McAllen Holiday Parade
Spectators can watch giant character helium balloons, illuminated floats, marching bands, and dance teams travel along a 1.5-mile route. The celebration features celebrity hosts, special guest appearances, and dedicated areas like the Vuelta Zones where crowds cheer balloons spinning. In-stadium guests also enjoy fireworks, an Opening Extravaganza, and the Vuelta Spin-off.
What to Expect
The largest holiday and helium balloon parade in Texas.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
City of McAllen
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and parade fans
Vibe
Big, festive, high-energy
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Parking: Free parking and shuttle service are available from South Texas College; a separate accessible parking location is specified.
- Accessibility: Handicap-accessible stadium seating tickets are available at the McAllen Performing Arts Center Box Office, and accessible route seating is available on Quince Ave. and Bicentennial Blvd.
Tips & Advice
- If you park at the STC Cooper Center, catch the return bus at the Rio Bank location on 23rd Street after the parade.
- Buy tickets ahead of time, because gate sales only last while supplies hold out.
- Children under 3 get in free, but everyone age 3 and up needs a ticket in every ticketed section.
- Wheelchair and scooter users should park at 31st & Pecan, where a handicap placard is required.
- Make a weekend of it at Christmas in the Park, where the free festival, concerts and carnival run in the days leading up to the parade.
Special Events & Promotions
- New this year: Vuelta Zones along the route, where the crowd cheers the giant balloons into a spin.
- Vuelta Zone tickets include a Sea Bag with a T-shirt, a noisemaker and a glitter rubber duckie.
- The Skybox Fan Experience comes with gifts from McAllen International Airport.
- Christmas in the Park Holiday Festival has free concerts on the Friday and Saturday of parade weekend at McAllen Municipal Park.
- The Holiday Carnival at Christmas in the Park runs Thursday through Saturday of parade weekend, with games and rides.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between stadium seats and Vuelta Zone or Sky Box seats?
In-Stadium tickets give you a reserved seat plus the fireworks, the Opening Extravaganza and the Vuelta Spin-off. Vuelta Zone and Sky Box tickets give you reserved street-level seating where the balloons spin, along with a free T-shirt, giveaways, a noisemaker and a music stage.
Where do I park?
Park free at the South Texas College Cooper Center, next to STC Pecan. The free Metro McAllen Polar Express shuttle takes you to the stadium or the parade route and runs all afternoon and evening on parade day.
Is there seating for guests with disabilities?
Yes. Handicap-accessible stadium tickets are sold at the McAllen Performing Arts Center Box Office. Accessible seating along the route is for sale on Quince Ave. and Bicentennial Blvd.
Can I buy tickets at the gate?
Yes, while supplies last. You can also buy them ahead of time at the McAllen Performing Arts Center Box Office.
What else is going on during parade weekend?
The free Christmas in the Park Holiday Festival at McAllen Municipal Park has concerts, giveaways, the Dallas Cowboys Hall of Fame Trailer, festival food, a balloon preview and a holiday market. The Holiday Carnival there opens the Thursday before the parade.
More Christmas Events Near McAllen
More Christmas Events near McAllen
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.