The Valley is full of the festive holiday spirit during the Christmas and December holidays. While I am sure you have enjoyed many events at your park, other parks, or maybe around town somewhere, there are still a few activities that you can visit to partake in the Christmas spirit.
In Brownsville you will find the Holiday Village. The Holiday Village is in its 16th season at Dean Porter Park. For those who may not know, the Holiday Village at Dean Porter Park in Brownsville is a collection of cottages, each one measuring about 10’ wide, 8’ deep and over 11’ tall, which are adorned inside and out with the most whimsical and adorable holiday trimmings. The Village is set up in the park every November, free and open to the public, and runs from the Monday before Thanksgiving through the first of the year.
This family-friendly attraction is funded by grants and sponsors and organized entirely by volunteers.
Be sure to look for Fritter, the Holiday Village Elf, while you are there. Patrons can also enjoy treats from a variety of food vendors and more. There is also a scavenger hunt that you can do with your friends that you can find online. More information can be found at www.HolidayVillageBrownsville.com.
The 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 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.
Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 6 to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 6 to 11 p.m., and Sunday, 6 to 10 p.m. From December 19 through January 4, the Festival of Lights is open until 11 p.m. each night.
For more information, tickets, and a full schedule of events, visit their website online at hidalgofestivaloflights.com. The Payne Arena is located at 2600 N. 10th St. Advance tickets are required for many of the events.
Experience the magic of the holidays like never before – where twinkling lights, towering lanterns, and joyful moments come together to celebrate the season – at the McAllen Convention Center at their South Pole Illuminated Festival.
This year’s festival highlights include the New “Christmas Across America” Lantern Displays featuring the Golden Gate Bridge, Mount Rushmore, Main Street USA, and the Statue of Liberty; weekend fireworks (Friday-Sunday) featuring the Electric Parade; a giant Ferris wheel; and A South Pole Experience – McAllen’s own real ice-skating rink.
The festival will be open from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday; and open a little later, until 10:30 p.m., on Fridays and Saturdays. Admission starts at $15 for adults. Children under six are free.
The festival will run through December 28. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.southpoleoftexas.com/. The festival is located at the McAllen Convention Center, 700 Convention Center Blvd.
While you are out and about, you can also check out a few museums that have holiday displays.
The International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) has their annual IMAS Guild Christmas Tree Forest. This year’s theme, “Christmas in a Science Lab,” puts a creative spin on the season, inspiring participants to combine the magic of the holidays with the wonder of science.
The Christmas Tree Forest, organized by the IMAS Guild, will remain on display through January 4, 2026.
IMAS is located at 1900 W. Nolana Avenue in McAllen, Texas. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information on admission, events, and programs, visit theimasonline.org or call (956) 681-2800.
Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum have their Christmas Tree Extravaganza on display through December 31. They will also have the Lon C. Hill Home, Paso Real Stagecoach Inn, and the old Harlingen Hospital decked out in Christmas décor.
Their regular hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The museum is located at 2425 Boxwood Street. You can find out more information about their exhibits online at https://www.facebook.com/harlingenmuseum or by calling (956) 216-4901.
Weslaco Museum presents their Christmas Tree Forest Exhibit through December 27. Step into a festive Christmas exhibit with this year’s theme “A Country Christmas.”
The museum’s hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. The Weslaco Museum is located at 500 S. Texas Blvd. For more information, visit their website at weslacomuseum.org, find them on Facebook, or call (956) 968-9142.
Brownville Historical Association will present its Department 56 Miniature Holiday Village collection at the Historic Brownsville Museum. Founded in 1976, the Department 56 Company captures the spirit of Christmas through various themed collections that can be seen through the display. The display will be up through January 17.
The Historic Brownsville Museum is located at 641 E. Madison St. They are open from Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call (956) 541-5560 for more information. A $6 fee, $4 for seniors, gets you into both of their museums.
