2024 McAllen Holiday Parade

The McAllen Holiday Parade, presented by H-E-B and powered by Bert Ogden Auto Group, attracted more than 200,000 spectators for the 11th annual presentation of the largest illuminated holiday and helium balloon parade in Texas. The parade featured 60 illuminated floats, 38 larger than life character helium balloons, 16 high school bands and dance teams, and appearances by the international and local celebrities. It stepped off from at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium before heading out on the 1.5-mile parade route on Bicentennial Boulevard. A holiday musical extravaganza with Mateo Lopez kicked off the festivities and the parade featured celebrity hosts Mario Lopez, Linda Tovar and Julian Gil and celebrity appearances by Dallas Cowboys players, legends and cheerleaders, among others.

The Extravaganza opened with the UTRGV Marching Band and a dazzling dance opening number, choreographed by Artistic Director Julie Doyle, in collaboration with all three McAllen I.S.D. high school dance teams, Melba’s Dance School, the UTRGV Flag Corps, and 400 talented MISD elementary students performing the parade’s official theme song, written and sung by McAllen's own Maria D’Luz. This show-stopping performance lit up the stadium, topped off by a stunning fireworks display!