By Herb Moering
Winter Texans Bill and Nancee Fisher and David and Margie Jones picked a very good time to come see their first Alamo Christmas Parade on Friday, December 12.
First, the weather was in the balmy 70s range all evening, which helped them to forget the cold and snow of Ohio. In fact, the Fishers had just arrived in Alamo four days ago, leaving behind a couple inches of snow.
The Golf View Estates ladies who love to sew continue to make baby blankets for Mission Regional Medical Center. This season, the group of ladies also started making stuffed bears, dogs and other knitted items. The ladies have made and donated baby blankets and stuffed animals for newborn babies at hospital. This year, the group donated 360 blankets and 45 stuffed animals.
On the evening of December 13, parking lots were full, and crowds lined both sides of Texas Blvd. to attend the Weslaco Lighted Christmas Parade. There were those that opted for the reserved seating, and plenty more that found opportune spots to sit or stand with friends and family. With a seemingly endless line of festive floats and vehicles, Weslaco had an atmosphere of Christmas cheer.
Thankfully, the weather was nice, too. No rain and a gentle breeze made it easy to enjoy being outdoors for the entirety of the event. During the parade there were some vendors along the route offering food and beverages just in case you found yourself needing something tasty or refreshing.
Read more: Weslaco’s parade was only part of the Christmas fun
Enjoy the outdoors, entertainment, and more at one of Quinta Mazatlan’s activities this month. You can participate in crafts, workshops, tours, walks, yoga, or tai chi.
Quinta Mazatlan will celebrate the longest night of the year, Winter Solstice, on Saturday, December 20 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The park will be having a live concert with renowned artist Tish Hinojosa as well as an arts and crafts area and plant giveaways.
Tish Hinojosa is a Texas-born Latin American artist with a music career spanning decades. She has released 16 albums in English and Spanish and has even performed at the White House.
Get into the holiday spirit and stop by the craft tables where you can design and paint your own holiday pot. Customize the perfect pot as they will also be giving away Tasajillo and Christmas Cholla – while supplies last.
A perfect addition to music and crafts will be snacks. They’ll be having a selection from local vendors to choose from, offering sweet and savory foods for all the family.
Additional parking will be available at La Plaza Mall, located at 1400 Wichita Ave. Simply park your car and hop on the free shuttle that will take you directly to Quinta Mazatlan.
The park will host another Holidays in the Park on Thursday, December 18, featuring Mariachi Mariposas. The event will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Tropic Star RV Resort raised over $3,000 to help provide clothes and toys for 38 children in the Pharr community. The activity was coordinated by Lorna and Danny Pence. The Pharr Police Department gathered, vetted and then shared the names of families in need. They assisted in obtaining a discount from the Burlington Store on S. Jackson St. in Pharr to help their money go even further. On Wednesday, December 10, 24 shoppers descended on Burlington and quickly gathered items. They then handed them off to 32 residents who wrapped them and then boxed the items for each family. The Pharr Police came and picked up the boxes and beginning, on December 12th, will be delivering the gifts to the families for the next 12 days.
The McAllen Wind Ensemble warmly invites the Rio Grande Valley community to embrace the magic of the holidays at Christmas Across America, a joyful and spirited musical celebration on Friday, December 19, at 7:30 p.m. at the McAllen Performing Arts Center.
This year’s Christmas concert takes audiences on a musical journey across the United States, featuring beloved seasonal favorites, rich orchestral arrangements, and heartwarming holiday classics from coast to coast. The evening will also showcase a special guest performance by the Deborah Case Dance Academy, whose elegant and expressive choreography will bring an added layer of beauty and storytelling to this festive event.
Read more: MWE presents a musical holiday journey across the USA
The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) proudly announces its upcoming Annual Community Health and Wellness Fair, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, January 13 and 14, 2026, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Mission Event Center, 200 N. Shary Rd., Mission.
Proudly sponsored by the City of Mission and Mission Regional Medical Center, this two-day wellness fair brings together healthcare providers, wellness experts, and local organizations to offer free health services and education to the community.
Read more: Mission Chamber to host Annual Health & Wellness Fair
On Tuesday December 9th, Tropic Star RV Resort in Pharr hosted their annual Teddy Bear Luncheon. Coordinated by Carol Peets, 103 ladies gifted 209 stuffed animals that were picked up by six Pharr Police Officers.
Over the past several years, the Teddy Bear Luncheon has donated thousands of stuffed animals for the Pharr Police and other Emergency Services to give out to children in need of comfort. The program is just one of the parks wonderful holiday traditions.
Edinburg, TX - Get ready to jingle all the way into the holiday season. The Dustin Michael Sekula Memorial Library—teaming up with The Friends of the Edinburg Public Library—invites families, teens, and community members of every age to join the 2025 Holly Jolly Winter Celebration. This free and festive family event will take place on Thursday, December 18, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the library, located at 1906 S. Closner Blvd.
The 2025 Holly Jolly Winter Celebration will feature an evening filled with holiday crafts, themed games, photo opportunities, and delightful surprises, all designed to bring joy to attendees of all ages. All activities are free and open to the public, continuing a cherished seasonal tradition for the community.
Read more: Holly Jolly Celebration coming to Dustin Sekula Memorial Library
The Mission Historical Museum is excited to announce the 20th Annual Quilt Show and is 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 Decorative Art.
Entry forms and quilts will be accepted through Tuesday, January 6, 2026. Entries can be delivered between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays. The Museum advises early registration, as space is limited and entries will be capped if capacity is reached before the deadline.
Read more: MHM accepting submissions for the 20th Annual Quilt Show
