The beautifully decorated cottages that adorn Dean Porter Park in Brownsville every holiday season are back. They have been preparing the park for the last few weeks for the 16th season of its Holiday Village in Brownsville. The Holiday Village officially opens on November 24. Each year one or two new ones might be added, so you never know what you might see. Currently there are over 30 fully decorated cottages lining the sidewalks at the park.

For those that are new to the village, Holiday Village is a collection of miniature cottages, each one measuring about 10’ wide x 8’ deep and over 11’ tall. Each one is adorned inside and out with the most whimsical and adorable holiday trimmings. Best viewing is just after the sun sets so you can see the full displays all lit up – although the lights come on at 6 p.m. every evening.

The Village is set up in the park every November, free and open to the public. It opens every year just before Thanksgiving and remains open through January 1. You can get a sneak peek at the villages online at www.holidayvillagebrownsville.com/cottages.

Opening ceremonies and the first official lighting of the season will take place, Monday, November 24, from 6 to 7 p.m. The event will feature live music, door prizes, and the countdown to the first lighting of Holiday Village Brownsville.

Starting in December there will be live entertainment provided by local schools and organizations. A full calendar of events and entertainment can be found on their website. Santa will be available for pictures every Friday and Saturday night. Patrons can also enjoy delicious treats from a variety of food vendors, as well as performances by many local dance groups, choirs, school groups and more, throughout the nearly six-week long event.

And direct from the North Pole is Fritter the Elf who will be returning to the Holiday Village. From Thanksgiving Day through Christmas Eve, join in the fun of finding Fritter and enter to win daily and weekly prizes from H-E-B and the Children’s Museum. Please know there are many elves in the Holiday Village, but there is only one Fritter, and he is dressed in a Children’s Museum T-shirt. All you have to do is find Fritter, take a picture in front of the cottage where he is hiding, and post on your Facebook or Instagram and tag Holiday Village. Full rules can be found online.  

There is also an opportunity to participate in a scavenger hunt. You can find a Scavenger Hunt checklist online and take it with you when you visit the Village. You can race your friends or family or take your time finding all 40 items on the list.

Regular Village hours are Sunday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. This family-friendly attraction is funded by grants and sponsors and organized entirely by volunteers.

You can visit their home page at https://holidayvillagebrownsville.com/ for all the details.

Go stroll through the Holiday Village and be magically transported to the North Pole. Admission is free and the memories are priceless.