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, Dec. 5
6-10 p.m. at 921 N Chaparral St A, Corpus Christi
The December ArtWalk in Downtown Corpus Christi, presented by H-E-B, will feature live music, art exhibitions, seasonal specials, and festive business parties. The family- and pet-friendly event also highlights the Mayor’s Sparkling Christmas Lights Contest, with downtown decorated for the holiday season.
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.
Stay Fit for the King Gala: Christmas Celebration
6-8 p.m. at 3026 S Staples St in Corpus Christi
Mind Your Business Success Agency, in partnership with Stay Fit for the King, is hosting a free community event celebrating the season of giving and gratitude. Attendees can enjoy fellowship, uplifting Christian music, raffle prizes, refreshments, a festive photo booth, and a focus on meaningful community impact.
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.
6-10 p.m. at 3425 Austin St, Corpus Christi
The Garcia Holiday Light Show in Corpus Christi features over 100,000 dazzling lights, synchronized music, magical snow, lasers, and festive inflatables for a spectacular holiday experience. This biggest and brightest single-home Christmas light show is free for all to enjoy.
CCISD 44th Annual Holiday Choir Concert
7 p.m. at N Shoreline Blvd in Corpus Christi
The 44th Annual Holiday Choir Concert will be held in Selena Auditorium at Hilliard Center. The performance will feature special guest appearances by students from the CCISD guitar program.
Saturday, Dec. 5
La Posada de Kingsville Parade of Lights
10 a.m.- 9 p.m. at 204 E Kleberg Ave, in Kingsville
La Posada de Kingsville will feature a festive day, including Children’s Day from 10 am–2 pm, a Holiday Wine Walk starting at 2 pm, and a parade at 7 pm with the theme “Cactus & Candy Canes.” The event will also include live and DJ music downtown, with the parade beginning at the Kleberg County Courthouse.
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 810 Houston St, in Portland
The Portland Farmers Market offers a family-friendly opportunity for the community to buy locally homegrown and handcrafted items, held most first Saturdays. Vendors can apply for booth space to sell their products, with registration required in advance and limited to ensure variety, while produce vendors participate for free.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 3210 S Padre Island Dr in Corpus Christi
The event invites attendees to explore and discover new products from small businesses. It offers a chance to support local entrepreneurs and experience a variety of unique offerings.
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 5909 Holly Rd in Corpus Christi
Families can bring their children to local McCoy’s stores to decorate ornaments and write letters to Santa, with all supplies provided. The free event also collects toys for the Holiday Toy Drive and requires no registration, happening at all McCoy’s locations.
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fun at 5488 S Padre Island Dr in Corpus Christi
The CCISD Day Holiday Spectacular will take place near Dillard’s and the food court, featuring holiday music, Pre-K registration, art activities, academic program demos, and job information. The event also includes La Palmera’s Holiday Challenge from 12–1 p.m. for a chance to win prizes.
Hot Rods Cold Beer at Nueces Brewing and Barbecuing
11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 401 S Water St in Corpus Christi
The Shine ‘Em Up car event will bewelcoming hot rods, classics, and supercars for a day of camaraderie. Participants can enter for $10 to compete for Best in Show and People’s Choice awards, with cash prizes for the winners.
12-2 p.m. at 511 Starr St in Corpus Christi
The CCISD Annual Concert will take place Saturday, Dec. 6, from 12 PM–2 PM at House of Rock, featuring live performances by CCISD Classical Guitar students. Attendees are encouraged to bring canned food donations to support the Coastal Bend Food Bank and receive a coupon for a free appetizer with a 20″ pizza purchase.
Holidays on the Harbor: H-E-B Christmas Tree & Port of Corpus Christi Illuminated Boat Parade
4-9 p.m. at 921 N Chaparral St A in Corpus Christi
Downtown Corpus Christi will celebrate the 2025 holiday season with Holidays on the Harbor featuring the H-E-B Christmas Tree lighting at Water’s Edge Park from 4–9 PM and a ceremony at 5:30 PM, along with vendors and food trucks. The festivities continue with the Illuminated Boat Parade starting at 7 PM from the Corpus Christi Municipal Marina.
Sunday, Dec. 7
10 a.m.- 2 p.m. at 309 N Water St in Corpus Christi
This Sunday-only Farmers Market offers locally sourced produce and handmade goods. Visitors can explore the market while supporting local farmers and artisans.
41st Annual Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at 6300 Ocean Dr, Corpus Christi
Participants are invited to bring an unwrapped toy and $10 for a parade starting at TAMU-CC, with line-up at 10 a.m. and kickstands up at 11 a.m.. The event includes a police-escorted ride down Ocean Dr. to the Concrete St. Amphitheater, followed by food trucks, vendors, and live music.
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.
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 Festival & Island Market
1-5 p.m. at 14030 Fortuna Bay Dr, Corpus Christi
This event features local vendors selling handcrafted goods, artisan foods, boutique items, and unique Easter gifts. Attendees can find holiday treats, spring décor, and special items while supporting the small business community.