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On the road again

DSC 0511 webChristmas is approaching fast.  I will spend Christmas in Central Texas with my children.  Right now, I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my oldest daughter who will arrive from San Miguel Allende, Mexico on December 17th.   She is more in touch with my other two children - especially age-wise - and will help me with the decisions as to what would be the best choice for their special Christmas presents. 

Very definitely we have to have live Christmas greenery in the house for that special Christmas smell.  I suppose I better buy some Christmas candles to add to that smell as well.

It has actually been quite a few years since we celebrated Christmas in my home. Do you remember when your children were small and they were just positive that Santa Claus would not be able to find them if they were not in their own home?  Now everybody is all grown up, living in other cities with their own small children.  So here I am "On the road again."

If you are expecting company to visit you, why not introduce them to some of our fantastic museums that tell the history of the Rio Grande Valley. From the Gulf of Mexico up to Rio Grande City and all the way to Kingsville, you will find plenty to keep you busy.  Museums and historical locations with markers help us all to appreciate the history of our area.   Take time to read the markers. Many of the museums tell the story in both English and Spanish. Your younger visitors will be fascinated with the stories of pirates who tied lanterns to their donkey's legs and led them up and down the beach at South Padre Island, luring the ships ashore to plunder them of all their treasures. 

At the other end of the Valley, in Edinburg, you will find a very interesting Museum of South Texas History.  My twelve-year-old great nephew was especially intrigued with this museum.  And of course, en route to the upper Valley, you could stop off in Weslaco to visit their two museums.  If you want something more up to date, there is Space X on the road to Boca Chica. This would probably be a drive by only.

Whatever you do and wherever you are enjoy your family, friends and visitors as you build memories of the good times you have as you explore the Rio Grande Valley.

For even more sites to see in the Rio Grande Valley, find the Rio Grande Valley Visitors Guide on the Winter Texan Times website. In there you will find plenty of places to visit in whatever area you decide to explore.

Volunteers needed for Angel Tree Toy distribution

Angel Tree Distribution Day 3 webThe annual Salvation Army Angel Tree program provides Christmas gifts for children in need throughout the McAllen community each year. This year, more than 2,800 children were registered, and all have been adopted by generous individuals, families, and businesses. The gifts are ready for families to collect this week, and The Salvation Army is in desperate need of volunteers to help with distribution.

Read more: Volunteers needed for Angel Tree Toy distribution

From Texas for a Christmas: Holiday Concert in the Park featuring Tish Hinojosa

Quinta Mazatlan Tish HInojosa Courtesy webCelebrate the season with an unforgettable evening of music and culture at “From Texas for a Christmas”, a special holiday concert featuring award-winning singer-songwriter Tish Hinojosa. The concert will take place Saturday, December 20, at 7 p.m. at Quinta Mazatlán, McAllen’s urban sanctuary.

“From Texas for a Christmas” is also the title of one of Hinojosa’s acclaimed albums, and this concert brings that spirit to life beneath the stars. Known for using music to raise awareness of cultural and social issues, Hinojosa has released 16 albums in both English and Spanish, spanning genres including folk, country, pop, and Latino music.

Read more: From Texas for a Christmas: Holiday Concert in the Park featuring Tish Hinojosa

Celebrate the season at the McAllen Heritage Center’s 5th Annual McGrinch event

The McAllen Heritage Center, in partnership with Explore McAllen, proudly invites the community to celebrate the 5th Annual McGrinch Event, a joyful downtown tradition that brings the holiday spirit to life

Guests can shop from local vendors and artisans, enjoy delicious bites from food trucks, and participate in festive activities for all ages. Suerte Bar & Grill Food Truck will also be serving special Grinch-themed tacos and cozy hot chocolate. As downtown McAllen transforms into a cheerful, whimsical space, families, friends, and even beloved pets can gather for an afternoon filled with laughter, lights, and a touch of Grinchy mischief.

The event will be held on Saturday, December 13 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the McAllen Heritage Center, 301 S. Main St.

The event is a free, family-friendly and pet-friendly holiday celebration inspired by the playful spirit of the Grinch. Attendees can enjoy live entertainment, festive holiday treats, local shopping, and plenty of fun activities for all ages. There will be countless opportunities to snap holiday photos throughout the event.

Celebrate the magic of the season in Weslaco

588425094 1219545383554041 7330186111175866251 n webThe most wonderful time of the year is here, and the City of Weslaco and the Weslaco Chamber of Commerce invite you to celebrate the holidays at one of our community’s most beloved traditions, the 2025 Weslaco Lighted Christmas Parade & Santa Dash 5K Fun Run!

Join us on Saturday, December 13, as the excitement kicks off with the Santa Dash 5K Fun Run at 5 p.m., followed immediately by the Lighted Christmas Parade at 6 p.m., proudly presented by South Texas Health Systems.

Read more: Celebrate the magic of the season in Weslaco

BSPA presents annual Christmas concert

The Brownsville Society for Performing Arts presents their annual Christmas concert on Thursday, December 18. The concert, featuring Alium Spiritum and over 100 more musicians, will be performing Handel’s Messiah collections and more.  

The concert will be held at 7 p.m. at the TSC Performing Arts Center, 90 Taylor Ave. in Brownsville. Doors open at 6 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted. 

Read more: BSPA presents annual Christmas concert

Valley Museums share the spirit of the season

20191205 Harlingen Harlingen Museum Christmas Trees CAB 0679 webOur Rio Grande Valley museums supply arts, history and culture to their visitors throughout the year. But during the Christmas season, they also share creativity and bright lights.

Several museums have Christmas tree exhibits. They get the community to bring and decorate a tree, usually to a certain theme. You can be sure to see lots of colors and lights as organizations pick a theme that represents them, the city, or their heritage.

Read more: Valley Museums share the spirit of the season

Chabad RGV hosts Annual Chanukah Concert & Festival 

The RGV Annual Chanukah Concert and Festival will be held on Sunday, December 14 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Archer Park, 101 N. Main St. Open to all and free for the entire family.

Enjoy carnival rides, a petting zoo, pony rides, games and more. There will be live music and a concert featuring Israeli rock star Barak Grossberg. You can also enjoy hearing from local dignitaries and having Sufganiot (jelly donuts) and kosher hot dogs.

Read more: Chabad RGV hosts Annual Chanukah Concert & Festival 

RGV Concert Band presents Christmas Concert

Enjoy some wonderful Christmas music by attending the RGV Concert Band’s Christmas Concert. The concert will be held at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1107 Fern (McAllen), on Sunday, December 14, at 3 p.m.

The RGV Concert Band is made up of local and Winter Texans. The group started in 1996 and some of their members are in their 80s and 90s. The current band director, a retired school band director, Gene Goede, is 91.

During the last 25 years the group has grown to as many as 65 members but usually stays at around 45 to 50 members. The membership includes Winter Texans from throughout the States and Canada. Most of the members have been with the group for several years, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be a part of it.

Read more: RGV Concert Band presents Christmas Concert

IMAS celebrates local talent

20251210 IMAS juried art show webMcAllen, TX — The International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) celebrated local creativity at the opening reception and awards ceremony for its 5th Annual Members’ Juried Art Show on November 22. The exhibition, featuring the work of IMAS members, runs through February 15, 2026.

Read more: IMAS celebrates local talent

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