Are you looking for things to do in Corpus Christi this weekend? From tree lighting ceremonies and boat parades to the Texas State Museum of Asian Culture’s 50th Anniversary celebration, there are plenty of ways to spend time with the whole family!
All Weekend
A Christmas Carol, The Musical
Experience the magic of the season with A Christmas Carol: The Musical at the Harbor Playhouse. This adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale brings Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformative journey to life with music, dance and heartwarming storytelling. The show opens Friday, Nov. 29, at 7:30 p.m., kicking off a four-week run. Tickets range from $10 to $20 and can be purchased by calling 361.888.SHOW or visit the website.
December 6
La Posada Lighted Boat Parade
La Posada Lighted Boat Parade returns this Friday starting at 6 p.m., spreading holiday cheer across the Coastal Bend. Toy collectors and lighted boats will journey from the JFK Bridge through the north canals, gathering toys for children in Nueces, San Patricio and Aransas counties. This annual tradition supports the La Posada Foundation’s partnership with Toys for Tots, furthering its mission to brighten the lives of local children. Visit the foundation’s Facebook page for route maps and watch parties at various local businesses.
December 6
December ArtWalk
Downtown Corpus Christi kicks off the holiday season with a festive First Friday ArtWalk: Holiday Edition this Friday from 6-10 p.m. Presented by H-E-B, this family event will feature live music, pop-up vendors, art exhibitions, seasonal specials and the Mayor’s Sparkling Christmas Lights Contest powered by the AEP Foundation. This month’s programming will forgo street closures and instead take on a park and pop-up party format hosted across Artesian Park, La Retama Park and downtown businesses.
December 6-7
HOLLY DAYS at the Gardens
Celebrate the holiday season at the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center with HOLLY DAYS at the Gardens, happening Fridays and Saturdays from Nov. 29 through Dec. 21. This annual event transforms the gardens into a dazzling wonderland featuring a 20-foot lighted fir tree, eco-friendly Christmas displays by artist Shelia Rogers and lighted exhibits throughout the grounds.
Enjoy family-friendly activities like hayrides, a hay maze, kids’ crafts, s’mores, cocoa and photos with parrot and reptile ambassadors—or even Santa himself. Event hours are Fridays from 6-7:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 2-7:30 p.m., with admission included in general entry or membership.
December 7
H-E-B Christmas Tree Lighting & Illuminated Boat Parade
This Saturday, Downtown Corpus Christi will host the H-E-B Christmas Tree Lighting at 5:30 p.m. at Water’s Edge Park, with vendors, live entertainment and food trucks from 4-9 p.m. The celebration continues with The Port of Corpus Christi Illuminated Boat Parade, setting sail from the Seawall at 7 p.m.
December 7
For Chicks by Chicks Christmas Market
The 2nd Annual For Chicks by Chicks Christmas Market returns to The Annex on Saturday starting at 2 p.m. This market, featuring local women-owned businesses and vendors like Blue Wave Bakery, House Plant Clubbin and Tula Blue, offers a unique shopping experience perfect for the holiday season. Proceeds will benefit Foster Angels of South Texas, combining holiday cheer with a meaningful cause.
All Weekend
A Christmas Story, the Musical
Aurora Arts Theatre brings holiday cheer to the stage this weekend with A Christmas Story, the Musical, directed by Laurie Guajardo-Hoefelmeyer. Set in the 1940s in the fictional town of Hohman, Indiana, the musical follows young Ralphie Parker’s quest to secure his dream Christmas gift — an Official Red Ryder BB gun — despite constant warnings. The show has a runtime of two hours, including a 15-minute intermission. Tickets to the Saturday evening and Sunday matinee performances are still available online.
December 7
Yuletide at the Art Center
This event invites families to kick off the holiday season with festive fun from 2-5 p.m. Enjoy activities including a petting zoo, games, crafts and photo opportunities. Join the celebration at the Art Center of Corpus Christi’s Courtyard and experience the season’s magic along the waterfront before heading out to watch the Illuminated Boat Parade along the Seawall.
December 8
Peppermint Lane Market
Join Downtown Corpus Christi and CATS Market UNA for the Peppermint Lane Market. Get your holiday shopping on with dozens of local vendors and small businesses along the 900 block of Chaparral from 2-7 p.m. Plus, enjoy food trucks, holiday music, photo ops and hot cocoa. Don’t forget to stop by the surrounding shops, restaurants and bars.
