Must-See Christmas Light Displays in Corpus Christi

Must-See Christmas Light Displays in Corpus Christi

Hop in the car, put on your favorite holiday songs and get ready to “ooh” and “ahh” at these nine light displays in Corpus Christi and the greater Coastal Bend region.

The H-E-B Christmas tree located on Shoreline. Blvd. in downtown Corpus Christi lights up for the holidays.

Located on Shoreline Blvd. in Water’s Edge Park, this 58-foot-tall Christmas tree is one you can’t miss! Photo by Benjamin Zaragosa

The holiday season is finally upon us. That means cold weather, the smell of pine (even if it’s from an air freshener) and classic holiday songs blaring while cruising the Coastal Bend to “ooh” and “ahh” at your favorite holiday light displays. To ensure our readers don’t miss out on the various hot spots for Christmas lights, we put together a list of the best and brightest spots in Corpus Christi and the greater Coastal Bend region to check out this season.

Candy Cane Lane

Kick off your tour with the iconic Candy Cane Lane. Every year, residents of Schanen Estates deck out their front lawns for a delightful wonderland of giant candy canes and over 300 homes decorated with lights. Admire on foot or drive the four streets: Donegal Dr., Wooldridge Rd., McAlpin Dr. and Killarmet Dr. Plus, this year’s Candy Cane Lane fun includes a special concert series! On Dec. 13, 14, 20 and 21, local artists will perform at 6 p.m. in Schanen Estates. 

Peppermint Lane

Did you know that in the 1960s, the blocks of Chaparral St. transformed into a festal block party? Today, the tradition lives on with a joyous holiday experience, rows of Christmas lights illuminating the street and local storefronts sparkling with their best decorations to celebrate the season. Don’t forget to stop by Artesian Park, where the trees are lined with colorful lights, The Port’s Holiday Tree in La Retama Park and participating businesses in the Mayor’s Merriest Downtown Decor Contest for more holiday décor fun.

H-E-B Christmas Tree 

Located on Shoreline Blvd. in Water’s Edge Park, this 58-foot-tall Christmas tree is one you can’t miss! With the Corpus Christi Bay serving as the tree’s backdrop, this spot serves as the perfect family photo op. The lights turn on every day at sundown and the tree will remain up through Christmas day. 

Mr. Bill’s Wonderland

Bringing all the holiday charm is Mr. Bill’s Wonderland at 3242 Hampton St. in Brighton Village, opening up this Friday, Dec. 8. For two decades, this has been more than your average Christmas light display. With a choir, a nativity scene, a train, toys, Santa Claus and more, Mr. Bill’s Wonderland is a must-see every year for all ages. Don’t forget to snap a photo in Santa’s sleigh! 

Santa’s Mailbox

Keeping the magic of Santa alive, the Millikan family’s candy-red mailbox at 1026 Belmeade Dr. offers young and old believers alike the chance to send a letter to Santa. The home’s front yard also features holiday decor and when you drop your letter into the box, snow falls from the trees while holiday music plays. Drop off your letter with a return address to receive a reply from Santa himself!

Mazoch Holiday Display

You haven’t seen it all until you visit the Mazoch family holiday display at 15301 Isabella Ct. across the bridge on North Padre Island. Their famous display appeared on ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight” in 2015, and for good reason. Every Sunday through Thursday, the display runs from 5:30-10 p.m. and 5:30-11 p.m. Friday through Saturday. The Mazoch’s display exhibits the glory of Christmas on The Island, featuring pelicans, fish and sea themes mixed with traditional holiday decor. Visitors are encouraged to bring an ornament to place on the community trees. 

Life-size Nativity Scene

The Bocanegra family has produced a life-sized nativity scene every year for the past 20 years, making it a popular décor destination. With live doves, life-like barn animals and more, this ornamented home at 4826 Willowbrook Dr. never fails to impress during the holiday season. They even serve free popcorn to visitors on some nights! 

Garcia Holiday Light Show

Celebrating a decade of dazzling the streets in Corpus Christi, the Garica Holiday Light Show is back with another jolly display. A synchronized light show with over 100,000 lights is sure to bring cheer to you and yours. Located at 3425 Austin St., the display will remain up through Christmas night. Drive up, tune your radio to 100.7 FM and enjoy the show! Display times include Sundays through Thursdays, 6-10 p.m. and Fridays through Saturdays from 6-11 p.m.

Christmas on the Beach

Take your light tour to the beach! Every year, Rockport Beach hosts a free vehicle light tour as local businesses and organizations set up displays with various themes to create miles of holiday joy. With the support of Harbor Master Keith Barrett and the Aransas County Navigation District, this year is set to shine bigger and brighter than ever. The displays take place from Dec. 8 to Jan. 7, Sunday through Thursday, 6-9 p.m. and Friday through Sunday, 6-10 p.m.

Looking for more holiday-related fun in the Coastal Bend? Check out this list of 15 must-attend events this season!