Organizers for the McAllen Holiday Parade, presented by H-E-B and powered by Bert Ogden Auto Group, announced two new elements debuting for the 11th annual presentation of the largest illuminated holiday and helium balloon parade when it steps off from McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium, 2001 N. Bicentennial Blvd. on Saturday, December 7, at 6 p.m. Mateo Adalberto Lopez, will sing the National Anthem at the opening Holiday Musical Extravaganza that kicks off the parade festivities and the Hello Kitty helium balloon will appear as part of the line-up during the parade.
Lopez was first recognized as the world’s youngest mariachi by the Guinness World Records at only four years old. His notoriety grew after performing on NBC’s national television show, “Little Big Shots” and international talent show, “Mexico’s Got Talent.” He took the judges by surprise with his amazing talent and confidence, earning himself the golden buzzer before securing a place in the finals. He quickly burst onto the mariachi music scene making appearances on the Kelly Clarkson show, the MLS All-star game, NBA games, countless NFL Games, the cover of USA today, and even appeared in a Super bowl commercial.
Hello Kitty was created by Sanrio in 1974 and this superstar animated character, spanning generations, is truly a beloved global icon known for her signature red bow and heartwarming charm.
The Extravaganza will open with the UTRGV Marching Band and a dazzling dance opening number, choreographed by Artistic Director Julie Doyle, in collaboration with all three McAllen ISD 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 will light up the stadium, topped off by a stunning fireworks display.
As the Extravaganza concludes, the UTRGV Marching Band will lead the parade as the official Step-Off Band for the McAllen Holiday Parade, launching a spectacular 1.5-mile route down Bicentennial Boulevard.
While tickets for the parade are already on sale now, anyone wishing to be a part of the parade can volunteer as balloon handlers and banner carriers. Over the years, the City of McAllen volunteer experience is one-of-a-kind.
Balloon handler volunteers must be 18 years or over, while banner carriers must be 16 years or over. All volunteers must go through a background check and will receive gloves, a T-shirt and snacks. Learn more by visiting Las Palmas Community Center located at 1921 N 25th St. or by calling (956) 681-3350.
Anyone interested in participating in the McAllen Holiday Shoebox Parade, a pintsize celebration of the big parade, have less than one month to submit their holiday parade entry – on a shoebox. Open to children, adults, families, schools, non-profits and civic organizations, all creativity and imagination is invited to participate. MHP tickets and swag will be given to every entry for this year’s parade. The grand prize will be VIP MHP stadium tickets and meet and greet passes for the 2025 presentation of the parade along with a $50 VISA gift card for second and third place prizes. Winning entries will be announced at the 2025 Christmas in July press conference. The deadline to enter is Wednesday, November 27, by 12 p.m. at McAllen City Hall, Office of Communications. The winning entries will be premiered in a televised production in the stadium, on MCN and on all streaming platforms on Saturday, December 7, right before the McAllen Holiday Parade steps off.
Already announced celebrities include Dallas Cowboys Legend and Super Bowl Champion Tony Tolbert who will make an appearance at the parade, along with celebrity hosts Mario Lopez and Linda Tovar for the English rebroadcast of the parade and Julian Gil for the Spanish-language rebroadcast. The McAllen Holiday Parade airs on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the top 33 U.S. Hispanic markets, while airing live locally on every network. Tickets for the parade are already on sale and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets start at just $10. Act quickly, as the stadium is expected to sell out.
For the latest information on the parade, follow McAllen Holiday Parade and the City of McAllen on all social media platforms.
