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Published: Wednesday, 18 December 2024 14:36
The Hidalgo Festival of Lights has become a regular Christmas season must see. With millions of Christmas lights, trolley tours, dinner, carnival rides and entertainment, there is plenty to do and see for everyone. The festival officially began with the lighting of the tree on December 7 and runs through Sunday, January 5. This year’s theme is Under the Sea.
Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 6 to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 6 to 11 p.m., and Sunday, 6 to 10 p.m. From December 20 through January 5, the Festival of Lights is open until 11 p.m. each night.
Read more: Festival of Lights brings Under the Sea to you
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Published: Wednesday, 18 December 2024 14:35
McAllen is known as the Official South Pole of Texas, declared so by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in 2018. Santa returns each year as the ultimate Winter Texan knowing the South Pole of Texas is the perfect home away from home. With this, McAllen’s South Pole Illuminated Festival is held each year at the McAllen Convention Center.
The South Pole Illuminated Festival is an immersive holiday experience with the tallest RGB Digital Christmas Tree in America, spanning over 10 stories tall. An illuminated oval park features 24 giant color-changing trees, recreated snowfall and Santa’s Castle. A new South Pole and Beyond exhibit with over 100 giant holiday and space themed lanterns are on display this year.
Read more: South Pole Illuminated Festival runs through December 29
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Published: Wednesday, 18 December 2024 14:34
Our 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 color and lights as organizations pick a theme that represents them, the city, or their heritage.
Read more: Valley museums share the festive spirit
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Published: Wednesday, 18 December 2024 14:31
The annual Chanukah Concert and Festival will be celebrated Sunday, December 29, at Archer Park in downtown McAllen. The festival begins at 3 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
The event will feature a petting zoo and pony rides. There will be live music, carnival rides, face painting and activities for all ages. You can also enjoy hearing from local dignitaries and having Sufganiot (jelly donuts) and kosher hot dogs.
Chanukah, an alternative spelling for Hanukkah, is the Jewish eight-day holiday commemorating the victory of the Jews “against Greek persecution and religious oppression,” according to torah.org. This year, the Menorah is being lit from sundown on December 25 and ends at nightfall on January 2, 2025.
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Published: Wednesday, 18 December 2024 14:31
Mission Historical Museum would like to remind readers that they are celebrating their 19th Annual Quilt Show and are now accepting entries for this beloved community tradition. Quilt enthusiasts are invited to participate by submitting their best work in three categories: Bed Quilts, Wall Hangings, and Other.
Entry forms and quilts will be accepted at the museum beginning Tuesday, December 3. The submission deadline is Friday, January 3, 2025.
Entries can be delivered between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays. The Mission Historical Museum advises early registration, as space is limited, and entries will be capped if capacity is reached before the deadline.
Read more: Mission Historical Museum accepting quilt entries
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Published: Wednesday, 18 December 2024 14:29
Valley residents, Winter Texans, visitors, birders and those just getting interested in birding are invited to join a team in the count areas for the annual Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count.
The CBC is a one-day event per area within established count circles. This year’s count is already in progress and will run through January 5, 2025. Local counts are listed below with contact information for those interested in joining a team.
Read more: Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count has begun
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Published: Wednesday, 18 December 2024 14:26
Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PSJA ISD) invites the community to the 5th Annual PSJA Family Posada, themed All Aboard the PSJA Express, on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 6 p.m. at PSJA Stadium.
This annual event will highlight musical and dance performances by PSJA Fine Arts groups, including mariachi, conjunto, choir, band, and dance. Families will also enjoy a festive atmosphere with free games, moon jumps, hayride, Polar Express Story Time, and much more.
Read more: PSJA ISD to host 5th annual Posada
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Published: Wednesday, 18 December 2024 14:26
Area volunteers are celebrating the collection of gift-filled shoeboxes that will send a message of joy to children around the world.
Thousands of volunteers contributed to Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, by packing shoeboxes filled with fun toys, school supplies, and personal care items. The global Christmas project will deliver these gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 100 countries, including many who are suffering from war, poverty, disease and disaster. Each shoebox is an opportunity to share the message of the Gospel and bring hope to children in need around the world.
Read more: There is still time to send joy overseas
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Published: Wednesday, 18 December 2024 14:23
During this holiday season, The Salvation Army staff and volunteers are diligently working to raise much needed funds to support those most in need this Christmas, and beyond. This year, The Salvation Army seeks to raise $175,000 to meet the growing demand for essential services in the McAllen community and is falling behind its goal.
Every year, The Salvation Army of McAllen provides shelter, meals, emergency financial assistance, clothing vouchers, food boxes, disaster assistance and more to individuals and local families. The holiday season can be especially difficult for many, and donations are crucial to ensuring that no one is left behind during this time of year.
Read more: Red Kettle donations help all year round
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Published: Tuesday, 10 December 2024 21:17
Wow, the weather is surely changing. It’s gotten cooler and we have had some rain here and there as well. Even though we’ll have a bit of a warmer day now and then, I am thankful for the cooler temps. I could live without the dreariness though.
It’s a great time to have gatherings with others, indoors and outdoors. This is the time of year we see many stories about what the parks are doing with their residents for the holidays. We love seeing photos with everyone enjoying their time while in the Valley.
There have been many city parades and Christmas tree lightings. I am sure the parks have been having their own type of fun as well with golf cart parades, and their own tree lightings.
We would love to include some photos in our upcoming issues of how you have decorated the park and started your December holidays.
What we would also like to see and share is how you are giving to your community this season. We know there are quilters, gift givers, food gatherers, and more that get stuff prepped to give to their communities during December, and throughout the season, but especially right now when a smile on a child’s face is so welcoming and delightful.
I do love what this season brings and what you bring to our communities. We are here to tell your stories of what you are doing while you make the Rio Grande Valley your home. Share your stories with us, let us know what your park is doing that you enjoy so much. Send your items, and photos, to news@wintertexantimes.com.
