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. 19
5-9 p.m. at 1581 N Chaparral St, Corpus Christi
The Holiday Who-bilation returns offering a magical evening of festive fun, whimsical surprises, and holiday characters. Attendees can enjoy Santa photos, meet the Grinch, holiday vendors, food trucks, games, face painting, and live seasonal music for the whole family.
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.
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.
Saturday, Dec. 20
8-11 a.m. at 2222 Airline Rd suite a1, Corpus Christi
Cars and Coffee at Saigon Cafe will be collecting new, unwrapped toy donations for the Hero Garage toy drive, with curbside drop-off available and additional donations accepted at the Drift Corpus event afterward. Attendees can enjoy Vietnamese coffee and brunch while following event rules—no revving or burnouts, pick up your trash, and park along the Saigon Cafe side—making for a relaxed, extended morning of cars and community.
8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 2914 North Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi
Celebrate the season with a festive “Breakfast with Santa” aboard the USS Lexington Museum, featuring a pancake breakfast, photos with Santa, and a screening of *How the Grinch Stole Christmas* in the 3D MEGA Theater. Guests can also enjoy a Candy Cane Scavenger Hunt, with children receiving “reindeer feed” and families taking home a USS Lexington holiday ornament.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 5302 Leopard St, in Corpus Christi
Get ready for high-octane holiday fun benefiting the Hero Garage Toy Drive. Drivers can join the action on the track while spectators enjoy free admission, with everyone encouraged to bring a toy for Driscoll Children’s Hospital, plus ride-along wristbands and festive festivities throughout the day.
9 a.m. – 6 p.m. at 1213 Terry Shamsie Blvd, Robstown
The SAXET Gun Show returns to the Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds on December 20th and 21st, featuring over 20 years of firearms, accessories, ammunition, knives, tactical gear, hunting, and target sports products from reputable vendors across South and Central Texas. Admission is $8 for adults, $2 for children 6–11, $5 for active-duty military and police (ID required), with free parking available and tickets sold at the door.
A Gingerbread Christmas: Kids Holiday Event
10-11:45 a.m. at 4725 S Alameda St, Corpus Christi
“A Gingerbread Christmas” at Rachel & Rylie offers a hands-on holiday experience for children ages 5 and up, featuring cookie decorating, wooden gingerbread house painting, and stuffing a 16-inch gingerbread plush. Tickets include festive crafts, hot cocoa, holiday treats, and all materials needed for a creative, interactive, and magical family celebration.
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at 1901 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi
H-E-B invites the community to the 37th annual Feast of Sharing Holiday Dinner at Hilliard Center in Corpus Christi, offering a free holiday meal and a chance to celebrate with family, friends, and neighbors. Guests can also enjoy live music, arts and crafts, children’s activities, and entertainment for the entire family, creating cherished memories that last well beyond the season.
1-3 p.m. at 5930 Brockhampton St, Corpus Christi
Celebrate the season at Garcia Library’s K-POP Holiday Bash on Saturday, December 20th, from 1 PM to 3 PM, featuring crafts, trivia, and all the K-POP fun. Attendees can enjoy a festive, music-filled afternoon celebrating their favorite K-POP culture.
1 p.m. at 5886 Everhart Rd, Corpus Christi
The Grinch is back at Kochino’s Laundry, bringing holiday mischief, photo opportunities, and festive fun for the whole family. Guests can enjoy free hot cocoa, prizes, giggles, and magical moments with everyone’s favorite green holiday trickster.
Sunday, Dec. 21
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.
Coastal Christmas: Benefiting Bikes for Kids
11-11:45 a.m. at 1901 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi
Hilliard Center and Oak View Group, in partnership with local vendors and community organizations, present Coastal Christmas, a six-day holiday ice skating experience at Hilliard Center Arena from December 5–7 and 21–23. The event features themed skate nights, Santa visits, a holiday market, sensory-friendly sessions, and a day benefiting Bikes for Kids, with single and group skate tickets available, free parking, and entertainment including a DJ late-night skate.
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.