Faqs

What time does parade start

Gates open at 3:30 PM and the parade starts at 6:00 PM at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium on December 5, 2026. Stadium Location: https://bit.ly/ParadeLocation Ticket Info: In-Stadium Tickets (5:30 PM): Reserved seating, fireworks, Opening Extravaganza https://mcallenholidayparade.com/ Vuelta Zone & Sky Box Tickets (5:30 PM): Reserved street-level seating to see the balloons spin + free T-shirt, giveaways, noisemaker & music stage https://mcallenholidayparade.com/

Where can I get McAllen Holiday Parade tickets?

Join us! See below for ways to watch on Saturday, December 5, 2026.

Purchase tickets here: https://mcallenholidayparade.com/

Ticket Options:

In-Stadium Tickets (5:30 PM): Reserved seat, fireworks, Opening Extravaganza, Vuelta Spin-off & more.

Vuelta Zone & Sky Box Tickets (5:30 PM): Reserved Street zone, spinning balloons, free T-shirt, giveaways, noisemaker & music stage.

When are the FREE concerts?

Enjoy FREE concerts at the 2026 Christmas in the Park Holiday Festival!

Location: McAllen Municipal Park

Friday, Dec. 4 | 5 PM – 11 PM

Saturday, Dec. 5 | 12 PM – 11 PM

Festival Fun Includes:
FREE giveaways, Dallas Cowboys Hall of Fame Trailer, festival food, carnival, balloon preview, holiday market & more!

At what age do kids have to pay for seating?

Kids under 3 are FREE. Ages 3 and up require a ticket in all ticketed sections. Get tickets at: https://mcallenholidayparade.com/

Is this event handicap accessible?

Yes! Handicap-accessible tickets for stadium seating are available at the McAllen Performing Arts Center Box Office.

MPAC Box Office Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 1 PM – 5 PM
Friday: 10 AM – 5 PM

Accessible Route Seating
Accessible seating along the parade route is available for purchase on Quince Ave. & Bicentennial Blvd.

Where is handicapped-accessible parking?

FREE parking and the Metro McAllen Polar Express Shuttle are available and will take guests to the stadium or parade route. Service is FREE and runs 12 PM – 12 AM. Parking Locations: • South Texas College Cooper Center (adjacent to STC Pecan) – Park & Ride • Wheelchairs/Scooters: Please park at 31st & Pecan (Handicap Placard Required) • Returning to STC Cooper Center? Please board buses at the Rio Bank location at 23rd Street.

Can we buy tickets at the gate?

Yes, while supplies last. You may also purchase tickets at the McAllen Performing Arts Center Box Office before December 5, 2026.

In-Stadium Tickets (5:30 PM): Reserved seat, fireworks, Opening Extravaganza, Vuelta Spin-off & more: https://mcallenholidayparade.com/

Gates open at 3:30 PM and the parade begins at 6:00 PM at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium.

When is the Carnival?

The Holiday Carnival at Christmas in the Park opens:

• Thursday, December 3: 5 PM – 11 PM
- Friday, December 4: 5 PM – 11 PM
- Saturday, December 5: 12 PM – 11 PM

Location: McAllen Municipal Park

Get ready for festive fun, games, rides, and more. It's the perfect way to kick off parade weekend!

Where is parade parking?

FREE parking and shuttle service to and from South Texas College via the Metro McAllen Polar Express will be available on Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 12 PM – Midnight.

Where is the free shuttle?

FREE parking and shuttle service to and from South Texas College via the Metro McAllen Polar Express will be available on Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 12 PM – Midnight.

Address: 3201 W. Pecan Blvd., McAllen, TX

Where is the parade route?

The parade route begins on Bicentennial Blvd and stretches 1.5 miles! • Gates open: 3:30 PM • Parade starts: 6:00 PM at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium • Stadium Location: https://bit.ly/ParadeLocation Get ready for the most magical night in South Texas!

When is the FREE Christmas in the Park Holiday Festival?

Enjoy FREE concerts at the 2026 Christmas in the Park Holiday Festival!

Location: McAllen Municipal Park

Friday, Dec. 4 | 5 PM – 11 PM

Saturday, Dec. 5 | 12 PM – 11 PM

Festival Fun Includes:
- FREE giveaways, Dallas Cowboys Hall of Fame Trailer, festival food, carnival, balloon preview, holiday market & more!