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. 12
La Posada Boat Parade Winter Wonderland
5-9 p.m. at 13317 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi
Marker 37 Marina will host a magical winter evening with a free public viewing of the La Posada Boat Parade, featuring lights, music, and festive holiday cheer for the whole family. Attendees can enjoy activities such as photos with Santa, live music, arts and crafts, a costume contest, and toy donations for Toys for Tots, along with holiday treats and vendors.
5:30-7:30 p.m. at South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center at 8545 S Staples St ,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.
YWCA Yuletide Gala – Night Under The Stars
6-10 p.m. at 4601 Corona Dr, Corpus Christi
The YWCA will host an elegant gala, with proceeds supporting its programs and a free community event the following day. On Saturday, December 13, the public is invited to enjoy a free event featuring a Santa meet-and-greet, crafts, and other festive activities.
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.
Yuletide Extravaganza: A Night Under the Stars Gala
7 p.m. at 4601 Corona Dr, Corpus Christi
The YWCA invites guests to an elegant holiday evening featuring festive dining and celebrations, with all proceeds supporting programs that empower women and strengthen families. Tickets are $75 per person, and sponsorship opportunities are available for those wishing to support the mission while enjoying a night of style and holiday cheer.
7 p.m. at 13309 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi
The La Posada Foundation invites the community to its annual Lighted Boat Parade in Corpus Christi, featuring boats adorned with thousands of twinkling lights and celebrating the holiday spirit. In partnership with Toys for Tots, the event encourages attendees to bring new, unwrapped toys to spread joy to children in the Coastal Bend, with festivities on December 12 and 13.
Saturday, Dec. 13
Goodwill Holiday Donation Drive – Let’s Make Room For Santa!
9 a.m.- 8 p.m. at 961 S Port Ave, Corpus Christi
Starting December 1, Goodwill South Texas encourages residents to declutter their homes in a “12 Days of Giving Back” challenge, collecting gently used items from closets, drawers, and spare rooms. On Saturday, December 13, donations can be dropped off at any Goodwill store or donation station across 20 South Texas counties, helping support job training and community programs, with donors receiving a complimentary Jingle Bell keepsake.
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1902 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi
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.
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 3902 Greenwood Dr, Corpus Christi
Santa’s Workshop will be featuring a festive shopping experience with numerous vendors. Attendees can enjoy a meet-and-greet with Santa, free hot chocolate, photos with the Grinch, and a craft room with complimentary activities for kids.
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 7501 S Staples St in Corpus Christi
The Coastal Bend Farmers and Artisan Holiday Market will take place at Asbury Church, featuring local art, seasonal treats, and unique gifts. Visitors can enjoy Crepe Fresh treats, kids’ face painting, and festive activities while supporting local makers.
13th Annual Reindeer Run 5K & Kids 1K
7- 10 a.m. at 1724 N Tancahua St, Corpus Christi
The 13th annual Reindeer Run 5K and free Kids 1K will take place in downtown Corpus Christi, benefiting Bikes For Kids Corpus Christi. Participants can check in at 7:00 AM, with the Kids 1K starting at 8:00 AM and the 5K & 2-mile walk at 8:15 AM, and race packets are available for pick-up the day before at Rocks Discount Vitamins N More.
Ingleside Renaissance Faire 2025
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 2020 Parkview Pl, Ingleside
The Ingleside Renaissance Faire will take place December 13–14, offering a family-friendly celebration of the medieval era with live jousting, pyro-jugglers, music, artisan vendors, and royal feasts. Guests of all ages can enjoy performances, handcrafted goods, and immersive activities, whether in costume or not, for a weekend full of merriment and community spirit.
Sip & Shop Vendors Market – Pauly’s Beer Garden
12-4 p.m. at 4301 S Alameda St, Corpus Christi
Guests are invited to relax on the patio with a DJ providing lively tunes while shopping from local vendors. The event encourages supporting local businesses, enjoying drinks, and leaving in a better mood with friends.
Christmas Market at Cotton Branch Farms
12-8 p.m. at 3972 Co Rd 44, Robstown
Christmas at the Farm will take place on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 12 PM to 8 PM at Cotton Branch Farms in Robstown, featuring over 70 local vendors, food trucks, and festive holiday shopping. Attendees can enjoy Christmas lights, live music, and a family- and pet-friendly atmosphere for a full day of holiday fun.
Sunday, Dec. 14
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.
8:30- 10 a.m. at 6020 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi
The Teddy Bear Ride will take place on December 14, bringing holiday cheer to children at Driscoll Children’s Hospital by collecting and delivering new toys and stuffed animals. Collection boxes will be available at local businesses beforehand, and those unable to shop can donate to have gifts purchased on their behalf.
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.
3rd Annual ¡Viva! La Música de Mariachi! Festival
3-11:45 p.m. at 702 N Chaparral St, Corpus Christi,
The BUS (Bar Under the Sun) will host a celebration of Mexican culture featuring seven mariachi groups and the Ballet Folklórico Viva Mexico from the Coastal Bend area. The event will also include a **Mercado** with local vendors and is sponsored by Andrew’s Distributing, Harley Davidson of Corpus Christi, David Berlanga, El Camino Comida & Bar, and Holiday Inn.