(This article was written by Abigail Muniz-Garcia and was featured in the December 2024 issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine.)
UPDATE: Parade has been rescheduled for December 13, due to rain.
Peace, love, and Christmas. This year’s City of Harlingen Christmas Parade is going retro. “A Groovy Christmas” is this year’s theme, and the festivities will take place on Friday, December 6 at 6 pm.
With 110 entries ranging from decorated floats, to cheer and drill teams, car clubs, and even businesses, this year’s parade promises to set the tone to kick off the holidays.
Angie Anderson, Promotions and Events Manager with Downtown Harlingen, says people should be prepared for large crowds.
“The streets get packed… it gets really packed,” she said. “It’s great seeing all the kids out and seeing the families enjoying it,” Anderson mentions of past parades.
When asked how the theme for this year’s parade came about, Anderson said that it was actually voted on by city employees. An anonymous survey went out and the theme with the most votes, won.
Anderson said attending the parade in 60s style would be a good idea.
“We encourage it,” she said.
The parade starts at Commerce and Jackson and runs down to 7th Street in Downtown Harlingen. Anderson mentioned streets will close at 2 pm that day. The temporary closure gives residents and businesses time to get everything situated for a safe parade.
“Be prepared to find an alternative route to your home or business. It’s really only for a few hours,” she said.
Like last year, there will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place plaques for floats that opt to be judged.
The judges are completely anonymous. Floats that are entered, should follow the theme.
Santa, the biggest attraction of the parade, is set to continue his tradition as he rides the Harlingen Fire Department fire truck to close out the parade.
“Make sure you stick around for that,” Anderson said.
At press time, the Grand Marshal for the parade had not been selected yet.
“We just want everyone to come and have a great time. That’s the reward for putting it (the parade) on,” she said.
For more information and updates, follow Downtown Harlingen on Instagram or Facebook or visit their website: https://www.harlingentx.gov/community/downtown_harlingen.
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