Texas Border Business
The City of McAllen today announced an all-star lineup of excitement and holiday magic for the 2025 McAllen Holiday Parade, presented by H-E-B and powered by Bert Ogden Auto Group.
During the press event at the Peña Eye Institute, McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos, City Commissioners, City Manager Isaac “Ike” Tawil, and representatives from the Peña Eye Institute unveiled several major announcements sure to thrill parade fans across South Texas and beyond.
Image: Jeffrey Beall,
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The highlight of the event was the announcement that Dallas Cowboys legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin will serve as the English-language broadcast host of the 2025 McAllen Holiday Parade. Known for his energy, charisma, and love of the game, Irvin will bring his trademark enthusiasm to this year’s spectacular parade broadcast.
Adding to the excitement, the Peña Eye Institute will once again bring the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders to McAllen, joining the parade on their illuminated float alongside Rowdy, the beloved Dallas Cowboys mascot. The Peña Eye Institute will also debut the Dallas Cowboys Hall of Fame Trailer, giving fans a unique chance to experience a piece of Cowboys history right here in McAllen.
In addition, officials announced the latest winners of Santa’s Christmas Adventure, the popular community giveaway that spreads holiday joy throughout the region. The next giveaway begins Monday, November 10, on all McAllen Holiday Parade social media platforms so be sure to follow along for your chance to win festive prizes and experiences.
City leaders also reminded residents that volunteering for the McAllen Holiday Parade puts you right in the middle of the magic. “Every year, it’s our volunteers who make the McAllen Holiday Parade truly shine,” said McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos. “They bring the spirit of our community to life, helping create memories that last a lifetime. If you’ve ever wanted to be part of something magical, this is your chance.”
Anyone interested in volunteering can sign up at the Las Palmas Community Center, call (956) 681-3350, or email: pardvolunteers@mcallen.net
“Now in its 12th year, the McAllen Holiday Parade has become one of Texas’ largest and most celebrated holiday events,” added McAllen City Manager Isaac ‘Ike’ J. Tawil. “It’s a point of pride for our city, drawing thousands of visitors and national attention for our dazzling floats, larger-than-life balloons, celebrity guests, and that unmistakable McAllen spirit.”
Special thanks to community partners, sponsors, and media outlets who help share McAllen’s story with the world. The McAllen Holiday Parade is supported by City departments including theMcAllen International Airport, McAllen International Bridge System, McAllen Public Utility, McAllen Public Works, Metro McAllen, McAllen Shines, Explore McAllen, as well as the McAllen Economic Development Corporation.
Other sponsors include: South Padre Island CVB; Reliant; Lone Star National Bank; Budweiser–L&F Distributors; The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley; Lone Star Ambulance; Matt’s Building Materials; PepsiCo; South Texas ISD; South Texas College; McDonald’s; Driscoll Children’s Hospital; Driscoll Health Plan; Chick-fil-A Rio Grande Valley; American Electric Power Foundation; IBC Bank; Lacks Furniture; Visit McAllen; Hermes; Peña Eye Institute; McAllen ISD; Linebarger Attorneys at Law; General Mills; PNC Bank; O’Reilly Auto Parts; Rhodes Enterprises & Esperanza Homes; Pollux Castor Creative; KSA Engineers; Palenque Group; Halff Associates; B2Z Engineering; Raba Kistner Consultants, Inc.; Rodeo Dental & Orthodontics; Dollar Tree; SpawGlass; Whataburger; and Q7Sports.
For more information, to purchase tickets, or to enter the Santa’s Christmas Adventure Giveaway, visit McAllenHolidayParade.com or follow @McAllenHolidayParade on social media.
