McAllen, September 11, 2025
News Summary
The City of McAllen unveiled details for the upcoming Holiday Parade, highlighting prominent guests, community involvement, and ticket availability. Scheduled for December 6, the parade will feature two former Dallas Cowboys, a grand musical event, and various entertainment options including balloons and floats. With tickets starting at $10, organizers expect a significant turnout and will broadcast the event to major Hispanic markets. Community groups are invited to participate, ensuring the event remains a highlight for families in the area.
McAllen — City Reveals Details for 2025 Holiday Parade with Celebrity Guests and Community Roles
The City of McAllen announced key details for the 2025 Holiday Parade, scheduled for December 6, 2025. The parade is presented by HEB and powered by Bert Ogden Auto Group. Organizers expect thousands of spectators and have confirmed high-profile appearances, community participation opportunities, volunteer roles, and ticket sales already under way.
What’s new and most important
Two former Dallas Cowboys players, Leon Lett and Tony Hill, are confirmed guests for the parade. The event theme is Christmas Across America. A Holiday Musical Extravaganza will open the festivities, and Mateo Adalberto Lopez, noted as a very young mariachi performer, will sing the National Anthem at the opening event. The famous Hello Kitty helium balloon is part of the lineup, and a new Bert Ogden float will join other floats, bands, and giant balloons along the parade route.
Event scale, broadcast and partnerships
Organizers anticipate a large crowd and plan to broadcast the event locally and to major Hispanic markets in the United States on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The parade is entering its 11th year and is supported by multiple sponsors and media partners. City officials described the parade as a major annual event for families and community life.
Community participation and volunteer opportunities
Community groups are encouraged to participate and may sell seating along the parade route as a fundraising opportunity. High school marching bands may apply to take part and can receive a $1,000 scholarship to help cover participation expenses. The UTRGV marching band will return following positive reception at recent performances.
Volunteer roles available include handlers for giant helium balloons, banner carriers, and general parade support. Volunteers must be aged 16 or older, allowing participation by teenagers and senior citizens. Specific volunteer duties will vary, covering physical balloon handling, route support, and safety tasks.
Tickets, entry deadlines and scheduling notes
Ticket sales have already opened with prices starting at $10. Organizers expect tickets to sell out. The McAllen Holiday Shoebox Parade component invites creative community entries, with a noted entry deadline of November 27, 2024. (Participants should verify current entry requirements and deadlines with event organizers.)
City, corporate roles and infrastructure updates
The parade launch took place at the Bert Ogden BMW facility in Pharr, Texas. Bert Ogden Auto Group will again supply trucks and vehicles for the parade. Company leadership announced plans to remodel the old McAllen BMW building into a new corporate headquarters. City leaders emphasized the value of the public-private partnership in staging the event and encouraged residents to mark the calendar.
Programming and attractions
- Giant balloons including Hello Kitty
- Marching bands from universities and area high schools
- Celebrity guests with more to be announced
- Floats including a new Bert Odgen float
- Holiday Musical Extravaganza to open the parade
Operational and accessibility notes
Organizers will provide volunteer information and role descriptions prior to the event date. Community groups can reserve seating sections along the route as a fundraising opportunity. Attendees are advised to secure tickets early and review broadcast schedules for televised airings on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
FAQ
When and where is the 2025 McAllen Holiday Parade?
The parade is scheduled for December 6, 2025. The announcement and launch took place at the Bert Ogden BMW facility in Pharr, Texas; the parade route runs through McAllen.
Who is presenting and powering the parade?
The event is presented by HEB and powered by Bert Ogden Auto Group.
Which celebrity guests are confirmed?
Former Dallas Cowboys players Leon Lett and Tony Hill are confirmed. Additional celebrities will be announced closer to the event.
How can community groups participate?
Community groups can enter floats into the McAllen Holiday Shoebox Parade, sell seating along the route, and register marching bands. High school bands may be eligible for a $1,000 scholarship to offset expenses.
How can I volunteer?
Volunteers aged 16 and older can apply for roles such as giant balloon handlers and banner carriers. Role descriptions and application details will be posted by event organizers.
Where can I buy tickets and how much do they cost?
Tickets are on sale now starting at $10. Organizers expect high demand and a potential sell-out.
Will the parade be broadcast?
Yes. The parade will be broadcast locally and to major Hispanic markets in the U.S. on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Is there an entry deadline for parade components?
The McAllen Holiday Shoebox Parade had an entry deadline listed as November 27, 2024. Prospective participants should confirm current deadlines and requirements with event organizers.
Key features at a glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | December 6, 2025 |
| Theme | Christmas Across America |
| Presenting Sponsor | HEB |
| Powered By | Bert Ogden Auto Group |
| Confirmed Celebrities | Leon Lett, Tony Hill |
| Special Acts | Holiday Musical Extravaganza; Mateo Adalberto Lopez (National Anthem) |
| Signature Balloon | Hello Kitty |
| Ticket Price (starting) | $10 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Texas Border Business: McAllen Kicks Off 2025 Holiday Parade Season with Big Announcements
- GoUTRGV: Football McAllen Holiday Parade Presented by H-E-B Goes Vaquero
- MyRGV: Mario Lopez, Julian Gil Set to Return as McAllen’s Parade Hosts
- Texas Border Business: Ways to Watch 2024 McAllen Holiday Parade Dec 7th
- Wikipedia: Holiday Parades in the United States
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Holiday
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