South Pole Illuminated Festival runs through December 29

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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.

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Chanukah celebrated in McAllen

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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.

PSJA ISD to host 5th annual Posada  

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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  

MWE to present "Noche Mágica" - A Night of Enchanting Music

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Published: Tuesday, 10 December 2024 17:07

Gather your family and friends for McAllen Wind Ensemble’s (MWE) next concert, Noche Mágica on Friday, December 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the McAllen Performing Arts Center. Audiences can expect an evening of captivating melodies and festive arrangements that celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of the holiday season. A special vocal performance from Alberto Esco will complement the musical Christmas ambiance.

Every year the ensemble decides on a theme and then has a committee that votes on the music to be played. This year, the group decided to do the same theme as the City of McAllen’s Parade, Noche Mágica. Music Director Roger Olivarez said he believes there is a magic to the season and to the music. He hopes everyone can find that magic and connection to Christmas.

“It takes them back to simpler times, maybe,” said Olivarez. “Back to happier times. Back to their childhood. Back to pleasant memories.”

“There’s already a certain amount of magic in there,” he said of Christmas music.

As a band director, preparing for a Christmas concert was something I always looked forward to, he said. It was a tradition every year, one he has always cherished.

He has been directing MWE since 2014 and the Christmas concert has always been his favorite to prepare for.

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Keep McAllen Beautiful celebrates the Christmas Posada

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Published: Tuesday, 10 December 2024 16:59

Keep McAllen Beautiful will be hosting its third annual Christmas Posada at Archer Park, located at 101 N. Main St. on Saturday, December 14, starting at 7 p.m. The free, family-friendly event will feature the traditional posada procession that reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging.

This year’s event promises to provide entertainment for everyone featuring a special performance by Nikki Rowe’s Razz Ma Tazz Show Choir. The posada procession culminates at a nativity scene, with shepherds and the Three Wise Men. The posada will be accompanied by traditional singing during the procession and will include Christmas songs performed by choirs from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints missionary choir, colibrí children’s choir, and the La Joya ISD Seguin Elementary choir and cheer team.

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Winter Texan Orchestra holds performances

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Published: Tuesday, 10 December 2024 16:57

The Winter Texan Orchestra will be presenting a Christmas Concert on Sunday, December 15, at Texas Trails RV Resort, 501 W. Owassa Road, Pharr. This free concert is open to the public and will begin at 3 p.m.

The symphony orchestra will perform the same program on Tuesday, December 17, at Tip O’ Texas RV Resort, 101 E. Sioux Road, Pharr, at 2 p.m.
This hour-long concert will feature favorite Christmas tunes, and a door prize will be given at each venue.

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