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! 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

Get into the holiday spirit with the lights, décor, and shopping in Downtown Corpus Christi! Head to the holiday 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 every Sunday from November 16 – December 21, 2024 from 2:00 PM – 7:00 p.m.

2. Holiday Cheer Concert

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.

3. Holly-Days at the Gardens

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. 

4. Christmas Tree Forest

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. 

5. Shop Outdoor Pop-Up Markets

During the season, pop-up markets twinkle with festive lights and cheerful décor, filling the air with carols and the scent of warm treats. Stroll through stalls brimming with handmade ornaments, locally crafted gifts, holiday greenery, and artisanal goodies perfect for stocking stuffers. Add in live music, food vendors serving seasonal favorites, and plenty of coastal charm, and you’ve got the perfect way to shop small while soaking in the magic of Christmas.

6. Candy Cane Lane

Enjoy creative decorations and festive light displays in the Schanen Estates neighborhood on the city’s Southside. Along with visual displays, you can enjoy food trucks, live music, and plenty of holiday cheer. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind neighborhood stroll with the family this holiday season starting in December!

7. Peppermint Lane

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.

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 this holiday season. 

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 the Hilliard Center. Watch this live show in the Selena Auditorium on December 13, 14, 20, and 21, 2025.

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 December 6, 2025.

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.

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.

12. Ice Skating

Every year, Coastal Christmas at the Hilliard Center invites visitors to get on the ice and enjoy a skate in a winter wonderland! Enjoy indoor ice skating, family photo ops, holiday characters, holiday refreshments and more! Don’t miss the DJ Late Night Skate, featuring neon lights and live DJ beats for a glowing holiday experience.

Be sure to check out our upcoming events for even more ways to enjoy Corpus Christi. For insider tips and inspiration, explore our visitor guides packed with local favorites and hidden gems. And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the loop on the latest happenings along the coast.