MERRY DAYS BY THE BAY

Winter Wonderland Light Displays

November 7, 2025 - January 6, 2026

Downtown Corpus Christi sparkles with holiday cheer, and Artesian Park is the perfect place to experience it all. Stroll through the beautifully lit Winter Wonderland, enjoy festive décor, and take in the warmth of the season. Then, kick off the holidays with the Port of Corpus Christi Holiday Tree Lighting during First Friday Artwalk, complete with live music, local vendors, and a visit from Santa. Celebrate community, lights, and holiday magic in the heart of Downtown Corpus Christi.

Port of Corpus Christi Holiday Tree in Artesian Park

Friday, November 7, 2025 | 6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.

Kick off the holidays with a visit to Artesian Park for a close-up view of the 18-foot holiday tree adorned with 700 lights, 250 ornaments, and a hanging ornament sky.  Snap a photo, and then head to one of our delicious downtown local restaurants for a nice dinner.

Event Highlights:

• Port of Corpus Christi Holiday Tree lighting ceremony at 7:00 p.m. 
• Live music by the Young Klassics
• Photo booth and Santa Claus appearance
• Takes place during First Friday ArtWalk with 12 blocks of vendors, food trucks, art, and live music

Peppermint Lane Lighting Ceremony

November 16, 2025 | 6:30 p.m.

Starting November 1, Chaparral Street from Taylor to Lomax streets will shine with festive red and white garland and bright peppermint decorations. The official lighting ceremony will take place during the Holiday Market on Sunday, November 16, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy delicious bites from local food trucks, browse a variety of pop-up vendors, and capture festive family photos. Downtown Corpus Christi transforms into the ultimate Holiday Shopping Headquarters, bringing seasonal cheer and community spirit to the heart of the city.

Peppermint Lane Holiday Market

BUS | Sundays in November & December | 2:00 - 7:00 p.m.

The Holiday Market on Peppermint Lane, presented by the Corpus Christi Downtown Management District, transforms Downtown Corpus Christi into a festive shopping destination. Taking place at the Bar Under the Sun (BUS) terminal on select Sundays in November and December. On November 16, 23, 30, and December 7 and 21, the market runs from 2:00 –7:00 p.m. and features local food trucks, unique pop-up vendors, and fun holiday photo opportunities for the whole family. Don’t miss the Peppermint Lane Lighting Ceremony presented by AEP Texas on November 16, 2025 at 6:30 p.m., marking the official start of the holiday season in Downtown Corpus Christi.

Mayor's Sparkling Christmas Lights Contest

Friday, December 5, 2025

It’s beginning to look a lot like everyone’s favorite season in Downtown Corpus Christi! Come to #DowntownCC to see businesses all lit up for the Mayor's Sparkling Christmas Lights Contest powered by AEP Foundation. Dozens of downtown storefronts will be decorated for a chance to win in five festive categories and you’ll have the chance to vote for your favorite! It’s also the First Friday ArtWalk, so expect live music, seasonal specials, art exhibits, and parties filling the streets with holiday cheer.

Kick off the holiday season in true coastal style at Holidays on the Harbor! On Saturday, December 6, 2025, watch the H-E-B Christmas Tree sparkle to life at Water’s Edge Park before the Port of Corpus Christi Illuminated Boat Parade lights up the bay. Enjoy festive views of decorated boats gliding along the seawall, delicious bites from local food trucks, and holiday cheer all around. It’s the perfect evening to gather family and friends and celebrate the magic of the holidays in Downtown Corpus Christi.

H-E-B Christmas Tree Schedule

4:00 - 9:00 p.m. | Water's Edge Park

• Vendors
• Food Trucks
• Lighting ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m.

Illuminated Boat Parade 

7:00 p.m. | Downtown Seawall

Watch Downtown Corpus Christi glow under the evening sky as lighted boats invade the Marina and spread holiday cheer at the Illuminated Boat Parade. Boaters from Corpus Christi and beyond will set sail in a sea of lights while competing for the most festive vessel of the season. 

Holly Jolly Bar Hop

December 12 - 23, 2025 | Downtown 

Looking for a fun night out with family and friends? Enjoy a festive themed bar hop through Downtown Corpus Christi, where the holiday spirit comes alive! Sip on signature seasonal cocktails, or non-alcoholic options, as you explore cozy pubs decked out in twinkling lights and cheerful décor. With each stop, soak up the merry atmosphere, make new memories, and celebrate the warmth of community in the heart of downtown. Follow our socials for participating bars and holiday drink specials!

Merry & More - A Holiday Block Party

Friday, December 19, 2025 | 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Kick off the holiday season with a holiday block party, presented by H-E-B in partnership with the City of Corpus Christi, Visit Corpus Christi, downtown Corpus Christi, and our amazing local museums. Held at the Corpus Christi Watergarden, Merry & More - A Holiday Block Party is a festive, family-friendly celebration packed with holiday cheer, including photos with Santa, hands-on museum fun, live entertainment, seasonal giveaways, and plenty of activities for kids. Best of all, the event is free and open to everyone, so bring your family, your friends, and your holiday spirit for an evening you won’t forget!

Enjoy:

• Photos with Santa
• Museum adventures
• Live entertainment
• Holiday giveaways
• Kids' activities