Thanksgiving is over, so that means the Christmas celebrations have begun. The Valley is full of celebrations that start with tree lightings, then parades, and Christmas lights that stay on the entire month, sometimes lasting until the first week of January. We try our hardest to make sure we give you as much information as possible, but we might not have everyone here. So look to your city’s website or Facebook to see if your city is doing anything special for the holidays.
The Brownsville Holiday Village has already started with their little houses and search for the gingerbread man. The village is set up at the Dean Porter Park. Admission is free with live entertainment scheduled and Santa visiting on Friday’s and Saturday’s.
Read more: Christmas activities start this week
It’s time to bring out your Santa hats. The City of Edinburg invites the community to join in on the holiday cheer this year at the annual Lighting of the Tree and the Night of Lights Parade.
The community is encouraged to mark the start of the holiday season in Edinburg at the Promenade Park Amphitheater (201 W. McIntyre St.) on Thursday, November 30 at 6:30 p.m. for the Lighting of the Tree ceremony. The event features the city’s beautiful 30-foot energy-efficient LED Christmas tree, which will remain illuminated for the remainder of the year for visitors to enjoy, as well as carolers, music performances, and dance presentations.
Read more: Edinburg to kick off holiday season
The Mission Historical Museum Lecture Series presents: The Alamo Train Crash of 1940 with Juan P. Carmona and Taylor Seaver De La Fuente.
Join the museum for a historical lecture on the Alamo Train Crash of 1940, taking place on Saturday, December 9 at 11 a.m. at the Mission Historical Museum. Admission is free to the public. Coffee and light refreshments will be served.
Read more: Alamo Train Crash topic at Lecture Series
The Gladys Porter Zoo will be hosting its annual holiday celebration, Zoo Nights and Lights, presented by McDonald’s. This family-friendly event offers holiday spirit and fun for guests of all ages as well as a romantic setting for a date night. Zoo Nights and Lights will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on December 1 through December 3.
The public is invited to stroll through the Zoo’s pathways filled with brilliant light displays while enjoying live musical and dance performances. Guests can participate in the festivities with Christmas karaoke, book readings, cookie decorating, and pictures with Santa. Visitors can also find unique holiday gifts for their loved ones at the arts and crafts show and in the Zoo’s gift shops.
Read more: Enjoy the Zoo’s brilliant light display
The International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) is thrilled to announce their annual Holiday Market at the Museum, set to enchant visitors on December 9. Celebrate the spirit of the season amidst an array of local artisans, a gallery talk from a guest curator, Gingerbread Challenge workshops, and the annual Christmas Tree Forest community exhibition.
Read more: Ring in the Season at the IMAS Holiday Market
During the holidays, many organizations seek out the community’s help to fill extra needs that the community has during this time of year. Some organizations help with clothes, blankets, school supplies, food, and Christmas gifts during the fall months more than they do other times of the year.
Read more: Food Bank has service opportunities
The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce is inviting local businesses to the Annual Mission Health and Wellness Fair that will be held on Friday, December 8.
This year the event will be held at the Mission Event Center from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. In partnership with Mission Regional Medical Center, they’re providing free services that include blood exams, bone density tests, blood circulation checks, and more to the community.
Read more: Reserve your booth for Mission Health Fair
Palm Valley Animal Society (PVAS) is excited to highlight the significance of Adopt a Senior Dog Month throughout November. The campaign aims to shed light on the often-overlooked senior dogs in shelters and encourage the community to consider the unique benefits of adopting these intelligent and loving companions.
While puppies are adorable and full of energy, senior dogs bring a wealth of experience, trained skills, and a calm demeanor to any home. They make wonderful friends, offering the perfect mix of companionship and tranquility. Many senior dogs are already housetrained and understand basic commands, making the transition into a new home smoother for both the pet and the adopter.
Read more: PVAS celebrates Adopt a Senior Month
U.S. Senator John Cornyn
As the days grow shorter and cooler, pecan trees in Texas prepare for their annual debut. Leaves take on hues of amber and crimson, painting a breathtaking landscape that attracts visitors from near and far. Amidst this natural transformation, pecans reach peak maturity and are ready to break through their sturdy shells.
In 1919, the pecan tree was named the state tree of Texas, thanks in large part to former Texas Governor James Stephen Hogg. On March 2, 1906, Hogg expressed his wish for a soft-shell Texas pecan tree to be planted at his grave with its nuts distributed to Texas farmers for planting. Years later, journalist Katie Daffan suggested the pecan tree become the state tree of Texas in Hogg’s honor. This idea quickly gained widespread support, leading the state legislature to unanimously pass a resolution formalizing the designation in 1919, which was reaffirmed eight years later during the 40th Texas Legislative Session.
Read more: The pecan tale of plenty
Cities throughout the Rio Grande Valley have had to make some adjustments to their Veterans ceremonies due to inclement weather. Some of these ceremonies are being rescheduled, locations are changing for a couple, and some are being cancelled. There are still one or two that will still occur as scheduled.
The City of Mission is making changes with almost every event they had scheduled.
Read more: Veterans Day ceremonies cancelled, rescheduled, or location changes
The Veterans Day observance got off to an early start with Edinburg holding a parade Saturday morning honoring those locally who have served in the U.S. military.
Cities throughout the Rio Grande Valley are holding activities to remember and honor Veterans that have served. We have several stand-alone stories that highlight some major celebrations, so make sure you look through the entire issue so you don’t miss anything that might be in your area.
The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is celebrating its 76th year of delivering hope to children in need across the Nation. U.S. Marines and volunteers will be conducting over 850 local toy collection and distribution campaigns in all 50 states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, Guam, and U.S. Virgin Islands.
