McAllen unveils South Pole Illuminated Festival lineup, adds indoor ice rink and H‑E‑B community day
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Summary
McAllen city leaders and event partners announced the South Pole Illuminated Festival will run Nov. 28–Dec. 28 with new features including an indoor ice rink called H‑E‑B on Ice, weekend Driscoll Electric Parades, and a H‑E‑B community day offering free admission before 7 p.m. on Dec. 16; tickets are available at southpoleoftexas.com.
McAllen city officials and festival partners onstage at the McAllen Convention Center announced the return of the South Pole Illuminated Festival, scheduled to open Nov. 28 and run through Dec. 28, with expanded attractions intended to draw families and visitors from across Texas.
"This is truly my favorite time of the year," Mayor Javier Villalobos said as he welcomed attendees and thanked sponsors, city staff and volunteers who helped build the festival. City Manager Isaac Tewill described the events as economic drivers, saying they draw thousands of visitors and generate "millions in economic activity" for local hotels, restaurants and businesses.
Yahaira Flores, director of convention facilities, described the festival's new and returning attractions, including large illuminated lantern displays modeled on American landmarks and what she described as "America's tallest digital Christmas tree" as the festival centerpiece. Flores also outlined family amenities such as Santa's Village, a vendor market, nightly live performances, holiday food vendors and a narrated McAllen train for families.
Linda Tovar, director of public affairs for H‑E‑B, said the grocery chain is again a presenting partner and announced two festival-specific programs: H‑E‑B on Ice, an indoor ice-skating attraction adjacent to parade floats, and H‑E‑B community day on Tuesday, Dec. 16, when organizers said admission will be free before 7 p.m. "H‑E‑B is proud to once again partner with the city of McAllen and the McAllen Convention Center to bring the magic of the South Pole Illuminated Festival to life," Tovar said.
Driscoll Children's Hospital will again present the Driscoll Electric Parade, a weekend feature at Oval Park. Matt Woltoff of Driscoll noted the parade's return and recalled last year's special visit to the children's hospital that brought the parade to patients. "Together, we heal," Woltoff said, describing the hospital's role as a presenting partner.
Organizers provided basic schedule and ticketing details: the official tree-lighting ceremony will take place on Friday, Nov. 28; the festival runs through Dec. 28; tickets are available at southpoleoftexas.com and Ticketmaster. Public hours were listed as Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Festival organizers repeatedly acknowledged local sponsors, naming H‑E‑B, Driscoll Health System, Lone Star National Bank, McAllen International Airport, Sames Auto Group, Reliant and Metro McAllen among supporters. City officials said the festival is intended to boost quality of life and regional tourism while giving local families a free or low-cost holiday experience on designated community days.
Organizers emphasized partnerships and volunteer efforts as central to the festival's production and encouraged residents to visit the event website for ticketing and program details. For more information and to buy tickets, organizers directed the public to southpoleoftexas.com.
