Upcoming Events in South Texas Plains

Downtown, South Texas Boulevard

The city of Weslaco hosts Alfresco Weslaco in historic downtown Weslaco every third Thursday of the month starting in August and ending in February. Experience music and art on the street with 80 to 90 vendors, businesses staying open late, and visitors being able to savor the experience of sipping favorite drinks right on the street.

weslacoedc.com

Beeville Art Museum, 401 E. Fannin

The exhibition features Tiffany Heng-Hui Lee’s mixed-media paper collages and sculptures inspired by the Chinese philosophy of the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Lee’s abstract work aims to raise environmental awareness by reflecting the interconnectedness of our ecosystem through the five elements.

bamtexas.org

International Museum of Art and Science, 1900 W. Nolana Ave.

In this exhibition, visitors discover how dinosaurs’ extraordinary story continues today—not as the giant “terrible lizards” of the past, but as the feathered, winged birds both on land and in the sky we know today.

theimasonline.org/dinosaurs-among-us

Magik Theatre, 420 S. Alamo St.

Back by popular demand this holiday season is the delightful and heartwarming retelling of the classic children’s story, “The Velveteen Rabbit.” A young child awakens Christmas morning to discover a velveteen rabbit among their gifts. Soon becoming the child’s favorite toy, the rabbit’s appearance becomes worn and shabby from play, and a wonderful change begins to happen. Through his adventures with the child, the velveteen rabbit learns about love and friendship, and the true meaning of being real. This much-loved and inspiring story is set in a cozy and magical world, full of inspiring moments that leave audiences feeling uplifted.

magiktheatre.org/the-velveteen-rabbit

Lila Cockrell Theatre , 900 E. Market St.

The 30th annual Mariachi Extravaganza features the largest national mariachi group and vocal competitions, showcasing top-tier talent from school-based mariachi programs across the U.S. A grand finale concert features competition winners and the renowned Mexico City-based Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán.

mariachimusic.com

McAllen Municipal Park, 1921 N. Bicentennial Blvd.

Christmas in the Park sees 30 food vendors and a marketplace with over 20 craft vendors featuring Mexican artisan goods. There’s a main stage and a community stage with entertainment.

mcallenholidayparade.com

Promenade Park Amphitheater, 201 W. McIntyre St.

Mark the start of the holiday season in Edinburg with the tree lighting ceremony. The following day is the Night of Lights Parade, beginning at Richard R. Flores Stadium.

edinburgarts.com/tree

Downtown, 127 N. Courthouse Square

The downtown square is full of handmade Christmas gifts for shopping, and there’s the lighted parade around the square on Friday night. On Saturday, Santa rides into town. There is live entertainment all day Saturday, including the Best Dressed Pet Show and dancers throughout the day.

facebook.com/christmasingoliad

Charline McCombs Empire Theatre, 226 N. St. Mary’s St.

All aboard the most magical journey of the season. Step into a world of wonder and imagination with the world premiere of “The Polar Express: The Musical.” Sure to be an unforgettable adventure, the classic holiday story comes to life with timeless songs from the beloved original, dazzling choreography, and heartwarming moments that captivate audiences of all ages. With stunning visuals, interactive elements, and a tale that inspires belief in the extraordinary, this musical is a holiday event you won’t want to miss.

majesticempire.com/events/cbsa-polar-express

Downtown, Washington Street

A nighttime parade and games bring in the holiday season.

McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium, 2001 N. Bicentennial Blvd.

McAllen does the holiday season big with the largest helium balloon parade in the state, celebrity hosts and guest appearances, and marching bands and dance teams.

mcallenholidayparade.com

Natural Bridge Caverns, 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Road,

Kick your Christmas up a notch starting with Caroling in the Caverns, the take a beautiful stroll through the Trail of Lights, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, indulge on s’mores and hot chocolate, and walk through the Reindeer Roundup Maze.

naturalbridgecaverns.com/christmas-2/

Lila Cockrell Theatre, 200 E. Market St.

“The Children’s Nutcracker” is a truly enchanting, family-friendly adaptation of the classic Christmastime ballet. Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” has been captivating the hearts and minds of audiences for over a hundred years. Award-winning dancers and a talented array of young performers share the stage for this production filled with dazzling costumes, multimedia-integrated scenery, and even an interactive surprise or two for audience members. Each performance is an event that includes shopping, sweets, and Santa. And with a condensed 1.5-hour run time, it keeps even the youngest theatergoers engaged. Before the show, shop the Holiday Market filled with an extensive selection of dress-up items, including tutus and Sugarplum Fairy wands, Mouse King swords, as well as home décor including ornaments and, of course, nutcrackers.

sahbgcc.com/facilities/lila-cockrell-theatre

Downtown, 500 S. Texas Blvd.

See hundreds of runners dressed as Santa in Weslaco. This festive fun run is perfect for all ages. The route takes you through downtown Weslaco, kicking off the Weslaco Parade.

weslaco.com/parade

Downtown, 500 S. Texas Blvd.

Celebrate the holidays in Weslaco at the annual Lighted Christmas Parade, with over 100 units illuminating the streets of downtown Weslaco. This year’s theme is Santa’s Toyland.

weslaco.com/parade

Margarite B. Parker Chapel, Trinity University, San Antonio, TX 78212, One Trinity Place

This non-denominational German Christmas celebration is open to everyone. It includes the telling of the Christmas story in German, using traditional scripture, Christmas poems, carols, and seasonal music. Sing “Stille Nacht,” and “O Tannenbaum,” in German, with words and music provided. The Beethoven Maennerchor and the San Antonio Liederkranz choirs perform. Arrive early to hear Dr. David Heller’s prelude on the magnificent chapel organ. The annual celebration is free, family-friendly, and open to the public.

saweihnachtsfeier.org

Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle

Join Youth Orchestras of San Antonio and the Children’s Chorus of San Antonio for an evening filled with classic Christmas songs and other holiday favorites. From lively orchestral arrangements to poignant choral pieces, this festive concert is a great way to enjoy the holiday season.

music.yosa.org/holiday

Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market St.

Families are invited to join the Briscoe to explore different cultural celebrations in the Southwest. See how cultures makes each region uniquely different.

briscoemuseum.org

Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market St.

The Briscoe Western Art Museum’s Native Film Series showcases a selection of films that feature original and diverse indigenous stories. Get a deeper look into life in the Southwest in conjunction with the latest exhibit, “Storytellers: Narrative Art and the West.”

briscoemuseum.org

Various locations

Laredo hosts this party marking its 127th year. The celebration features more than 30 events over 44 days, including an air show, a carnival, pageants depicting the country’s early history, the two-day Jalapeño Festival, one of the country’s truly “international” parades, concerts, and fireworks.

wbcalaredo.org

Main Plaza, 115 N. Main Ave.

Celebrate Texas’ biggest wedding of the year. Main Plaza Conservancy and Historic Bexar County Courthouse invites visitgors to celebrate the nuptials of hundreds of couples arriving for midnight Valentine’s Day weddings. This annual event includes a pre-ceremony reception on Main Plaza with wedding vendors, live music, and special giveaways for the newlyweds. At midnight the crowd gathers on the historic courthouse steps to witness the mass wedding that welcomes couples from all over the state.

mainplaza.org

Various locations

Fiesta San Antonio started in 1891 as a one-parade event to honor the memory of the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. Today, Fiesta is one of this nation’s premier festivals, with more than 100 local nonprofit organizations orchestrating festivities and raising funds that support the community throughout the year.

fiestasanantonio.org