Holiday cheer is here, McAllen! Discover all the top festive happenings with our guide. For McAllen natives and newcomers alike, our guide illuminates the path to festive fun.
Popular events this season include the McAllen Holiday Parade, a vibrant spectacle featuring dazzling floats and live entertainment illuminating the streets. Not to be missed, Christmas in the Park offers a cozy winter village experience, complete with twinkling lights and seasonal treats. And the enchanting performance of The Nutcracker is something you definitely don't want to miss. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around McAllen
- McAllen Holiday Parade
- Christmas in the Park
- The Nutcracker
- FREE Concerts at Christmas in the Park
- Carnival at Christmas in the Park
- Stadium Extravaganza and Fireworks Show
- Vuelta Zones
- MFE Sky Box Experience
- Balloon Preview at Christmas in the Park
- Polar Express Free Shuttle Service
See these and even more events listed below!
McAllen Holiday Shows and Entertainment
McAllen Holiday Parade
What to Expect:
Largest holiday helium balloon parade in Texas.
Description:
The McAllen Holiday Parade is a spectacular event featuring a 1.5-mile parade route with giant helium balloons, illuminated floats, and celebrity hosts. It includes marching bands, dance teams, and a festive atmosphere with Christmas in the Park.
Where: McAllen | More Info: McAllen Holiday Parade
Christmas in the Park
What to Expect:
Live music and entertainment with over 40 craft vendors.
Description:
Christmas in the Park is a free, family-friendly event at McAllen Municipal Park featuring live music, food vendors, craft vendors, and activities for all ages.
Where: McAllen | More Info: Christmas in the Park
The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Nutcracker is a classic ballet performance where Clara and her family celebrate Christmas Eve, featuring intricate dance and elaborate sets.
Where: McAllen | More Info: The Nutcracker
Stadium Extravaganza and Fireworks Show
What to Expect:
Dazzling fireworks display marking the parade's start.
Description:
The Stadium Extravaganza and Fireworks Show is a spectacular event featuring a grand opening ceremony, balloon inflations, and a dazzling fireworks display that culminates in the start of the McAllen Holiday Parade.
Where: McAllen | More Info: Stadium Extravaganza and Fireworks Show
FREE Concerts at Christmas in the Park
What to Expect:
Live music performances by local and regional bands.
Description:
Free concerts at Christmas in the Park feature a variety of bands and performers, including Texas Storm Band, Xplosion Tejana, and Grupo Inevitable, providing live music for the entire family to enjoy.
Where: McAllen | More Info: FREE Concerts at Christmas in the Park
MFE Sky Box Experience
What to Expect:
Exclusive parade stop with live DJ and LED stage featuring Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders.
Description:
The MFE Sky Box Experience offers an exclusive parade stop with a special host, live DJ, and illuminated LED stage featuring the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders. Guests receive a complimentary t-shirt, noisemaker, and LED surprise.
Where: McAllen | More Info: MFE Sky Box Experience
Live Stream of the McAllen Holiday Parade
What to Expect:
Largest holiday and helium balloon parade in Texas with unique "Vuelta Zones."
Description:
The McAllen Holiday Parade features illuminated floats, giant helium balloons, and celebrity hosts, celebrating South Texas culture with a 1.5-mile parade route.
Where: McAllen | More Info: Live Stream of the McAllen Holiday Parade
Assigned Seating Along the McAllen Holiday Parade Route
What to Expect:
Exclusive balloon spin zone with live DJ and free merchandise.
Description:
Witness the McAllen Holiday Parade with assigned seating in the new balloon spin zone, enjoying a FREE t-shirt, noisemaker, and DJ entertainment stage.
Where: McAllen | More Info: Assigned Seating Along the McAllen Holiday Parade Route
South Padre Island Vuelta Zones
What to Expect:
Giant helium balloons that twirl on command.
Description:
The South Padre Island Vuelta Zones feature giant helium balloons that twirl when the audience yells "Vuelta," adding a unique element to the parade.
Where: South Padre Island | More Info: South Padre Island Vuelta Zones
McAllen Other Holiday Activities
Carnival at Christmas in the Park
What to Expect:
Free concerts and carnival rides in a festive atmosphere.
Description:
Christmas in the Park features a carnival with unlimited ride bracelets, artisan vendors, and free concerts, running from Thursday to Saturday with various activities and entertainment.
Where: McAllen | More Info: Carnival at Christmas in the Park
Balloon Preview at Christmas in the Park
What to Expect:
Unique balloon designs and community performances.
Description:
Witness the grandeur of giant helium balloons in the new Vuelta Zones, a highlight of the Balloon Preview at Christmas in the Park, featuring elaborate designs and community performances.
Where: McAllen | More Info: Balloon Preview at Christmas in the Park
Vuelta Zones
What to Expect:
Giant helium balloons that turn in response to audience cheers.
Description:
The Vuelta Zones feature giant helium balloons that turn when the audience yells "Vuelta," creating a unique and dynamic element of the parade.
Where: McAllen | More Info: Vuelta Zones
Polar Express Free Shuttle Service
What to Expect:
Free transportation service for parade attendees.
Description:
The Polar Express Free Shuttle Service offers continuous transportation from South Texas College to the McAllen Holiday Parade, making it convenient for attendees to travel along the parade route.
Where: McAllen | More Info: Polar Express Free Shuttle Service
Volunteering at the McAllen Holiday Parade
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday event with over 5,000 participants and volunteers.
Description:
Join the McAllen Holiday Parade as a volunteer to help create a memorable holiday experience for the community. Assist with setup, crowd management, and other essential tasks to ensure the event runs smoothly.
Where: McAllen | More Info: Volunteering at the McAllen Holiday Parade
Community Organization Seating
What to Expect:
Reserved seating for community organizations.
Description:
Community Organization Seating offers reserved seating along the parade route, supporting local organizations and providing a unique viewing experience.
Where: McAllen | More Info: Community Organization Seating
Free Seating Along the McAllen Holiday Parade Route
What to Expect:
Largest holiday and helium balloon parade in Texas.
Description:
Witness the vibrant spectacle of the McAllen Holiday Parade along the 1.5-mile route, featuring giant helium balloons, illuminated floats, and celebrity hosts.