Enjoy a fun-filled weekend in the Coastal Bend! Family-friendly events, festive activities, local vendors, and memories waiting for all ages to share.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas —

Friday, Nov. 28

Holly-Days at the Gardens

5:30-7:30 p.m. at South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center at 8545 S Staples St in Corpus Christi

The announcement highlights the kickoff of the 8th “Holly-Days,” running the weekend after Thanksgiving and continuing for three additional weekends, featuring Santa visits and festive activities for families, friends, and guests. It also notes free parking, seasonal décor, and a gift shop offering members a 20% discount, with the event sponsored by Valero. 

Letters to Santa Presented by Kleberg Bank

11 a.m.-9 p.m. at Streat Corner Kitchen at 601 N Water Street, Corpus Christi 

Bring your kids downtown to write their letters to Santa! Stop by the big mailbox at Streat Corner Kitchen and write your wish list on the provided letter templates to send straight to the North Pole — no stamp required! Letters to Santa — happening November 16th through December 23rd.

A Christmas Carol the Musical

7:30-10 p.m. at 1802 N Chaparral Street in Corpus Christi

The Harbor Playhouse’s annual production of A Christmas Carol is a spectacular adaptation of Charles Dickens’s most well-known story and is a must-see event for the holidays. Tickets are $20 and you can catch the musical Fridays and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. 

7:30 p.m.-10 p.m. at 5635 Everhart Rd Suite B, Corpus Christi 

Aurora Arts Theatre presents ELF THE MUSICAL, directed by Drake Jackson with Mariah Treadwell as assistant director, running November 21–December 27. The show follows Buddy, a human raised as an elf, who journeys to New York City to find his father, reconnect with his family, and spread the true meaning of Christmas.

IceRays vs Ice Wolves: Ice Out Hunger Weekend

7:30 p.m.- 10 p.m. at 1901 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi

The Corpus Christi IceRays return to the Hilliard Center for a Thanksgiving weekend homestand featuring two nights of hockey and the Ice Out Hunger drive. Fans are invited to bring non-perishable food donations while enjoying $1 Beer Night Friday and a second night of action on Saturday, all supporting families in the Coastal Bend.


Saturday, Nov. 29

Corpus Christi Southside Farmer’s Market

9 a.m.- 12 p.m. at 5800 Everhart Rd in Corpus Christi 

For over 26 years, the Corpus Christi Southside Farmers Market has offered local, healthy, and handcrafted goods, all grown, raised, or made by the vendors themselves. The market welcomes shoppers every Saturday, rain or shine.

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Wild Wolf Halloween Store located at 5417 S Staples St suite 101 in Corpus Christi

Wild Wolf Halloween offers a unique 20-minute Krampus photo shoot experience with multiple preset poses, customizable styles, and options for individuals, groups, pets, or 18+ “Naughty Krampus” sessions. Appointments are personalized and professional, perfect for seasonal memories or creative projects.

Polar Express Movie Night

7 to 10 p.m. at  2914 N Shoreline Blvd in Corpus Christi

The USS Lexington Museum invites guests to watch The Polar Express in the Joe Jessel 3D MEGA Theater  with a three-story screen, immersive sound, hot chocolate, and holiday treats. Attendees are encouraged to wear pajamas and enjoy a festive evening complete with gifts, creating special holiday memories; tickets are available online at $30 for general admission and $20 for museum members and military.

4-6 p.m. at the Fun at 9605 S Padre Island Dr. in Corpus Christi

The Jingle Bell Jam offers guests a festive afternoon featuring a Build-A-Holiday-Craft House, snacks and hot chocolate, a 60-minute game pass with 300 prize tickets, and holiday drinks for just $20. Tickets are limited and selling fast, making this a perfect opportunity to create unforgettable holiday memories.

Rock and Roll Flea Market

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 511 Starr St in Corpus Christi

The House of Rock hosts its monthly Rock and Roll Flea Market. Local vendors will offer band tees, posters, vinyl, buttons, and more for all rock enthusiasts.


Sunday, Nov. 30

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Movie Party 

12- 11:45 p.m. at Alamo Drafthouse located at 7601 S Staples St in Corpus Christi

Join the Griswolds for a Christmas Vacation Movie Party, where you can enjoy their wild and chaotic holiday adventures without the stress of your own family gathering. The event features festive props like pine tree air fresheners, yellow glow sticks, and ugly neckties, making guests honorary members of the Griswold clan.

Holiday Market on Peppermint Lane

2-7 p.m. at 702 N Chaparral St, Corpus Christi

Downtown Corpus Christi will host a holiday shopping event with dozens of local vendors, festive music, hot cocoa, and photo-worthy holiday lights. Organizers are also seeking high-quality, festive vendors to participate, making it a lively celebration for the community.

Holiday Market in Winter Wonderland

2-7 p.m. at Downtown Corpus Christi 524 Twigg St, Corpus Christi

The Holiday Market in Winter Wonderland offers festive lights, local vendors, food trucks, and family activities, creating a cozy holiday atmosphere for shopping and seasonal fun. Attendees can meet Santa Claus and the Grinch, take memorable photos, and support local artisans and small businesses.