The Valley sure knows how to be festive, and they go all out during the holidays. While there were a few cities like McAllen, that have lit up their trees already, there are still many Valley cities that are having their tree lightings and even some parades this week.
Harlingen
Join the City of Harlingen for the Lighting of the Arroyo at McKelvey Park on Thursday, December 4 from 6 to 9 p.m. The park is located at 1325 S. 77 Sunshine Strip. They will host their Christmas Parade – Grinchmas in the City – on Historic Jackson Avenue on Friday, December 5 at 6 p.m. For more information, call (956) 216-4910.
Hidalgo
Get ready for one of the most magical nights of the season – the Illuminated Christmas Parade is coming to City Hall Plaza in Hidalgo on Thursday, December 4. Enjoy a night filled with beautiful floats, festive music, delicious food, and the annual lighting of the Christmas Tree at 6 p.m., followed by the parade at 7 p.m. Parade route will be along Ramon Ayala Dr. and Bridge St. through Ramon Ayala Dr. and 10th St.
South Padre Island
South Padre Island has several events throughout the weekend. You can enjoy the tree lighting, a street parade, a lighted boat parade, and even breakfast with Santa this weekend on the island.
Kick off the holiday season at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 4, with their tree lighting ceremony, at the SPI Visitors & Transit Center.
The magic of the holidays continues with their Annual Christmas Parade on Friday, December 5 from 6 to 9 p.m. Join the fun along Padre Blvd. as vibrant, beautifully decorated floats and joyful groups fill the streets with music, lights, and holiday spirit.
On Saturday, December 6, at 6 p.m., SPI will hold their Lighted Boat Parade. The Lighted Boat Parade transforms the Laguna Madre Bay into a sea of lights. Enjoy a cool winter breeze and watch as boats of all sizes cruise by decorated in their holiday finest. Designated viewing areas throughout the route offer free public viewing.
As the boat parade dazzles over the water, SPI’s Winter Wonderland adds to the holiday magic on shore. The festive experience features twinkling lights, live music, local vendors, and plenty of cheer for the whole family. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy both events on one unforgettable evening in the Entertainment District greens at Jim’s Pier.
If you feel like having some breakfast with the jolly man himself, Santa will be at the SPI Convention Center from 7 to 9 a.m. Enjoy a delicious breakfast and holiday themed activities. For more information on the activities on the Island, visit visitsouthpadreisland.com.
And don’t forget while you are at the Island to visit the Holiday Sandcastle Village. The sandcastles change with the season. You can find out more online on their Facebook or by visiting sandcastlevillage.com.
Mission
Join the City of Mission for a night filled with holiday cheer, family fun, and community giving on Friday, December 5. The city will begin celebrating at 5:30 p.m. at Mission City Hall. The tree lighting will take place at 7:30 p.m. Holiday lights will also be at Leo Pena Placita Park.
Pharr
The City of Pharr will have their Winter Wonderland event on Friday, December 5. Join the City of Pharr for an enchanted evening of winter magic, sparkling lights, and festive cheer from 6 to 10 p.m. The lighting of the Christmas Tree will begin at 7 p.m. The event will be held at the Pharr Downtown Park at 200 S. Cage Blvd. Enjoy live music, delicious food, local market vendors, and holiday activities for all ages.
Pharr will have a Winter Garden Market on Saturday, December 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pharr/Vanguard Nature & Birding Center (1025 S. Richmond Dr.). Enjoy educational exhibits and more. They will also have a Christmas Night at the Library where stories come to life, elves spread cheer, and Santa makes a special stop just for you. The event will be from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Pharr Memorial Library, 121 E. Cherokee Ave.
San Benito
Spread holiday cheer and celebrate the season with lights, music, and festive fun at San Benito’s Christmas on the Resaca and Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, December 5, at 6 p.m. The event will feature music, an ice-skating rink, vendors, and more. It will be held at Heavin Memorial Park, 705 N. Bowie St.
The City of San Benito is also gearing up for their holiday parade, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, that will be held on Saturday, December 6 at 6 p.m. Visitors are invited to line the streets and experience an evening filled with twinkling lights, festive music, and the joy of the season. The parade will be held in downtown San Benito on Sam Houston Blvd. Visit www.cityofsanbenito.com for more information.
Palmview
Palmview will have their annual Christmas tree lighting event on Friday, December 5 at 6 p.m. at Palmview City Hall, 400 W. Veterans Blvd. There will be food and craft vendors, entertainment and more.
Brownsville
The holiday season has already begun in Brownsville. They have had a variety of events and still have more happening to celebrate the season. Currently the Holiday Village at Dean Porter Park is open to visitors.
The City of Brownsville’s 4th Annual La Plaza Terminal Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held on Thursday, December 4 at 6:30 p.m. at 755 International Blvd.
Brownsville’s Downtown Market Square Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is on Friday, December 5 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. The event will be accompanied by festive activities and holiday music. It will be held at Washington Park at 1157 E. Washington St.
Gladys Porter Zoo will host Zoo Nights and Lights Friday, December 5 through Sunday, December 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. The Zoo will also have their Zoo Nights and Lights Holiday Express the weekends of December 12 and 19. The zoo is located at 500 E. Ringgold St.
The Charro Days Fiesta Association Annual Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, December 6 from 7 to 9 p.m. along Elizabeth St. It will feature festive floats, performers, and holiday fun.
Mercedes
The City of Mercedes will hold a Patriotic Lighted Christmas Parade celebrating 250 years of the USA on Saturday, December 6, at 6 p.m. on Texas Ave. Mercedes Police Department will host their Winter Wonderland with food vendors, movies at the park, free toy giveaway, and more on Friday, December 12, at the 5001 E. Expressway 83 (RGV Premium Outlets), from 5 to 9 p.m. They are still accepting toy donations through December 11 that can be dropped off at the Mercedes Police Department at 316 S. Ohio Ave. Call (956) 503-4102 for more information.
Port Isabel
The City of Port Isabel will kick off the 2025 Holiday season with their 17th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Hometown Christmas Holiday Parade on Saturday, December 6. The parade starts at 6 p.m. at Laguna Madre Youth Center, along Queen Isabella Blvd. and ends at the Port Isabel Events & Cultural Center (309 E. Railroad Ave.).
The Christmas Tree Lighting will be held at 7 p.m. in Beulah Park, 224 W. Queen Isabella Blvd. There will be vendors and school performers.
McAllen
While City of McAllen has their South Pole at the McAllen Convention Center that officially opened last weekend. Christmas in the Park, at Municipal Park, 1921 Bicentennial Blvd., starts on Thursday, December 4. Their Holiday Parade is on Saturday, December 6. The event features illuminated floats, character balloons, celebrity hosts and guest appearances, marching bands, dance teams, and more. For tickets and full schedule of events, visit mcallenholidayparade.com.
Weslaco
Weslaco will have their lighted float parade, A Country Christmas, downtown along Texas Blvd. on Saturday, December 13 at 6 p.m. There will be a Santa Dash Fun Run at 5 p.m. For more information, contact (956) 968-2102 or visit their website at www.weslaco.com.
