HOLIDAYS IN CORPUS CHRISTI

Port of Corpus Christi Holiday Tree Lighting

Friday, November 6, 2026 | 6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. | Artesian Park

Kick off the holiday season in Downtown Corpus Christi at the Port of Corpus Christi Holiday Tree Lighting in Artesian Park. Held during First Friday ArtWalk, this annual celebration brings Christmas lights, live entertainment, and festive activities to the heart of downtown. Watch the holiday tree light up at 7 p.m. and explore the surrounding ArtWalk festivities.

Event Highlights

• Holiday tree lighting ceremony at 7:00 p.m.
• Live entertainment
• Photos with Santa Claus
• First Friday ArtWalk featuring 10 blocks of vendors, food trucks, live music, and art exhibitions
• Downtown restaurants and businesses to explore throughout the evening

Artesian Park Winter Wonderland 

Beginning November 6, 2026 | Artesian Park

Experience the holiday season in Downtown Corpus Christi at Artesian Park Winter Wonderland. Beginning November 6, the park transforms into a festive destination with colorful Christmas lights, illuminated decorations, and seasonal displays. Stroll through the park, take holiday photos, and enjoy the decorations throughout November and December. Presented by the Downtown Revitalization Alliance, this holiday light display offers a festive stop while exploring Downtown Corpus Christi.

Peppermint Lane Lighting Ceremony 

Sunday, November 15, 2026 | 2:00 - 7:00 p.m. | BUS 

Beginning November 1, Chaparral Street between Taylor and Lomax streets will shine with festive red-and-white garland and bright peppermint decorations. Celebrate the official Peppermint Lane Lighting Ceremony, powered by AEP Texas, on Sunday, November 15, at BUS in Downtown Corpus Christi. Enjoy an afternoon of holiday shopping, family-friendly activities, and entertainment.

Lighting Ceremony at 6:30 p.m.

Event Highlights

• Local vendors and holiday shopping
• Community entertainment
• Cookies and cocoa
• Pictures with Santa Claus
• Letters to Santa presented by Kleberg Bank
• Peppermint Lane Lighting Ceremony at 6:30 p.m.

Mayor Guajardo's Sparkling Christmas Lights Contest

December 4 - 31, 2026 | Participating Downtown Businesses

Downtown Corpus Christi lights up for Mayor Guajardo's Sparkling Christmas Lights Contest as local businesses decorate their storefronts with festive lights and holiday displays. Explore the decorated streets, discover participating shops and restaurants, and vote for your favorite Christmas decorations during the People's Choice competition.

Holidays on the Harbor

Saturday, December 5, 2026 | 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. 

Celebrate Christmas along the Corpus Christi Bayfront at Holidays on the Harbor, featuring the H-E-B Holiday Tree Lighting and the Port of Corpus Christi Illuminated Boat Parade. Enjoy festive activities at Water's Edge Park before watching decorated boats light up the Corpus Christi Marina and downtown seawall. With waterfront views, holiday entertainment, and seasonal celebrations, this annual event brings Christmas festivities to Downtown Corpus Christi.

H-E-B Holiday Tree Lighting

4:00 -8:00 p.m. | Water's Edge Park

• Lighting ceremony at 6 p.m.
• 66-foot Christmas tree
• Music, vendors, and food trucks

Port of Corpus Christi Illuminated Boat Parade

7:00 - 9:00 p.m. | Corpus Christi Marina and Downtown Seawall

• Illuminated boats decorated for the holidays
• Participating boaters compete for festive titles and cash prizes
• Public viewing along the downtown seawall

Holly Jolly Bar Hop

December 11-23, 2026 | | Participating Downtown bars and restaurants

Celebrate the holidays with festive drinks and seasonal specials during the Holly Jolly Bar Hop in Downtown Corpus Christi. From December 11–23, participating bars and restaurants offer holiday-inspired cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages, and Christmas-themed experiences. Explore downtown nightlife, discover seasonal drink menus, and enjoy the decorations at participating establishments.

Event Highlights

• Seasonal cocktails and holiday drink specials
• Non-alcoholic beverage options
• Participating downtown bars and restaurants
• Christmas decorations and festive atmospheres
• Individual business hours and specials vary by location

Letters to Santa

November 15 - December 20, 2026 | Coco Cabana

Make a special stop in Downtown Corpus Christi for Letters to Santa at Coco Cabana. From November 15 through December 20, children can write their Christmas wish lists and drop off their letters in Santa's holiday mailbox. Presented by Kleberg Bank, the Downtown Management District, and Coco Cabana, this seasonal activity gives families a fun way to share their Christmas wishes while exploring downtown's holiday celebrations.

Event Details

• Dates: November 15–December 20
• Location: CoCo Cabana, 309 N. Water St., Suite D
• Activity: Write and drop off letters to Santa
• Available during participating business hours
  • Monday - 8:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday - Closed
  • Wednesday - Friday - 8:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Holiday Lights at Whitecap

Wednesday, December 2, 2026 | 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. 

Celebrate Christmas on North Padre Island at the third annual Holiday Lights at Whitecap. This family-friendly event brings festive entertainment, seasonal activities, and a Christmas tree lighting to the Island. Bring the family for an evening of holiday fun, photos, and Christmas cheer.

Event Highlights

• Photos with Santa Claus
• Holiday carolers and live entertainment
• Ornament decorating and face painting
• Food trucks, sweet treats, and hot cocoa
• Christmas tree lighting
• Toys for Tots holiday giving opportunity

La Posada Lighted Boat Parade

December 11-12, 2026 | Padre Island

Celebrate the holiday season on North Padre Island with the annual La Posada Lighted Boat Parade in Corpus Christi. This beloved coastal Christmas tradition features boats decorated with colorful holiday lights as they travel through the Island's canals. The festivities begin with a kickoff party featuring live and silent auctions and entertainment, followed by two evenings of illuminated boat parades. Organized by the La Posada Foundation, the celebration supports its mission of helping children throughout the Coastal Bend.

La Posada Kickoff Party

Friday, December 4, 2026 | 6:30 p.m.

Kick off the festivities at the annual Kick-Off Party at HardKnocks Sports Grill with an evening of entertainment, live and silent auctions, and opportunities to support the La Posada Foundation ahead of the annual boat parades.

La Posada Lighted Boat Parades

December 11-12, 2026 | North Padre Island

Watch the Island's canals come alive with colorful Christmas lights as decorated boats travel through the waterways during two evenings of holiday celebrations.

Parade Schedule:

• Friday, December 11, 2026 | 7:00 p.m. | North Canals: The parade begins at the Caravel Boat Ramp and continues through the South Canals.
• Saturday, December 12, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. | South Canals: The parade begins at the Caravel Boat Ramp and continues through the South Canals.

For additional information and parade updates, visit the La Posada Foundation.