Get into the holiday spirit with the lights, décor, and shopping in Downtown Corpus Christi! Head to the holiday outdoor pop-up markets and find an assortment of holiday gifts from handmade candles and ceramics to vintage clothing, toys, and more!

• First Friday ArtWalk: Held the first Friday of each month from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Peppermint Lane Holiday Market: held at BUS every Sunday leading up to Christmas, starting November 3 from 2:00 p.m.– 7:00 p.m.
• GROW Local Farmers Market: held every Wednesday at the Art Center of Corpus Christi from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• Water Street Sunday Farmers Market: held every Sunday from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Water Street Market. 

Experience the magic of the season as the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra presents Holiday Cheer, featuring soprano Haley Sicking and local area choirs. Known for her captivating voice, Sicking brings her exceptional talent to Corpus Christi for an unforgettable celebration of festive music. Enjoy a joyful mix of holiday favorites during performances at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on December 13, 2025, at the Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi Performing Arts Center, known for its state-of-the-art acoustics and beautiful bayfront views.

Enjoy four festive weekends of holiday cheer at the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center. Wander among sparkling lights, decorated trees, and glowing displays across the grounds and conservatories. Highlights include a 20-foot fresh-cut lighted fir tree, an 18-foot recycled eco Christmas tree made from green plastic bottles, and four smaller versions created by conservation artist Shelia Rogers, along with additional recycled displays in the Plumeria Garden. Families can visit with Santa, enjoy hayrides, snap photos at holiday cutouts, explore the kids’ lighted hay maze, and warm up with s’mores and cocoa. Festivities will take place from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. on November 28-29 and December 5-6, 12-13, and 19-20. 

See the Art Museum of South Texas come alive with the spirit of Christmas! School children from around Corpus Christi decorate a tree around the theme of their favorite children’s book to create a Reading Wonderland. If you love literature and art, this is a must-see during the holiday season! Christmas Tree display is available for public viewing during the months of November and December. 

Celebrate the festive season at the Holiday Hoopla at the historic Galvan House in Heritage Park on Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Admission is free and guests can enjoy a variety of holiday activities, including craft making, cookie decorating, a hot cocoa bar, and exciting yard games. Don’t forget to capture a memorable moment with Santa himself!

Visit the Texas State Aquarium this holiday season and enjoy festive exhibits, underwater adventures, unique gifts, and seasonal treats for the whole family. It is the perfect coastal getaway to add a little Christmas magic to your day. For an unforgettable holiday moment, see Scuba St. Nick and his cheerful elf as they make a special appearance in the Caribbean Journey. From December 13 through December 23, St. Nick will dive daily at 2:00 p.m., giving guests the chance to capture a memorable Christmas photo and experience Santa in a completely new way.

During November and December, coast your way downtown to see Chaparral Street adorned with festive garlands and bright red bows while the trees sparkle with twinkling lights. Stroll along the beautifully decorated street, browse local shops, and grab a warm drink from a nearby café as you take in the cheerful sights. Whether you’re snapping the perfect holiday photo or simply soaking in the glow of the season, Downtown Corpus Christi shines with coastal Christmas charm. Be sure to take a drive around the city to find all the spots where you can see holiday decoration and lights. 

Seeing Santa and his little helpers paddle in the Marina is truly a sight to see. Experience the holidays on the water with Water Dog Floating Yoga's Santa & Elves Paddle this holiday season. 

Don't miss out on this crowd favorite! The Corpus Christi Ballet puts on a phenomenal show every year during the holiday season at the Hilliard Center. Watch this live show in the Selena Auditorium on December 13, 14, 20, and 21, 2025.

Every year, the community gathers around the 6-story Christmas tree in Water's Edge Park to take family photos, have a picnic, and take in the views of the Corpus Christi Bay. The tree will officially be up and lit on December 6, 2025.

The great thing about being on the coast is getting to enjoy the beach year-round! Enjoy a picnic, camping, and be one with nature at Padre Island National Seashore this winter. Get the full guide to Corpus Christi beaches here.

Whitecap Holiday Lights | December 3 | 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Whitecap Holiday Lights brings coastal cheer to Corpus Christi with a festive, family-friendly celebration on North Padre Island. Enjoy photos with Santa, face painting, snow-globe fun, and live performances from Seashore Charter School carolers and local dance groups. Sip complimentary hot cocoa from Island Joe’s and savor candy canes while soaking in the sparkling lights and holiday magic.

Celebrate the season at Coastal Christmas, returning for its 8th year at the Hilliard Center Arena on December 5–7 and December 21–23. Enjoy indoor ice skating, themed skate nights, a holiday market, Santa visits, sensory-friendly sessions, and the Bikes for Kids giveback day. Capture festive photo ops, sip holiday refreshments, and experience the DJ Late Night Skate with neon lights and live DJ music. Parking and entry for non-skaters are free, making this the perfect holiday outing for families and friends.