The holiday season is synonymous with joy, togetherness and, of course, spectacular celebrations that light up hearts and cities around the world.

The city of McAllen is transformed into a dream setting for one of its most anticipated annual events, the McAllen Holiday Parade. This event not only marks the beginning of the holiday festivities, but also brings together families, friends and visitors from everywhere to share an occasion of pure joy and wonder.

It's not just a parade, it's a life-energizing experience, and Reliant is proud to sponsor it. Imagine floats illuminated with thousands of LED lights, talented marching bands and an atmosphere that wraps you in a warm embrace of festivity and community. It is a time when, no matter your age, you cannot help but feel wonder.

In 2023, more than 5,000 volunteers participated in the parade, and there were 260,000 attendees. In addition, 27 million people watched it on television.

Where and when to watch

The McAllen Holiday Parade is the culmination of a three-day event that kicks off Thursday, Dec. 5, with Christmas in the Park, a two-day expo where attendees can enjoy food, crafts and more. Day two of Christmas in the Park features a carnival and a free concert. On Saturday, Dec. 7, Christmas in the Park starts at noon, with a carnival and another free concert.

Parade route

The McAllen Holiday Parade is considered the largest Christmas and helium balloon parade in Texas. The parade runs through McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium, exiting onto Bicentennial Blvd south on a 1.5-mile route. It includes two “Vuelta Zones,” where attendees can purchase assigned seating outside the stadium. In these areas the crowd shouts “vuelta, vuelta!” to encourage the balloon handlers to spin the parade’s huge helium balloons; these seats also include free t-shirts, noisemakers and DJ entertainment.

To make sure you do not miss a single moment of this spectacular event, we recommend that you plan in advance. Be sure to visit the official McAllen Christmas Parade website at mcallenholidayparade.com for information on schedules, routes and parking recommendations. Arriving early will help you get a good spot to enjoy the parade.

• Date: Dec. 7, 2024
• Place: McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium
  -  Gates to the stadium and “Vuelta Zones” will open at 3:30 p.m.
  -  Fireworks at 4:30 p.m.
  -  Parade from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m.

• Masters of Ceremonies: Mario López and Linda Tovar

Share the experience with your family

The parade is created to delight all spectators, offering something special for all ages. From children's favorite characters to impressive displays of technology and creativity, every minute of the event is designed to enhance the magic of the season and create memories that will last a lifetime.

A commitment to the community

At Reliant, we understand the importance of developing and maintaining our customers' trust through honest and transparent actions. That's why we're proud to be part of events like the McAllen Holiday Parade. It not only serves as a celebration of the season, but also an opportunity to bring the community together and foster a spirit of generosity and mutual support.

The McAllen Holiday Parade is more than an event. It is a tradition that continues to grow and amaze generations. At Reliant, we are proud to support and be a part of these celebrations that reflect our values and commitment to the community. We invite you to experience the magic of the season with us and discover how our services can make your life brighter and more joyful.

This year, do not miss the opportunity to be part of this magical event. We look forward to seeing you at the McAllen Holiday Parade to share the joy of the season together!

Happy holidays!