Christmas Night Parade

Del Rio Christmas Night Parade Draws Huge Crowd, Showcases Community Spirit

By Texas Times Staff
DEL RIO, Texas — The City of Del Rio’s annual Christmas Night Parade proved to be a major success, drawing an impressive turnout and highlighting the strong community spirit that continues to define the city.
According to Esme Meza, Community Services Director for the City of Del Rio, the parade, held Friday, December 5, exceeded expectations in both participation and attendance.
“We had about 80 registered entries, but many included multiple units such as walkers, trucks, and trailers,” Meza said. “By the time everything was counted, we had well over 100 units, including floats, walking groups, vehicles, and even animals.”
Meza said the community response was overwhelming, noting that residents braved chilly weather conditions to take part in the long-standing holiday tradition.
“It was cold, so we didn’t know what to expect,” she said. “But people came prepared with jackets, hats, and blankets, and they still came out in large numbers. That really shows how much this parade means to our community.”
Parade participants also noted the size of the crowd. One entry reportedly purchased more than 1,500 candy canes, yet ran out before even reaching the halfway point of the route  a clear sign of the parade’s popularity.
This year’s theme, “Level Up,” inspired by classic arcade video games, was especially well received. Meza said many entries fully embraced the theme, featuring characters and designs from beloved games such as Mario, Donkey Kong, and other retro favorites.
“The creativity was amazing,” Meza said. “People really stuck to the theme, and it showed. The entries were colorful, fun, and very engaging.”
Several groups were recognized for their outstanding participation. The Mayor’s Choice Award was presented to one standout entry, while first place honors went to another top competitor. The Queen City Belles earned second place and also received the Holiday Award for best performance. Additionally, Del Rio High School CTE was recognized for its “Merry and Bright” themed entry, which Mesa described as one of the most memorable of the night.
Meza emphasized that the parade is about more than competition.
“We do this for the citizens, for the families, and especially for the kids both the young and the young at heart,” she said. “Whether someone had a loved one in the parade or was just there to watch, it was about coming together and celebrating the season.”
Looking ahead, Meza said residents can expect announcements early in the new year regarding future city events, including the theme for next year’s Christmas parade and the City of Del Rio’s Halloween Haunted House at City Hall.
“We’re excited for what’s ahead,” Meza said. “This turnout shows that Del Rio truly values these traditions.”
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