Some holiday traditions are so magical that it’s hard to see the season without them. And here in Las Vegas, one of those traditions happens every year under the twinkling lights of Downtown Summerlin – the signature Holiday Parade.
Have you ever wondered how the Downtown Summerlin Holiday Parade got its start?
When Downtown Summerlin opened its doors in October 2014, it brought an exciting, open-air shopping, dining, and entertainment experience to Las Vegas. Just one year later, in 2015, the team introduced its very first Holiday Parade.
The idea was simple but special: create a festive, complimentary holiday experience where families could come together, celebrate the season, and make memories without having to spend a dime.
What started as a holiday attraction quickly became something much bigger. The inaugural parade drew more than one million visitors over its 20-day run.
What makes this parade so special? It’s the people behind the magic.
From the creative minds designing the floats to the local youth dancers, costumers, choreographers, and production team bringing every detail to life, the parade is a community effort.
One of the parade’s most cherished traditions is its involvement of local youth performers. Through casting opportunities with BESTAgency, talented young performers get the chance to become part of the holiday spectacle. For many, it’s an unforgettable opportunity to perform in front of thousands of spectators, build their résumés, gain valuable performance experience, and even earn a paycheck along the way.
But the magic begins long before the first holiday song plays. Months ahead of the season, Downtown Summerlin works in collaboration with BESTAgency to develop exciting new float concepts. From there, BESTAgency takes the creative lead, bringing each production to life through colorful costumes, imaginative choreography, and comprehensive cast rehearsals. BESTAgency also oversees cast management and nightly parade operations throughout the season.
Their involvement is essential to the parade’s success, helping transform creative concepts into the spectacular holiday experience audiences look forward to each year.
Over the past eleven years, the parade has continued to evolve, bringing fresh surprises and new experiences while keeping the holiday spirit that started it all.
Downtown Summerlin Holiday Parade
For Halee Harczynski, Senior Marketing Director at Downtown Summerlin, watching that original vision grow into a beloved community tradition has been one of the most rewarding parts of her role.
“I started a few years after the property opened and immediately saw an opportunity to build on the success of the Holiday Parade,” Harczynski shared.
This year’s parade promises to be bigger, brighter, and merrier than ever, featuring an exciting new float, an enchanting journey to the North Pole, magical snow flurries and the most important guest of all — SANTA CLAUS!
For Harczynski, it’s watching the parade through the eyes of the children in the audience.
“Since becoming a mom, the parade has taken on an even deeper, more personal meaning for me. Experiencing it through my daughter’s eyes is truly magical. Despite the countless hours of preparation and the inevitable stresses that come along with it, seeing her face light up—and knowing we’re bringing that same joy and wonder to so many other little faces—is what makes every moment worthwhile. There’s nothing quite like being able to share the magic of the season with others.”
And that’s really what the Downtown Summerlin Holiday Parade is all about.
It’s the wide-eyed excitement when Santa appears, the giggles when snow begins to fall, and the special memories families make together year after year.
Whether this is your first parade or your tenth, there’s always something new to discover and another memory waiting to be made.
The Downtown Summerlin Holiday Parade, presented by InTouch Credit Union, returns in 2026 every Friday and Saturday at 6 p.m. from November 20 through December 19, with no parade on Black Friday, November 27.
Bring the kids, invite your friends, grab a bite to eat, and find your favorite spot along Park Centre Drive.
Some of the best memories don’t come wrapped in a box. They come with twinkling lights, falling snow, happy faces, and a little parade magic.
Happy Holidays from Downtown Summerlin!
