From a float parade featuring gigantic balloons along the harbor front, marching bands facing off downtown to the climax of a matchup between two college football teams, the Holiday Bowl has been a staple in San Diego sports history since 1978.

This year's Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade takes place Friday at 10 a.m. Here's everything you should know about the annual event.

Watch the entire Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl parade with marching bands, floats and balloons from downtown San Diego.

Specialty balloons, marching bands and more are gearing up to march along the San Diego Bay for the annual Holiday Bowl Parade.

Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in Downtown | Street-side viewing is free Marching bands, drill teams, and giant balloons will parade down San Diego’s waterfront in celebration of the DIRECTV Holiday Bowl.

The No. 22 Syracuse Orange will clash with the depleted Washington State Cougars in the DirecTV Holiday Bowl today. This game is available on multiple streaming services for free.

San Diego buses and Trolleys are increasing service for the highly anticipated Holiday Bowl taking place on Friday, and the MTS schedule for Christmas Day has been released, along with information on a promotion where you can bring a guest to ride for free with you over the holiday.

The Holiday Bowl has been woven into the fabric of San Diego for four decades. For a football city without a professional sports team, there is even more excitement surrounding this annual event.