Texas Border Business
The City of McAllen brought early holiday cheer to South Padre Island on Wednesday, October 15, as city officials and partners announced exciting updates for the 2025 McAllen Holiday Parade, presented by H-E-B and powered by Bert Ogden.
This year’s parade will celebrate “Christmas Across America” and promises to be the biggest and brightest in the event’s history. Among the most anticipated announcements were new celebrity guests, including Raúl Brindis and the dynamic duo Johnjay & Rich, hosts of the nationally syndicated Johnjay & Rich Show, who will make their debut appearance at the parade on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
The City also unveiled a brand-new Santa’s Christmas Adventure Giveaway, launching Friday, October 17, across all McAllen Holiday Parade social media platforms. The contest is made possible through the generous support of South Padre Island, and participants will have the chance to win exciting prizes, including tickets to the SPI Vuelta Zone and travel-themed souvenir packs.
South Padre Island will return to the parade with its signature sparkle and seaside flair. The Island’s beloved illuminated float, Ridley the Sea Turtle, will make a grand return alongside a brand-new giant helium balloon: Mr. Potato Head Fireman.
In addition, the SPI Vuelta Zone, a fan favorite where volunteers spin massive character balloons will once again take center stage, this time hosted live by Johnjay & Rich.
“Connecting the Valley’s number one travel destination with the Valley’s number one destination event has created warm holiday memories for millions of guests over the years,” said Cindy Treviño, Director of Marketing & Corporate Sponsorship for the South Padre Island Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We’re thrilled to bring even more magic to the McAllen Holiday Parade this year.”
Tickets for the SPI Vuelta Zone sell out first and fast, so buy your tickets now. They are available at McAllenHolidayParade.com.
McAllen City Manager Isaac “Ike” J. Tawil thanked the City’s many partners and sponsors for making the parade’s continued growth possible. “Every year, this event brings together our community in the spirit of joy and celebration,” Tawil said. “With our incredible sponsors and supporters, 2025 is shaping up to be our most spectacular parade yet.”
The McAllen Holiday Parade attracts thousands of visitors each year and has become one of the largest holiday celebrations in Texas.
For more information, to purchase tickets, or to enter the Santa’s Christmas Adventure Giveaway, visit McAllenHolidayParade.com or follow @McAllenParade on social media.
