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Everyone’s favorite festive cottages have returned

Brownsville Holiday village IMG 2813 webHoliday Village kicked off their 16th season with a jam-packed opening ceremony recently at Dean Porter Park in Brownsville. Guests enjoyed live music, free buñuelos and candy canes, and more, as they anticipated the first official lighting of the cottages.

The event was emceed by Brock Hughston, who also plays keyboard and sings vocals with the band. Other members include Frank Morris on drums and Darak Weaver on guitar. Their holiday music set, which included favorites like You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch and Jingle Bell Rock, had the crowd feeling festive.

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Magic awaits you at Hidalgo’s Festival of Lights

20191206 Hidalgo Festival of Lights ALB 0868 webThe Hidalgo Festival of Lights has become a regular Christmas season must see. With millions of Christmas lights, trolley tours, dinner, carnival rides and entertainment, there is plenty to do and see for everyone. The festival officially begins with the lighting of the tree on Sunday, December 7 and runs through January 4, 2026. This year, Hidalgo Festival of Lights celebrates 34 years of Christmas Magic.

The Illuminated Trail drive thru allows you to experience the enchanted two-mile trail of dazzling lights and displays from the comfort of your own vehicle. Entry is through 23rd St. and Arena Drive. You can buy the Dash Pass to skip the line.

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Christmas tidings are coming

Thanksgiving has come and gone and now our thoughts tum to Christmas which is just around the corner. It's time to dig through the Christmas decorations and time to shop for the perfect tree to decorate. Many of the ornaments probably bring back memories of other Christmas times and special family members who perhaps made homemade ornaments.

One of my favorite memories is of the Christmas when I was just a little girl who longed for that special day to come. Actually, it was my mother who had a difficult time waiting until Christmas morning. Somehow, she always managed to need something from the neighborhood store late on December 24th. Off we would go to run the errand only to come home and find that Santa Claus had come while we were gone. On one very special Christmas, we received a whole group of chairs with seats covered with raw hide. Since I was the youngest at that time, I received a little rocking chair just my size. The rockers are long gone, but I still have the little chair. Mother's chair was also a rocker, but all the other chairs were just the thing for our dining room table.

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Valley cities light up for the holidays

20181115 SPI Christmas Parade Barberstock 0004 webThe Valley sure knows how to be festive, and they go all out during the holidays. While there were a few cities like McAllen, that have lit up their trees already, there are still many Valley cities that are having their tree lightings and even some parades this week.

Harlingen

Join the City of Harlingen for the Lighting of the Arroyo at McKelvey Park on Thursday, December 4 from 6 to 9 p.m. The park is located at 1325 S. 77 Sunshine Strip. They will host their Christmas Parade – Grinchmas in the City – on Historic Jackson Avenue on Friday, December 5 at 6 p.m. For more information, call (956) 216-4910.

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Harlingen preserves its past at museum

20201118 Harlingen Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum CAB 4243 webYou could make a day of it by visiting the Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum and then, just a hop, a skip, and a jump away, is the Iwo Jima Monument and Museum at the Marine Military Academy.

The Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum is a one-of-a-kind museum in the Rio Grande Valley. The museum houses three historical buildings on its ground. When you visit the museum, you will also be able to look at the original home of Lon C. Hill, Harlingen’s town founder; the Paso Real Stagecoach Inn; and Harlingen’s first hospital.

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City of Edinburg to host Miracle on McIntyre

Screenshot 2025 12 01 110154 webThe City of Edinburg is welcoming the holiday season again with the Miracle on McIntyre celebration, a two-day festive extravaganza that will bring the community together for a series of holiday events sure to spread joy and Christmas cheer.

The festivities kick off on Thursday, December 4, with the official Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Promenade Park Amphitheater at 6 p.m. This special event will light up the season and feature a holiday market running until 9 p.m. Attendees can enjoy the sounds of carolers and take pictures with Santa. The Christmas market will feature an array of food vendors and unique holiday gifts to help you start your seasonal shopping in style.

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National Museum of the Pacific War holds reopening

Fredericksburg, TX – The National Museum of the Pacific War (NMPW), a Smithsonian Affiliate accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, will celebrate the grand reopening of its principal exhibition space, the George H. W. Bush Gallery, on Saturday, December 6. The gallery has undergone its first comprehensive renovation since opening in 2009. The day will feature a public ribbon-cutting ceremony from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. followed by free admission across the Museum campus.

The ceremony will feature remarks from George P. Bush, former Texas Land Commissioner and grandson of President George H. W. Bush. A Navy Reserve veteran who served in Operation Enduring Freedom, Bush has been an advocate for Texas veterans’ services, historic preservation, and military heritage initiatives, aligning closely with the Museum’s mission to honor and interpret the legacy of the Pacific War.

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Come and sing with the Senior Ambassadors

S.A. webgifThe Senior Ambassadors men’s chorus, which has been a part of the Rio Grande Valley since 1985, is looking for singers to join their chorus. Senior Ambassadors is composed of men from the Valley and Winter Texan community.

They perform choral music from sacred and semi classical, to pop and country. Starting in January of each year, the group performs live for audiences at various RV parks in the Rio Grande Valley. The group is always looking for men who enjoy singing and invite you to join them at the weekly practice sessions. All levels are welcome.

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Lots to do at Bentsen State Park

NOrthern Cardinal TPWD David Garcia webThere is lots to do at Bentsen State Park this coming month. The park has continuous fun and informative programs for all ages throughout the busy season. Please note, that reservations are required for some programs.

Bird walks are scheduled every Friday and Saturday at 8:30 a.m. There will be a special Bentsen Holiday Fun Day on Saturday, December 6 from 1 to 4 p.m.

All other programs during the month of December require reservations. Reservations open on the first of the month.

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Angel Trees make Christmas wishes Come True

20241127 Angel Tree Workers webThe Salvation Army of McAllen is excited to kick off its annual Angel Tree program, with a heartfelt invitation to the community to Give with Joy this holiday season. Through this cherished tradition, children in need will receive toys, clothing, and the joy of knowing someone cares.

Thanks to the generosity of local donors, more than 2,800 children will wake up to gifts under the tree this Christmas—gifts that represent hope, dignity, and love.

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