Our Rio Grande Valley museums supply arts, history and culture to their visitors throughout the year. But during the Christmas season, they also share creativity and bright lights.
Several museums have Christmas tree exhibits. They get the community to bring and decorate a tree, usually to a certain theme. You can be sure to see lots of color and lights as organizations pick a theme that represents them, the city, or their heritage.
Mission Historical Museum would like to remind readers that they are celebrating their 19th Annual Quilt Show and are now accepting entries for this beloved community tradition. Quilt enthusiasts are invited to participate by submitting their best work in three categories: Bed Quilts, Wall Hangings, and Other.
Entry forms and quilts will be accepted at the museum beginning Tuesday, December 3. The submission deadline is Friday, January 3, 2025.
Entries can be delivered between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays. The Mission Historical Museum advises early registration, as space is limited, and entries will be capped if capacity is reached before the deadline.
Read more: Mission Historical Museum accepting quilt entries
Valley residents, Winter Texans, visitors, birders and those just getting interested in birding are invited to join a team in the count areas for the annual Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count.
The CBC is a one-day event per area within established count circles. This year’s count is already in progress and will run through January 5, 2025. Local counts are listed below with contact information for those interested in joining a team.
Area volunteers are celebrating the collection of gift-filled shoeboxes that will send a message of joy to children around the world.
Thousands of volunteers contributed to Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, by packing shoeboxes filled with fun toys, school supplies, and personal care items. The global Christmas project will deliver these gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 100 countries, including many who are suffering from war, poverty, disease and disaster. Each shoebox is an opportunity to share the message of the Gospel and bring hope to children in need around the world.
During this holiday season, The Salvation Army staff and volunteers are diligently working to raise much needed funds to support those most in need this Christmas, and beyond. This year, The Salvation Army seeks to raise $175,000 to meet the growing demand for essential services in the McAllen community and is falling behind its goal.
Every year, The Salvation Army of McAllen provides shelter, meals, emergency financial assistance, clothing vouchers, food boxes, disaster assistance and more to individuals and local families. The holiday season can be especially difficult for many, and donations are crucial to ensuring that no one is left behind during this time of year.
Keep McAllen Beautiful will be hosting its third annual Christmas Posada at Archer Park, located at 101 N. Main St. on Saturday, December 14, starting at 7 p.m. The free, family-friendly event will feature the traditional posada procession that reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging.
This year’s event promises to provide entertainment for everyone featuring a special performance by Nikki Rowe’s Razz Ma Tazz Show Choir. The posada procession culminates at a nativity scene, with shepherds and the Three Wise Men. The posada will be accompanied by traditional singing during the procession and will include Christmas songs performed by choirs from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints missionary choir, colibrí children’s choir, and the La Joya ISD Seguin Elementary choir and cheer team.
Read more: Keep McAllen Beautiful celebrates the Christmas Posada
The Winter Texan Orchestra will be presenting a Christmas Concert on Sunday, December 15, at Texas Trails RV Resort, 501 W. Owassa Road, Pharr. This free concert is open to the public and will begin at 3 p.m.
The symphony orchestra will perform the same program on Tuesday, December 17, at Tip O’ Texas RV Resort, 101 E. Sioux Road, Pharr, at 2 p.m.
This hour-long concert will feature favorite Christmas tunes, and a door prize will be given at each venue.
