We found four Christmas parades and tree lightings in and around McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley with 2026 dates: three parades and one tree lighting or lighting night, three free to watch. Each one has the date, start time, price and a link to the organizer’s page.
By date
Filter to what fits your evening, then tap one for its time, price and kid notes.
Lighting festival · Thu–Fri 5–11pm4DecFriNight of Lights Parade
Parade · Time not listed4DecFriDowntown Harlingen Christmas ParadeParade · Time not listed5DecSatMcAllen Holiday ParadeParade · 6pmNothing matches that filter yet.
Christmas parades
Start time, price and what to know with little kids, from each organizer’s own page.
Closner Blvd, downtown Edinburg · Edinburg · about 10 miles away
Good to know: A lighted night parade put on by the Edinburg Chamber and the city. This year's theme is "Christmas in the Toy Box."
Jackson Ave, downtown Harlingen · Harlingen · about 35 miles away
Good to know: Harlingen holds its downtown parade on the first Friday of December, which is Dec 4 on the city's 2026 event calendar.
Bicentennial Blvd. route and McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium · McAllen
Good to know: Gates open at 3:30pm. Free parking and shuttle from South Texas College, 3201 W. Pecan Blvd., noon to midnight.
Know one we missed?Send us the organizer’s page and we’ll check the date and add it.Suggest a parade
Tree lightings
Most lightings are short and happen at dusk, often with Santa, music or cocoa.
Municipal Park, 1921 Bicentennial Blvd. · McAllen
Good to know: Carnival, food, a balloon preview and free concerts on parade weekend.
More to come.Tree lightings are often announced late. We recheck every week through early December.Email me when one’s addedBefore you go
SpotGet there earlyA curb spot near the start means little ones see everything and you can leave before the end.
WarmDress for standing stillWatching is colder than walking. Bring a blanket for the stroller and an extra layer.
TimingCheck the start timeLighted parades start after dark. Daytime parades are easier for nap schedules.Keep planning
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Free things to do in McAllenFree days, free events and places that never charge
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This week in McAllenDated outings for ages 0–6, checked every ThursdayGood questions
Night of Lights Parade: Fri, Dec 4, 2026 (Edinburg · about 10 miles away). Downtown Harlingen Christmas Parade: Fri, Dec 4, 2026 (Harlingen · about 35 miles away). McAllen Holiday Parade: Sat, Dec 5, 2026, 6pm (McAllen).
Christmas in the Park at Municipal Park, 1921 Bicentennial Blvd.: Dec 3 – Dec 5, Thu–Fri 5–11pm; Sat noon–11pm.
Three of the four we list are free to watch: Christmas in the Park, Night of Lights Parade and Downtown Harlingen Christmas Parade. Some charge for extras like Santa photos or rides, and each card says so.
Daytime ones are easiest with toddlers: Downtown Harlingen Christmas Parade. Evening ones start after dark and are colder, so bring layers and a blanket for the stroller. Get there early for a curb spot near the start so little ones can see.
Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 30, 2026, and we recheck them every week through early December. How we choose and check.
One short email every Thursday evening with the best things to do with little ones in McAllen that weekend, parades included.
