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Published: Tuesday, 23 December 2025 20:37
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.
Read more: Many Christmas activities are still ongoing in the Valley
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Published: Tuesday, 23 December 2025 20:30
It has been a great week. It has been unseasonably warmer than usual, but that means we get to enjoy the outdoors a little bit more. Because of that, you can walk around your park to see your neighbor’s Christmas lights.
A lot of parks have been having Golf Cart Christmas parades. Fully decking out their golf carts with Christmas décor, sometimes fully dressing up in ugly sweaters, or other Christmas attire, and carting their way throughout the parks. It’s a delight to see the fun that is had during these parades.
Some parks even have groups that go throughout their park singing carols. What a joy it is to see you enjoying the holiday, your friends, and the Valley, and bringing joy to others.
We love seeing photos and hearing stories of what you are doing in your park. We also love seeing what you are doing for your communities.
During this time of year, we get to see what you have been working on during the month, or with some, what you have been working on all year, so you have quilts and other handmade items to give for Christmas.
It’s such a blessing to have you in the Valley.
Last issue we had a few park stories, and we continue this week with a few more. We know there are many more parks out there that do things for their park residents and for their communities. We love to share your news. So, if you want to share something, please send it to us.
Being a Christmas issue, we thought we would deck out our paper a little for the holiday. We hope you enjoy the look this week.
I invite you to remember the reason for the season. Among other Christmas classics, we really enjoy watching the Charlie Brown Christmas during the holiday. Finding the same type of comfort that Linus did when reciting the story about a Savior being born. I also invite you to find your own way to Light the World. Anyone can find simple acts of kindness to bring joy to others.
However you celebrate this holiday, we want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a very blessed holiday.
~ Rina
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Published: Tuesday, 23 December 2025 20:28
Have a beautiful and blessed Christmas
Time has just flown by. Only two more days and it will be Christmas.
And here I am in the Hill Country with my only grandson, his daddy and my two daughters. And of course, on my way to Marble Falls we stopped off in San Antonio to spend the night with my only son who soon will be living back in the Rio Grande Valley. In fact, just five houses down the street from me. It will be good to have family so close.
If you have not been to the Hill Country, do stop by on your way in or out of the Valley. Veterans will enjoy visiting Fredericksburg and the Admiral Nimitz Museum where you can view the tanks and artillery that were used in the Second World War. The ladies will find plenty of shops lining the main street.
Read more: On the Road with Jo Liston
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Published: Tuesday, 23 December 2025 20:26
University Draft House is yet another one of those places that I’ve heard plenty about, from the food to the entertainment and events, but haven’t had the opportunity to try before. The restaurant itself is interesting, having been an old pump house that was renovated to make it into the facility it is today. Throughout you’ll see old pipes and machinery, maintaining its history. There’s indoor and outdoor seating, a bar upstairs, and multiple TVs.
Upon arriving, we were informed that the transition from the brunch menu to the lunch menu was happening shortly. That gave us plenty of time to look over the options as sometimes my appetite is a little indecisive. While checking out the entrees, we ordered a calamari appetizer. I’ve had calamari from quite a few places, but this one was a hit with my boyfriend and me. It was crispy and had good flavor, having a sweet and spicy sauce along with sauteed red bell peppers and green onions.
Of course, I had to try out a burger, and I didn’t dwell on this for too long. Once I saw The Player, pulled pork on Texas toast with lettuce, pickles, raspberry chipotle BBQ, chipotle mayo, and house slaw, I knew that was my pick. My boyfriend had The Graduate: a hearty burger with an angus beef patty, BBQ caramelized onions, sauteed mushrooms, brie cheese, arugula, and truffle aioli. As someone that really enjoys pulled pork and all things BBQ, I was more than pleased with my meal. It was savory and delicious throughout. I can confirm that his burger was just as good, having had a few bites myself as always.
There are options for sides and different ways to dress up your burger, and salads, too. The aforementioned brunch menu is something I’ll want to try out another time, as well as Taco Tuesday and Happy Hour. On Tuesdays, they serve $1 tacos – obviously a good deal, and a tasty one, I’m sure. Happy Hour takes place every day from 3 to 7 p.m., featuring half price selected appetizers and cocktails.
University Draft House has two locations. Find them in McAllen at 100 W. Business 83 and in Edinburg at 2405 W. University Dr.
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Published: Tuesday, 23 December 2025 20:24
By Barb Zanetti-Taetsch, Photos by Dennis Zanetti
At McAllen’s Elks Lodge 1402 a young girl stands before Santa with her hands on her hips and says, “Santa, do you have a naughty list?”
Santa, Wally Ostrowski, a Winter Texan from Alamo Rec Vehicle Park (ARVP), takes a second to answer her.
“Yes, I do,” he says. “But today, no one here is on it.”
“You HAVE to put my brother on that list,” she says, insisting that he take action and shaking her head, totally ignoring Santa’s absolution. “He steals my French fries … even when I’m watching!”
Read more: Elks and Winter Texans provide Christmas party for special need kids
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Published: Tuesday, 23 December 2025 20:18
Mission Bell/Trade Winds hosted their third annual Reverse Advent Calendar food drive. This was started in 2023 by a couple of park residents. DaLeen Markel found an article about a group of people that did this, and she shared it with Rick Anderson, and a decision was made to give it a go. And it has turned into a highly successful event that the sister parks do together.
Read more: Mission Bell – Tradewinds donates over 1,800 pounds of food
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Published: Tuesday, 23 December 2025 20:15
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.
Read more: Alamo Christmas Parade enjoyed by all
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Published: Tuesday, 23 December 2025 20:13
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.
Read more: GVE ladies donate to MRMC
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Published: Tuesday, 23 December 2025 20:12
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
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Published: Wednesday, 17 December 2025 13:48
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.
Read more: Winter Solstice and more at Quinta Mazatlan
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Published: Tuesday, 16 December 2025 11:40
I hope you are having a great season so far. There have been so many holiday celebrations throughout the Valley that I am sure you have had a chance to go to at least one of them. I am also sure that your park has had something too or has something planned soon.
I have seen photos on Facebook of parks helping those in their community with food, clothing, and more this season. We even have some in this issue of the paper that has been shared with us.
We would love to see photos of your gatherings at your park, your Red Hat adventures, and anything else you want to share with us. We love seeing you having fun.
Our community loves having you here. And it not just because of your giving, but because you are like family while you visit the Valley. You adopt those around you. You make friends. You find causes that you relate to. You really become a part of the Valley, a part of us. Your giving is just a bonus to the communities you help. You are truly a treasure to have for the few short months we do.
There are so many ways to give this time of year. Most of the big organizations like Salvation Army and Toys for Tots are already done collecting toys for children in our area by now. Most will be distributed this week, just before Christmas.
The Salvation Army and RGV Food Bank are just two of the organizations you can give to all year long. Many of the cities in the Valley have their own food banks as well. Then we have church and school organizations, animal shelters, police and fire department organizations, and so many more.
You have a lot of options if you choose to give a little, or a lot, this season.
Like I have said in previous weeks, if you can’t give anything monetary, give a little bit of yourself – a hug, a smile, a touching note, just a little something that tells someone they are appreciated, that they are seen. Sometimes that is more important than anything else.
~ Rina
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Published: Tuesday, 16 December 2025 11:35
Christmas is approaching fast. I will spend Christmas in Central Texas with my children. Right now, I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my oldest daughter who will arrive from San Miguel Allende, Mexico on December 17th. She is more in touch with my other two children - especially age-wise - and will help me with the decisions as to what would be the best choice for their special Christmas presents.
Very definitely we have to have live Christmas greenery in the house for that special Christmas smell. I suppose I better buy some Christmas candles to add to that smell as well.
It has actually been quite a few years since we celebrated Christmas in my home. Do you remember when your children were small and they were just positive that Santa Claus would not be able to find them if they were not in their own home? Now everybody is all grown up, living in other cities with their own small children. So here I am "On the road again."
If you are expecting company to visit you, why not introduce them to some of our fantastic museums that tell the history of the Rio Grande Valley. From the Gulf of Mexico up to Rio Grande City and all the way to Kingsville, you will find plenty to keep you busy. Museums and historical locations with markers help us all to appreciate the history of our area. Take time to read the markers. Many of the museums tell the story in both English and Spanish. Your younger visitors will be fascinated with the stories of pirates who tied lanterns to their donkey's legs and led them up and down the beach at South Padre Island, luring the ships ashore to plunder them of all their treasures.
At the other end of the Valley, in Edinburg, you will find a very interesting Museum of South Texas History. My twelve-year-old great nephew was especially intrigued with this museum. And of course, en route to the upper Valley, you could stop off in Weslaco to visit their two museums. If you want something more up to date, there is Space X on the road to Boca Chica. This would probably be a drive by only.
Whatever you do and wherever you are enjoy your family, friends and visitors as you build memories of the good times you have as you explore the Rio Grande Valley.
For even more sites to see in the Rio Grande Valley, find the Rio Grande Valley Visitors Guide on the Winter Texan Times website. In there you will find plenty of places to visit in whatever area you decide to explore.
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.
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. 
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 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.
Going to the Old Hidalgo Pumphouse is a little like having the winning ticket to the past. Not only do you get to visit one of the nine World Birding sites, but there’s the intriguing story and history surrounding the Pumphouse’s importance to agriculture. Also, during this time of year, you’ll get to see it dressed up for the holidays. The last time I visited was around Halloween and they had the entire front of the area decorated with spiders, monsters and clowns.
A good many of you are probably familiar with Victoria Palms Restaurant. From the food to the people, it’s a welcoming experience that leaves you cheerful and stuffed. At least I surely was by the end of it, having been a bit too insistent on trying a little bit of everything from the daily breakfast buffet as well as one of the legendary omelets I’ve heard so much about.
At the omelet station, there’s plenty of toppings to appease any palate. Looking around, you’ll see newspaper articles hung up and even a banner celebrating 100,000 omelets. And most of all, there’s a couple behind the counter that brightens any morning. Dave and Lynne – respectively the omelet guy and the omelet guy’s wife – wearing their signature aprons and hats as they make omelets and waffles for every hungry patron, even knowing some by name.
