As the holiday season approaches, the fun begins. Organizers of these events around Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend are excited to get you and your family and friends in a festive mood for winter fun, South Texas-style.
Want to add your event? Send an email to calendars@caller.com.
Ongoing
Visits with Santa Claus at La Palmera
What: Visits with Santa, presented by Apollo Towing, will be available by reservation on the SnapPass system or walk-up during mall hours.
When: Now through Dec. 24; see website for daily hours (closed Thanksgiving Day)
Where: La Palmera mall center court, 5488 S. Padre Island Drive
Cost: Free to visit with Santa; photo packages start at $34.95
Contact: 361-991-3755 | https://www.lapalmera.com/holiday-news
Aurora Arts Theatre presents ‘Winter Wonderettes’
What: The Wonderettes are back! This seasonal celebration finds the girls entertaining at the annual Harper’s Hardware Holiday Party. When Santa turns up missing, the girls use their talent and creative ingenuity to save the holiday party! Featuring great ’60s versions of holiday classics such as “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Run, Rudolph, Run,” and “Winter Wonderland,” the result is, of course, marvelous! This energetic and glittering holiday package is guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages.
When: Nov. 17 through Dec. 31; 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sundays
Where: Aurora Arts Theatre, 5635 Everhart Road
Cost: $20 general admission
Contact: 361-851-9700 | https://www.auroraartstheatre.com/
2023 Christmas Tree Forest: A Reading Wonderland
What: Join the Art Museum of South Texas, H-E-B and the Junior League of Corpus Christi to celebrate the Christmas season with the 14th annual Christmas Tree Forest. Thirty school groups read their chosen award-winning childhood classic book, created related decorations, and trimmed their trees accordingly. After the exhibition concludes, all trees will be donated to families in need to enjoy during the remainder of the holiday season.
When: Open Nov. 19 through Dec. 14; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 1-5 p.m. Sundays
Where: Art Museum of South Texas, 1902 N. Shoreline Blvd
Cost: Free admission, thanks for generous underwriting by HEB
Contact: 361-825-3500 | https://www.artmuseumofsouthtexas.org/christmas-tree-forest-contest/
Harbor Playhouse presents ‘A Christmas Carol’
What: A well-known tradition in the Coastal Bend area, the Harbor Playhouse’s annual production is a spectacular adaptation of Charles Dickens’ most well-known story and is a must-see event for the holidays. This brilliant musical follows Scrooge on Christmas Eve as he is visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, which leads him to ultimately discover the true spirit of Christmas.
When: Nov. 24 through Dec. 23; 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sundays
Where: Harbor Playhouse, 1802 N. Chaparral St.
Cost: $20 adults, $15 seniors/military/students (with valid ID), $10 child 13 and younger. Group rates available.
Contact: 361-888-7469 | https://www.harborplayhouse.com/
Holly-Days at South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center
What: Holly-Days at the Gardens is back, featuring a traditional 20-foot live lighted fir tree in Rose Garden, plus internationally known environmental artist Shelia Rogers’ 18-foot Eco Christmas Tree made with thousands of recycled green plastic bottles! Enjoy the holiday décor and stop for family photo ops, plus hayrides, Reptile Room visits, Santa photos, a petting zoo and s’mores ($5). Check the full schedule online for specific event hours.
When: Nov. 24 through Dec. 23; 6-7:30 p.m. Fridays and noon to 7:30 p.m. Saturdays
Where: South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, 8545 S. Staples St.
Cost: Free for members; $10 adults; $8 seniors (60+)/military/college students with valid ID; $6 children 3 to 12 years old; Free children under 3 with adult admission
Contact: 361-852-2100 | http://www.stxbot.org/
Port Aransas Community Theatre and Aransas Repertory Theatre present ‘All is Calm’
What: The Western Front: Christmas 1914. Out of the violence of World War I, a silence, then a song. A German soldier steps into No Man’s Land singing “Stille Nacht.” Thus begins an extraordinary night of camaraderie, music and peace. An a cappella chorale “All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914” is a remarkable true story in the words and songs of the men who lived it.
When: Nov. 30 through Dec. 10; 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays
Where: Port Aransas Community Theatre, 2327 State Hwy. 361, Port Aransas
Cost: $22 general admission
Contact: 361-749-6036 | https://www.portaransascommunitytheatre.com/calm
Rockport Little Theatre presents ‘One Christmas Eve at Evergreen Mall
What: Follow eight intertwined stories in a Midwestern mall on the last day of shopping before the holiday. A diverse cast of characters—from a lovesick mall Santa to an overeager mall cop, from a pair of brainy misfit teenagers to a pair of battling actors in a production of A Christmas Carol, from a petulant college freshman to a pair of newlyweds—navigate first meetings, second chances, and last-minute choices. “One Christmas Eve at Evergreen Mall” wraps the joys and sorrows of the season into one festive package.
When: Dec. 1-17; 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays
Where: Rockport Little Theatre, 99 N. Austin St., Rockport
Cost: $20 adult, $10 children 6-12 years
Contact: 361-450-1465 | https://www.rockportlittletheatre.com/
Narada Radio Company and Port Aransas Community Theatre present ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’
What: The classic Christmas tale has been reimagined as a live radio show by the Narada Radio Company. With incredible voice acting and sound effects, the show is a truly immersive experience. George Bailey, a man who has given up his personal dreams to help others in his community, attempts suicide on Christmas Eve. This event brings about the intervention of his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody. Clarence shows George how he has touched the lives of others and how different life would be for his wife, Mary, and his community of Bedford Falls if he had not been born.
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14-17 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Dec. 20-22
Where: Port Aransas Community Theatre, 2327 State Hwy. 361, Port Aransas
Cost: $22 general admission
Contact: 361-749-6036 | https://www.portaransascommunitytheatre.com/wonderful-life
One-time events
Peppermint Lane Holiday Market
What: Cats Markets and Corpus Christi Downtown Management District present the Peppermint Lane Holiday Markets! Do your Christmas shopping with dozens of local vendors and small businesses, where the streets will be lit for the holidays. There will be lots of Christmas music, hot cocoa, and Christmas cheer, and take photos with the decorations or with Santa Claus and the Grinch.
When: 1-8 p.m. Sundays in November and December
Where: Chaparral and Lomax streets in downtown Corpus Christi
Cost: Free admission, items available for purchase
Contact: https://www.facebook.com/CaT.S.MarketUNA
Our Lady of Consolation Church’s 109th annual Thanksgiving Day Picnic
What: Join Our Lady of Consolation Church in Vattman for a family-style turkey dinner along with kids’ games, daub Bingo (2-6 p.m.), raffles, silent auction, cookbooks, wheel of fortune, turkey shoot (trap and target) and country store, and all ends with a Country-Western dance. Dinner includes turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean salad, cucumber salad, bread, coffee, tea and one dessert. Dinners to-go also available.
When: 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 23 for picnic; 8 p.m. to midnight for country dance
Where: Our Lady of Consolation Church, Vattman (south of Kingsville on Farm-to-Market Road 628; 5 miles east of U.S. Hwy 77)
Cost: $22 adults, $10 children (ages 10 and younger) for dinner; $15 per person for country dance
Contact: 361-297-5255 | https://ourladyatriviera.tripod.com/
80th annual Joe Salem Thanksgiving Dinner
What: The family of the late Mr. Joe Salem sends a special invitation to anyone who would like to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. Everyone is welcome to the 2023 drive-through distribution, whether as a guest or a volunteer. Guests may line up in their vehicles in the Sokol parking lot beginning at 11 a.m. Serving will begin after the invocation at approximately noon and continue until all the food is gone. Guests are asked to remain in their vehicles and volunteers will load their cars with their meals.
When: noon to 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 23
Where: Sokol Corpus Christi Gym, 5502 Kostoryz Road
Cost: Free
Contact: 361-946-3395 for event information | 361-331-2006 to volunteer
Port Aransas Art Center Holiday Market
What: The Port Aransas Art Center invites you to their 2023 Holiday Market. Whether looking for fine art, handmade crafts, or other gift items, this market has it all. From beautiful paintings to intricate ceramics, there will be something to suit every taste and budget. Support local artists and shop small this holiday season, with a wide variety of vendors, holiday music, and food options, it’s the perfect way to kickstart your holiday season
When: noon to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24 and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25
Where: Port Aransas Civic Center, 701 W. Ave. A, Port Aransas
Cost: Free admission, items available for purchase
Contact: https://www.facebook.com/portaransasartcenter
Spectacular Salon at K Space Contemporary
What: Spectacular Salon is an annual holiday exhibition featuring more than 25 local artists and artisans at K Space Contemporary. This is a European-style exhibition, which spans floor to ceiling with a variety of artistic styles and hand-made items. It is a wonderful event where people can shop for the holidays and support local artists.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25
Where: K Space Contemporary, 415D Starr St.
Cost: Free, items available for purchase
Contact: 361-887-6834 | https://www.facebook.com/KSpaceContemporary/
Quiet Time with Santa at La Palmera mall
What: Special needs children and their families are invited to enjoy a visit with Santa in a sensory-friendly environment with extra time for those who may have developmental or physical challenges. Quiet Time with Santa provides special one-on-one time for photos with Santa before the mall opens — no fountain, no background music, no crowds. Reservations are required for this special event.
When: 9-11 a.m. Sundays Nov. 26, Dec. 3 and Dec. 10
Where: La Palmera mall center court, 5488 S. Padre Island Drive
Cost: $20 reservation (will be applied to photo purchase)
Contact: 361-991-3755 | https://www.lapalmera.com/holiday-news
Pet Night with Santa Claus at La Palmera
What: Pet lovers can bring their favorite dog or cat for “Pet Night with Santa,” on special Wednesday and Thursday evenings at La Palmera mall. Only dogs and cats are permitted and all animals must remain on a leash or in a carrier at all times.
When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays Nov. 29-30; Dec. 6-7; and Dec. 13-14
Where: La Palmera mall center court, 5488 S. Padre Island Drive
Cost: Photo packages start at $34.95
Contact: 361-991-3755 | https://www.lapalmera.com/holiday-news
Winter Wonderland at Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History
What: The Museum of Science and History welcomes the holiday season with an enchanting array of festivities. From sending letters to Santa at the Nuecestown Post Office to relishing classic holiday tales on the Story Time Stage, there’s a magical experience for all. Unleash your creativity with STEAM principles, crafting snow globes and ornaments, and don’t miss the Grinch’s appearances along with Santa and Mrs. Claus meet and greet!
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2
Where: Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History, 1900 N. Chapparal St.
Cost: $12 admission adults, $9 admission seniors/military/children under 12, Free for members and children 2 and younger.
Contact: https://www.ccmuseum.com/event/winter-wonderland/
2023 Rockport Tropical Christmas Festival
What: Tropical Christmas is a free, day-long extravaganza kicking off the holiday season with fun, festivities, fireworks and more in the Rockport Cultural Arts District. The event beings at 10 a.m. at the Rockport Festival Grounds, adjacent to the Rockport Harbor, and offers children’s programs, live entertainment, specialty vendors, food trucks and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The festival winds down at 5:30 p.m. in preparation of the lighting of the Christmas tree, LED Night Kite display by the Surfside Flyers Kite Club, and an illuminated night parade. And, for the grand finale, a spectacular, fireworks display over the harbor. At 4 p.m., the Rockport Beach Park will begin to offer free access for the viewing of the parade and fireworks.
When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2
Where: Rockport Festival Grounds, 101 Seabreeze Drive, Rockport
Cost: Free, items available for purchase
Contact: 361-727-2158 | https://www.cityofrockport.com/844/Rockport-Tropical-Christmas-Festival
Mistletoe Makers Market at Nueces Brewing
What: Shop local for all your Christmas gift needs at the Mistletoe Makers Market. Come out and support local artists, makers, bakers and more. Bring the whole family for some kid-friendly holiday fun.
When: 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2
Where: Nueces Brewing Company, 401 S. Water St.
Cost: Free admission, items available for purchase
Contact: 361-356-6404 | https://www.facebook.com/nuecesbrewing/events
H-E-B Christmas Tree Lighting and Illuminated Boat Parade
What: Join the party in downtown Corpus Christi for the annual H-E-B Tree Lighting Ceremony starting at 6 p.m. at Water’s Edge Park. Then head over to the seawall to see the Illuminated Boat Parade sponsored by the Port of Corpus Christi. Come early and enjoy live music, food trucks and pop-up vendors
When: 4-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2; Tree lighting takes place at 6 p.m. and parade starts at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Water’s Edge Park, 602 S. Shoreline Blvd.
Cost: Free
Contact: https://godowntowncc.com/holidays/
Live Nativity at First Baptist
What: First Baptist Church presents the return of its live nativity Dec. 2-3. Bring your family out for a special evening and enjoy a self-guided walk through our outdoor live nativity featuring live music, cast and animals. At the close of both nights, enjoy a special performance on our 51-bell carillon (bell tower).
When: 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 and Sunday, Dec. 3
Where: First Baptist Church, 3115 Ocean Drive
Cost: Free
Contact: 361-888-8228 | https://www.facebook.com/firstcorpus
Holiday Market with Padre Island Market
What: Come and join a Holiday Market this December, enjoy some community time and shop island style at the Padre Island Market! Come enjoy this outdoor market and shop, eat, and play; fun for the whole family. Shop fresh produce, meat, handmade products and along with ware from a variety of artisans as well as food trucks.
When: 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3
Where: Island Presbyterian Church, 14030 Fortuna Bay Drive
Cost: Free admission, items available for purchase
Contact: https://www.facebook.com/PadreIslandMarket
Cirque Dream Holidaze
What: Imaginative and fun for children to seniors and everyone in between, Cirque Dreams Holidaze features a world-renowned cast of performers accompanied by an ensemble of aerial circus acts, sleight-of-hand jugglers, fun-loving skippers, breath-catching acrobatics, and much more. An original music score includes new twists on seasonal favorites such as “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and “Carol of the Bells.” Singers, dancers, penguins, toy soldiers, and reindeer invoke the dreams behind a child’s eye on the most magical of nights.
When: 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3
Where: American Bank Center, 1901 N. Shoreline Blvd.
Cost: Tickets start at $29
Contact: 361-826-4700 | https://www.americanbankcenter.com/event/cirque-dream-holidaze/
2023 Parade of Lights in Portland
What: Santa Claus comes to Portland! Welcome Santa to town as he travels the illuminated parade route through the community. This is hometown pride and community spirit at its best as individuals, community groups, and local companies participate in the parade.
When: 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 4
Where: Portland Community Center, 2000 Billy G. Webb Drive, Portland
Cost: Free
Contact: 361-777-3301 | https://www.portlandtx.com/512/Parade-of-Lights
La Posada Lighted Boat Parade
What: Come watch the La Posada Lighted Boat Parade which starts at Snoopy’s Pearl Oyster Bar and travels through the north canals. Flash your flashlights from your decks for the collector boats to collect your unwrapped toys for Marine’s Toys for Tots.
When: 7-10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8
Where: Snoopy’s Pearl Oyster Bar, 13313 S. Padre Island Drive, or Marker 37 Marina, 13317 S. Padre Island Drive
Cost: Free to attend, food and drinks available for purchase
Contact:https://www.facebook.com/laposadafoundationcorpuschristi
10th annual Reindeer Run 5K and Kid’s 1K
What: Join the Mattress Firm Reindeer Run 5K Run-Walk and Kids 1K, benefiting Bikes For Kids Corpus Christi on Dec. 9. Sign up the entire family for this fun-filled family run/walk where everyone can participate. All participants will receive a goodie bag filled with antlers and other Christmas goodies! Then join in at a Post-Party at Brewster Street Icehouse (Downtown) and every runner, 21 and up will receive a free beer.
When: 7 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9
Where: Brewster Street Ice House, 1724 Tancahua St.
Cost: $30 registration through Dec. 7, $40 on race day (free for Kids 1K)
Heritage Park Market Days
What: CaTS Market’s mission is to support small businesses and promote shopping local. This market is family and pet friendly, with a little something for everyone. Come spend the day in beautiful Heritage Park and meet some of the friendliest people in South Texas. Find that unique item you just can’t live without.
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9
Where: Heritage Park, 1581 N. Chaparral St.
Cost: Free admission, items available to purchase
Contact:https://www.facebook.com/CaT.S.MarketUNA/
Santa Paws photos at Earthwise
What: Santa Paws will be dropping in for photos with the fur kids! Bring your camera and get some cute pics. This is a free event, but we always appreciate donations in our donation jars, or the purchase of a raffle ticket for our feed and rescue mission, or even an item dropped off to donate like any bowls, toys, treats, food in original bag, blankets, towels, leashes, collars, harnesses, beds etc.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9
Where: Earthwise Pet Corpus Christi, 5625 Saratoga Blvd. Ste 119
Cost: Free, donations appreciated
Contact: 361-353-7387 | https://www.facebook.com/EarthWisePetCorpusChristi
Christmas Tree Forest Free Family Fun Day at Art Museum of South Texas
What: The Art Museum of South Texas presents a Free Family Day in the Christmas Tree Forest. Visitors will enjoy art activities, photos with Santa, live entertainment, H-E-Buddy goody bags, a food truck and more.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9
Where: Art Museum of South Texas, 1902 N. Shoreline Blvd.
Cost: Free
Contact: 361-825-3500 | https://www.artmuseumofsouthtexas.org/event/free-family-day-4/
5th annual Food Truck Christmas Village
What: Bring your family out for a night not to be missed, for a Christmas celebration: The food trucks are coming to town! Gourmet food trucks will gather on location offering your favorites. Come fill your ears with Christmas music and Santa’s Elves Play Zone and petting zoo and mini horse rides. Bring your camera or let us take your child’s photograph with Santa Claus (3-6 p.m.). Bring your shopping list, this pre-Christmas event will offer a unique shopping experience with many arts & crafts vendors to jump start your Christmas shopping.
When: noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9
Where: Bayfront Park, 601 N. Shoreline Blvd.
Cost: Free admission, items available for purchase
Contact: 361-444-9566 | https://www.facebook.com/corpuschristifoodtruckfestival
2023 Christmas in Portland Festival
What: Join Portland Parks and Recreation for the annual Christmas in Portland Festival. Festivities will include pictures with Santa, Christmas crafts, games, snow slide and fun! Rudolph and Frosty will be there too! Parents be sure to bring your camera to take a picture with Santa. All participants are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to this FREE event. All toys will be donated to Christmas for Kids Year Round.
When: 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9
Where: Portland Community Center, 2000 Billy G. Webb Drive, Portland
Cost: Free, visitors encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy
Contact: 361-777-4670| https://www.portlandtx.com/514/Christmas-in-Portland
Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra’s ‘Home for the Holidays’ concert
What: Where else can you listen to three magnificent choirs, Corpus Christi’s own local soprano Olga Miliuta, the amazing symphony orchestra … and yes, a visitor from the North Pole? Only with your talented Corpus Christi Symphony. Fun for the entire family, ho, ho, ho!
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9
Where: Performing Arts Center, 6300 Ocean Drive
Cost: Tickets start at $25
Contact: 361-883-6683 | https://ccsymphony.org/
Corpus Christi Ballet presents ‘The Nutcracker’
What: Corpus Christi Ballet presents the classic holiday favorite featuring a marvelous cast with lavish scenery, dazzling costumes, and exciting characters. Family weekend is Saturday, Dec. 9 and Sunday, Dec. 10. Gala weekend featuring live music by the Corpus Christi Ballet Orchestra is Saturday, Dec. 16 and Sunday, Dec. 17.
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 and Dec. 16; 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10 and Dec. 17
Where: American Bank Center Selena Auditorium, 1901 N. Shoreline Blvd.
Cost: Tickets start at $15 for family weekend (Dec. 9-10); Tickets start at $23 for gala weekend (Dec. 16-17). Student/military/senior discounts available
Contact: 361-882-4588 | http://www.corpuschristiballet.com/
Holiday Who-bilation
What: CaTS Market invites you all to come out and enjoy a magical 🪄 night full of shopping, good food, fun, music, and of course the Grinch! Heritage Park in Downtown Corpus Christi will be transformed into Whoville for the night. There will be tons of decorations, photo opportunities, and you can even visit the Grinch in his lair. This is a pet-friendly event, so bring your pups and enter the Max look-alike contest. There will also be a contest for the best Who hairstyle!
When: 5-10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15
Where: Heritage Park, 1581 N. Chaparral St.
Cost: Free admission, items available to purchase
Contact: https://www.facebook.com/CaT.S.MarketUNA/
Jingle all the Way 5K & 10K at Water’s Edge
What: Join the Jingle all the Way 5k/10K hosted by VF Productions.
When: 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16
Where: Water’s Edge Park, 402 S. Shoreline Blvd.
Cost: $25 ages 19 and older, $20 ages 11-18, $15 for ages 10 and under
Contact: https://v-f-productions.raceentry.com/jingle-all-the-way-5k-and-10k/race-information
Abuelita’s Christmas Carol at Aurora Arts Theatre
What: She’s no George Bailey! She’s no Ebenezer Scrooge! She’s a little bit spicier! She’s Rosita, aka “Abuelita!” Since 2006, this show has played all over South and Central Texas, and even made a stop on the West Coast in California at the Santa Monica Playhouse. Alex Garza is overjoyed to return to Corpus Christi with a play written so lovingly about his family and, most importantly, Rosa Hinojosa, his maternal grandmother. The show includes the same wacky and dear cast of characters, including Lucas, Pedro, Feliza, and who could forget … the pig ghost named Agapito. The show contains deleted scenes from the original 2006 production, and it will have just a little more music than before. Ring in the holidays with a Tex-Mex holiday classic.
When: 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16
Where: Aurora Arts Theatre, 5635 Everhart Road
Cost: $10 general admission
Contact: 361-851-9700 | https://www.auroraartstheatre.com/shows/abuelitas-christmas-carol-23
H-E-B Feast of Sharing
What: Join in the festivities and experience the joy at the 35th annual H-E-B Feast of Sharing holiday dinner. At H-E-B, the holiday season is a time to give thanks to customers, and to bring family, friends and neighbors together for what’s become a beloved annual tradition – the H-E-B Feast of Sharing. In addition to a free, delicious meal, Feast of Sharing guests will also enjoy live music, arts and crafts, children’s activities and entertainment for the whole family throughout the day. The dinner is free and the memories are forever.
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23
Where: American Bank Center, 1901 N. Shoreline Blvd.,
Cost: Free
Contact: https://www.americanbankcenter.com/event/h-e-b-feast-of-sharing/
Black-Eyed Pea Half-Marathon
What: End the year with a half-marathon, two-person half-marathon relay, 5K or 10K run or walk along Corpus Christi Bay. Sponsored by State Representative Todd Hunter, the City of Corpus Christi, and VFit Productions, this race is open to all ages and starts at 7:30 a.m. at Water’s Edge Park.
When: 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 30
Where: Water’s Edge Park, 402 S. Shoreline Blvd.
Cost: $20 registration fee per person for half marathon, free for 5k or 10K walk/run
Polar Bear Plunge at Emerald Beach
What: A New Year’s Day polar bear plunge is an annual tradition shared by communities around the country and the world. The Corpus Christi Polar Bear Plunge is the local take on the tradition! Your registration includes a souvenir t-shirt or embroidered hat (while supplies last), a decal, a drink, and access to the post-plunge hot tub and snack buffet. And 100% of your registration payment goes to ALS TDI, an A-rated nonprofit working to find a cure for ALS. Since the Corpus Christi plunge first began in 2015, they have raised $93,719 to date.
When: noon Monday, Jan. 1
Where: outside Emerald Beach Hotel, 1102 S. Shoreline Blvd.
Cost: $30 early bird adult registration, $20 early bird kid registration
Contact: https://www.polarbearplunge.cc/
Boar’s Head & Yule Log Festival at First Christian Church
What: Join the 40th anniversary celebration! The First Christian Church Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival has become the traditional end to the Christmas season for the Coastal Bend. Christmas continues into Epiphany in January when members of First Christian Church present a gift of pageantry to the communities of South Texas. This tale was first told during a feast at Oxford to celebrate a student’s victory over a wild and raging boar. The present-day festival results from an amalgamation of several ancient celebrations turned into a procession of dances and music, joining traditions of Old England with the Christian joy at the birth of Christ.
When: 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6
Where: First Christian Church, 3401 Santa Fe St.
Cost: Free, donations of canned food items encouraged
Contact: 361-854-3044 | https://fcc-cc.org/boars-head-festival/
