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.

Guests will experience a walking journey through millions of lights featuring Santa photos, train rides, gingerbread house building, a holiday food court, NASA photo exhibit, an artisan market, carnival and more. You can also catch some holiday movies at the event. Check online for the full schedule.

The South Pole Illuminated Festival runs through Sunday, December 29. The hours are Sunday through Thursday, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the door, but visitors are encouraged to purchase ahead of time online to prevent the event selling out. Tickets range from $10 to $15. You can purchase tickets online at www.southpoleoftexas.com.

The McAllen South Pole Illuminated Festival is rain or shine barring extreme weather conditions or city park closures.

The McAllen Convention Center is located at 700 Convention Center Blvd.