There are more than enough holiday activities in the Coastal Bend to keep your family busy this season. From light displays to visits with Santa, performances to family outings – you’ll find something to keep everyone in the holiday spirit!
*** Is your favorite event missing? We’re updating this list as new information is released, but would love to incorporate your favorites as well! Comment below or submit your event for inclusion in our Holiday Event Guide and calendar! ***
Visits and Photos with Santa Claus
Thru December 24, 2016
Stop by Center Court at La Palmera Mall for visits with Santa Claus during mall hours through December 24. You can even schedule your photo session online in advance!
Harbor Playhouse Presents: A Christmas Carol
November 18 – December 18, 2016
Harbor Playhouse presents the musical, A Christmas Carol. Watch as Ebenezer Scrooge goes through a series of strange events on Christmas Eve, while be haunted by ghosts. Don’t miss watching this classic tale that will surely put you in the Christmas spirit!
2nd Annual Hot Tamale Festival
November 19, 2016 @12:00pm
Yes! It’s tamale season and we believe it’s another great way to celebrate the season! The Corpus Christi Hot Tamale Street Fest will be showcasing South Texas’ best tamales. Visit the beautiful Marina Arts District of Downtown Corpus Christi, while having your fill of a variety of Tamales from some of the best restaurants in town.
Christmas Tree Forest at Art Museum of South Texas
November 19 – December 14, 2016
Reflecting the theme of A Reading Wonderland, the forest will be made up of individual trees decorated to represent a selection of award-winning childhood classic books. Twenty area school groups were selected to read their chosen book, create related decorations, and trim their trees accordingly.
Corpus Christi Concert Ballet: The Nutcracker
November 26 – December 18, 2016
Enjoy this holiday classic in Selena Auditorium at the American Bank Center.
Lighting of Lamar Park
November 29, 2016
Celebrate the season at Lamar Park!
3rd Annual Town and Country Classic
December 3, 2016
Bring the family out for entertainment, refreshments, and specials at participating businesses. There will be live music, food booths, and prize drawings for the kids, too. Also, don’t miss your chance to met Olaf, Penguins of Madagascar and the Minions!
Herrman & Herrman Block Party
December 3, 2016 @ 12:00pm
Enjoy activities, food, and fun for the entire family! The first 500 visitors who bring a toy donation will receive a free Herrman Holiday Ham.
35th Annual Harbor Lights Festival
December 3, 2016 @ 1:00pm
The Harbor Lights Festival Children’s Parade starts at 1pm and events such as Santa’s Snowball Express Motorcade are scheduled throughout the day. The Lighting of the Holiday Tree is at 6:00pm, followed by the Harbor Lights Festival Illuminated Boat Parade at 7:00pm.
Christmas Historic Homes Tour
December 3 – December 4, 2016
Tour seven of Rockport-Fulton’s historic homes that are featured and decorated for the holidays.
Tropical Christmas Parade
December 3, 2016 @ 5:oopm
Love dogs? Humane Society volunteers are walking shelter dogs alongside Santa Paws’ sleigh and tossing goodie bags to the crowd. The walk is approximately 2 miles, so be prepared with good sturdy shoes if you plan on walking the parade. Not walking? Bring the family out to watch this fun, holiday night parade!
Parade of Lights
December 5, 2016 @6:00pm
Santa Claus is coming to Portland! Santa will travel the illuminated parade route through the community. Unwrapped toy donations will be accepted at the Portland Community Center to benefit Christmas for Kids Year Round.
Community Christmas
December 9, 2016 @ 6:00pm
Join the Flour Bluff Business Association in welcoming Santa and his elves to Funtrackers Family Fun Center. At 6:00 pm, be sure to greet Santa there! Every kid will get a chance to meet Santa for a picture and gift. Entertainment provided throughout the evening. Participate in a cake walk and much more!
Scuba Santa at the Aquarium
December 10 – 17, 2016 @ 8:00am
Scuba Santa will make daily appearances at the Texas State Aquarium for one week only!
Jingle Bell 5K Run / Walk
December 10, 2016 @ 8:30am
Join in on this 5K Run/Walk and 2 Mile Walk benefiting Bikes for Kids. This fun filled family run will also include a Kids 1K, so everyone can participate! A post-party will be held at the House of Rock. Register for the race and help raise money to provide a new bike for a child this holiday season.
Breakfast with Santa
December 10, 2016 @ 9:00am
Come to St. Mark’s Annual Pancake Breakfast with Santa. Take a photo with Santa, play games, and make crafts. Listen to stories and sing songs while you’re there, too! This is a free event, but they ask that you bring a non-perishable food item to donate.
Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra Presents: A Touch of Frozen Frost
December 10, 2016 @ 7:30pm
Maestro Haas will begin this much anticipated holiday concert with traditional favorites including Sleigh Ride and selections from the Nutcracker. Audience members are in for a real treat when the Del Mar Master Chorus and the Corpus Christi Chorale sing the Hallelujah Chorus. Expect a few surprises that will be sure to delight the senses and maybe even bring a (joyful) tear to the eye! Of course, the ever popular sing-a-long and visit from Santa will cap off a very memorable evening you will not want to miss!
Holiday at the Museum
December 17, 2016 @ 10:00am
Take your photo with Santa and enjoy lots of fun winter activities! Plan on enjoying holiday themed science and history!
Food Truck Christmas Village
December 17, 2016 @ 11:00am
Bring your family out to Heritage Park for this Christmas Celebration! The Food Trucks are coming to town! Gourmet food trucks will gather on location, offering all of your favorite foods. These trucks provide a variety of great food at great prices. Santa Claus will be on site for photos!
Candy Cane Lane Celebration
December 17, 2016 @ 6:00pm
Visit Schanen Estates for an amazing neighborhood lights and holiday celebration.
The Joy of Christmas – From Darkness to Light Concert
December 22 and 23, 2016 @ 7:30pm
This Christmas concert features the Corpus Christi Cathedral Choir and members of the Corpus Christi Orchestra. It is directed by Lee Gwozdz and Dr. Guadalupe Riviera , Jr.
HEB Feast of Sharing
December 24, 2016 @ 11:00 am
This is a great opportunity to volunteer and give back to the community just before Christmas. The Feast of Sharing is the culmination of a year‑round commitment H‑E‑B makes to fighting hunger. In addition to a holiday meal you can enjoy music, arts and crafts, and kids activities‑even an appearance by Santa himself.
Mannheim Steamroller
December 30, 2016 @ 8:00pm
Mannheim Steamroller is celebrating its 32nd Anniversary Christmas Tour! Enjoy and see first hand how they revolutionized Holiday Season music!