SAN ANGELO – This year’s 24th Christmas Parade, with weather a perfect seasonally 64 degrees, resulted in the largest turnout ever as 20,000 families with children, gleefully celebrated the kickoff of the Christmas holiday season with one favorite fictitious character, “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” His appearance delighted his fanbase. While the crowds have grown exponentially over the years, the cap on Parade entries is 80-85 due to safety precautions.
The Christmas Parade, formerly “The Lights of Christmas Parade,” started in 2001 and is considered one of the biggest block-party extravaganzas held during the first weekend of December.
Mr. Grinch a grumpy, furry green fictious character created by Dr. Seuss’ 1957 book, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” star shone bigger when the iconic song, “You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch” debuted in the 1966 animated television holiday memorable with Mr. Thurl Ravenscroft the voice of Grinch, and the narrator of the special provided by the legendary, Mr. Boris Karloff.
Mr. Grinch, a sourpuss, and his faithful dog companion, Max, reside in Whoville. He strongly despises Christmas and wants to ruin it for everyone in his community. The Grinch’s heart is eventually touched when he realizes that his fellow Who residents’ joy comes not from gifts but from the love they share.
The greatest joy families experienced is when their children’s faces lit up in seeing their Christmas favorites from Santa Claus to Donald, Daffy Duck, Mickey, and Minnie Mouse, Christmas trees with all the beautiful décor on Parade floats, etc.
The Parade Color Guard led off at 6:15 p.m., followed by San Angelo Mayor Ted Thompson and his lovely wife, Karla.
Among a plethora of Parade entries included: Santa’s Sleigh Ride float, San Angelo Railway Museum motorized train pulling barrel cars, The Door Christian Fellowship Church float decorated with a nativity scene while its church members sang Christmas carols, led by dressed up Roman Soldiers, JV Contracting Services’ float had on board an inflated Mr. Grinch with a plastic sign that read “I’m here for the presents”, several tractors, a Minneapolis, the other a John Deere 830 Diesel from Paul Moore Farms, The Lone Star Middle School Cheer team, to mention a few from the 85 registered Parade participants.
The CP held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, included the Historic Downtown San Angelo area, located on West Concho Ave and Oakes St.