and post-parade locations at Main Street Gardens and Civic Gardens. Attendees who prefer guaranteed seating can purchase seats ahead of the event; general attendance remains free.
What to expect on the day
Expect a two-hour procession beginning at the Commerce and Houston intersection and moving through the downtown route. The broadcast reach and the large turnout seen in previous years suggest significant spectator density along the route and at viewing areas near the downtown gardens. Weather can vary widely; appropriate clothing and early arrival are recommended for those planning to attend.
FAQ
Q: When will the parade take place?
A: The 2025 Dallas Holiday Parade will take place on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
Q: Which edition of the parade is this?
A: This will be the 38th annual parade.
Q: What time does the parade start and how long does it last?
A: The parade starts at 9:00 a.m. and lasts approximately 2 hours.
Q: Where does the parade begin?
A: It begins at the intersection of Commerce and Houston streets.
Q: Will there be entertainment and vendors?
A: After the parade, there will be pre- and post-parade vendors and entertainment at Main Street Gardens and Civic Gardens.
Q: Is there a cost to attend?
A: Attendance at the parade is free, but seats can be purchased for guaranteed seating.
Q: What kinds of performances and attractions will be featured?
A: The current event will feature colorful floats, dancers, and bands, along with a visit from Santa.
Q: How widely is the parade broadcast?
A: The parade is broadcast on 350 television stations across 159 markets.
Q: How did the 2024 parade perform in attendance and participation?
A: The 2024 parade, which was the 37th edition, attracted over half a million spectators despite chilly and damp weather conditions.
Q: How many bands and dancers participated in 2024?
A: It included performances by 18 marching bands and participation from 3,500 dancers.
Q: Does the parade support local causes?
A: The parade serves as a community fundraiser, donating proceeds to Parkland Health and other local causes.
Q: Are there food or donation partnerships this year?
A: This year’s event will also partner with Brandenburg Elementary School to provide 2,500 boxes of cereal for the North Texas Food Bank.
Q: Where can I find information about volunteering, vendors, and tickets?
A: All necessary information regarding volunteering, vendor participation, and ticket purchases is available on the event’s website and social media platforms.
Q: What is the parade’s origin story?
A: The first Dallas Holiday Parade took place on December 3, 1988, organized by employees of The Adolphus and Children’s Medical Center Dallas.
Q: How many people attended the inaugural parade and what was it called?
A: The inaugural event attracted a crowd of 70,000 and became known as the “Miracle on Commerce Street.”
Q: Should attendees prepare for weather changes?
A: Historically, the parade has experienced a range of weather conditions, from bitter cold to hot days, so attendees are advised to dress appropriately.
Key features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, December 6, 2025 |
| Edition | 38th annual |
| Start time & duration | Starts at 9:00 a.m.; lasts approximately 2 hours |
| Start location | Intersection of Commerce and Houston streets |
| Admission | Free to attend; seats can be purchased for guaranteed seating |
| Post-parade activities | Main Street Gardens and Civic Gardens – pre- and post-parade vendors and entertainment |
| Broadcast reach | 350 television stations across 159 markets |
| 2024 attendance | Over half a million spectators |
| 2024 participants | 18 marching bands; 3,500 dancers |
| Charitable partners | Parkland Health and local causes; partnership to provide 2,500 boxes of cereal for the North Texas Food Bank |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Texas High School Football Showcases Stellar Performances
Booster Clubs Drive Funding for Dallas High School Football
McAllen Holiday Parade Celebrates Christmas Across America
You’re Hired Job Fest Brings Thousands of Opportunities to Dallas
Texas High School Football Week 4 Highlights
Dallas Cowboys Legends to Attend Christmas Parade in McAllen
McAllen Announces 2025 Holiday Parade Plans with Celebrities
North Texas Prepares for a Memorable July 4th Celebration
Dallas Celebrates Independence Day with Fireworks and Fun
Dallas Celebrates 55th Anniversary of Pride Month with Events
Additional Resources
- KNUE: Dallas Holiday Parade 2025
- Dallas News: How to Watch the Dallas Holiday Parade
- Valley Central: Dallas Cowboys Guest for McAllen Holiday Parade
- D Magazine: Scenes from the 2024 Dallas Holiday Parade
- CBS News: Dallas Holiday Parade 2024 Attendance
- Wikipedia: Dallas Holiday Parade
- Google Search: Dallas Holiday Parade
- Google Scholar: Dallas Holiday Parade
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dallas Holiday Parade
- Google News: Dallas Holiday Parade
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.
