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Published: Thursday, 11 December 2025 08:58
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 colors and lights as organizations pick a theme that represents them, the city, or their heritage.
Read more: Valley Museums share the spirit of the season
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Published: Wednesday, 10 December 2025 14:14
McAllen, TX — The International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) celebrated local creativity at the opening reception and awards ceremony for its 5th Annual Members’ Juried Art Show on November 22. The exhibition, featuring the work of IMAS members, runs through February 15, 2026.
Read more: IMAS celebrates local talent
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Published: Wednesday, 10 December 2025 14:01
Light the World Giving Machines make giving easy and fun this Christmas.
Have you ever bought a goat from a vending machine? How about warm clothing for a child, groceries for a family, or job training for the underemployed?
From December 10th through January 1st, visitors at McAllen Food Park (10 N. Broadway St.) can purchase essential items like these from a Light the World Giving Machine to help those in need here in McAllen or throughout the world. This is the first time a Giving Machine will be hosted in McAllen.
Read more: Unique vending machines coming to McAllen
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Published: Wednesday, 10 December 2025 13:13
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. Novice or pro, come join the count!
The CBC is a one-day event per area within established count circles. This year’s count will be held from December 14 through January 5, 2026. Local counts are listed below with contact information for those interested in joining a team.
Read more: Annual Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count dates set
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Published: Wednesday, 10 December 2025 12:17
The McAllen Public Library (MPL) is kicking off its Youth Winter Drive to help keep children and teens in our community warm this season. The effort calls for collecting winter essentials for local youth, with donations supporting the Teen Essential Shelves at the Lark, Palm View, and Main branches.
Read more: MPL launches Youth Winter Drive to help keep local kids warm
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Published: Wednesday, 10 December 2025 12:11
By Joey Gomez, STC
South Texas College students are helping to transform a developing 30-acre camp for children with Type 1 diabetes by utilizing their skills to build furniture, recreational features and sensory stations for the South Texas Juvenile Diabetes Association (STJDA).
For more than a year, STC faculty and students from multiple programs have partnered with STJDA to support its vision of creating a residential camp for children with chronic illnesses and special needs. Since then, STC programs including Construction Supervision, Architecture, Culinary Arts and Welding have contributed to the camp’s development on the outskirts of Willacy and Hidalgo counties.
Read more: STC students use skills to support Valley children living with diabetes
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Published: Wednesday, 10 December 2025 11:59
The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley will celebrate the completion of its new cooler and freezer facility with a ribbon cutting on Friday, December 12 at 10 a.m.
The new cold-storage facility is located on-site behind the Food Bank RGV’s historic Valley Fruit Company building. The Food Bank RGV is located at 724 N. Cage Blvd. in Pharr.
Read more: Food Bank RGV to host ribbon cutting for new facility
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Published: Wednesday, 03 December 2025 11:52
You 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.
Read more: Harlingen preserves its past at museum
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Published: Wednesday, 26 November 2025 10:51
There 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.
Read more: Lots to do at Bentsen State Park
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Published: Wednesday, 26 November 2025 10:49
The 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.
Read more: Angel Trees make Christmas wishes Come True
By Herb Moering
By Veronica Salinas
AUSTIN, Texas—With holiday shopping in full swing, the Texas Historical Commission (THC) has launched its online store TexasHistoryGifts.com featuring unique offerings available for purchase online and at historic sites across the state. 
Volunteers across Texas are joining the national nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA) to prepare for National Wreaths Across America Day, Saturday, December 13.
