Holidays here on the coast involve palm tree skies, surfin' Santas, and all the best Tex-Mex traditions! Here are 12 ways to celebrate Twelve Days of Christmas in Corpus Christi! And if you're looking for more ways to do the holidays on the coast, check out our guide to Merry Days by the Bay.

 

1. Downtown Holiday Markets

During the holidays, ArtWalk is transformed into a winter wonderland. Don't miss out on these markets in November and December, where you'll find handmade candles, ceramics, vintage clothes, toys, and more.

If you miss the Holiday ArtWalks, have no fear! There will be holiday pop-up markets downtown EVERY Sunday this year from November 11 to December 18 from 1:00 - 8:00 p.m.

 

2. Home for the Holidays Concert

The Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra will be joined by local choirs to offer a delightful mix of carols, seasonal favorites, and the popular sing-a-long with Santa Claus himself. Don't miss out on a night of festive fun on December 10, 2022.

 

3. Holly-Days at the Gardens

Enjoy four weekends of lights, trees, a petting zoo, hay rides, s’mores, hot cocoa, and Santa beginning the day after Thanksgiving at the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center. And that's not all! There will also be a live-lighted fir tree and an Eco Christmas Tree which is an 18-foot tree of green plastic bottles created by environmental artist Shelia Rogers!

 

4. Christmas Tree Forest

See the Art Museum of South Texas comes alive with the spirit of Christmas! School children from around Corpus Christi decorate a tree around the theme of their favorite children’s book. If you love literature and art, this is a must-see during the holiday season. AND admission is free for the rest of 2022!

 

5. Corpus Christi Gift Shopping

The Gulf Coast Capital Store is your hub for Corpus Christi everything! We're talking cozy sweaters, fishing hats, ornaments, postcards, and even items for the little ones. Coast over to the Visitor Info Center in Water Street Market to get unique Corpus Christi-themed gifts. Take a peek at our selection of goods by visiting our online shop!

 

6. Candy Cane Lane

Not only does this neighborhood have some of the best holiday lights display in Texas, but they have food trucks, live music, and of course, holiday cheer! Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind neighborhood stroll with the family this holiday season in the Schanen Estates neighborhood. Opening day is December 2, 2022.

 

7. Peppermint Lane

During the month of November and December, coast your way downtown to see Chaparral Street adorned with garlands and bows while the trees are lit with lights. It makes for the perfect holiday photo!

 

8. Santa & Elves Paddle

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 the weekend before Christmas!

 

9. The Nutcracker

Don't miss out on this crowd favorite! The Corpus Christi Ballet puts on a phenomenal show every year during the holiday season at American Bank Center. Watch this live show in the Selena Auditorium on December 10, 11, 17, or 18, 2022.

 

10. H-E-B Christmas Tree

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 November 2, 2022.

 

11. Winter Beach Trip

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.

 

12. Ice Skating

Every year, Coastal Christmas at American Bank Center invites visitors to get on the ice and enjoy a skate in a winter wonderland! Coast over from December 19-23, 2022.

 

Get the full Guide to Merry Days by the Bay here!