Holidays here on the coast involve palm tree skies, surfin’ Santas, and all the best Tex-Mex traditions! Here are 12 ways to celebrate Twelve Days of Christmas in Corpus Christi! If you’re looking for more ways to do the holidays on the coast, check out our guide to Merry Days by the Bay.
1. Downtown Holiday Markets
Get into the holiday spirit with the lights, décor, and shopping in Downtown Corpus Christi! Head to the holiday markets and find an assortment of holiday gifts from handmade candles and ceramics to vintage clothing, toys, and more!
- First Friday ArtWalk: Held the first Friday of each month from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- Peppermint Lane Holiday Market: held every Sunday from November 16 – December 21, 2024 from 2:00 PM – 7:00 p.m.
2. Holiday Cheer Concert
Experience the magic of the season as the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra presents Holiday Cheer, featuring soprano Haley Sicking and local area choirs. Known for her captivating voice, Sicking brings her exceptional talent to Corpus Christi for an unforgettable celebration of festive music. Enjoy a joyful mix of holiday favorites during performances at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on December 13, 2025, at the Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi Performing Arts Center, known for its state-of-the-art acoustics and beautiful bayfront views.
3. Holly-Days at the Gardens
Enjoy four weekends of lights, trees, a petting zoo, hay rides, s’mores, hot cocoa, and Santa beginning the day after Thanksgiving at the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center. There will also be a live-lighted 20-foot fresh-cut fir tree, a poinsettia tree, and an 18-foot eco-tree made of green plastic bottles created by environmental artist Shelia Rogers!
4. Christmas Tree Forest
Art Museum of South Texas come alive with the spirit of Christmas! School children from around Corpus Christi decorate a tree around the theme of their favorite children’s book to create a Reading Wonderland. If you love literature and art, this is a must-see during the holiday season! Christmas Tree display is available for public viewing during the months of November and December.
5. Shop Outdoor Pop-Up Markets
During the season, pop-up markets twinkle with festive lights and cheerful décor, filling the air with carols and the scent of warm treats. Stroll through stalls brimming with handmade ornaments, locally crafted gifts, holiday greenery, and artisanal goodies perfect for stocking stuffers. Add in live music, food vendors serving seasonal favorites, and plenty of coastal charm, and you’ve got the perfect way to shop small while soaking in the magic of Christmas.
6. Candy Cane Lane
Enjoy creative decorations and festive light displays in the Schanen Estates neighborhood on the city’s Southside. Along with visual displays, you can enjoy food trucks, live music, and plenty of holiday cheer. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind neighborhood stroll with the family this holiday season starting in December!
7. Peppermint Lane
During November and December, coast your way downtown to see Chaparral Street adorned with festive garlands and bright red bows while the trees sparkle with twinkling lights. Stroll along the beautifully decorated street, browse local shops, and grab a warm drink from a nearby café as you take in the cheerful sights. Whether you’re snapping the perfect holiday photo or simply soaking in the glow of the season, Downtown Corpus Christi shines with coastal Christmas charm.
8. Santa & Elves Paddle
Seeing Santa and his little helpers paddle in the Marina is truly a sight to see. Experience the holidays on the water with Water Dog Floating Yoga’s Santa & Elves Paddle this holiday season.
9. The Nutcracker
Don’t miss out on this crowd favorite! The Corpus Christi Ballet puts on a phenomenal show every year during the holiday season at the Hilliard Center. Watch this live show in the Selena Auditorium on December 13, 14, 20, and 21, 2025.
10. H-E-B Christmas Tree
Every year, the community gathers around the 6-story Christmas tree in Water’s Edge Park to take family photos, have a picnic, and take in the views of the Corpus Christi Bay. The tree will officially be up and lit on December 6, 2025.
11. Winter Beach Trip
The great thing about being on the coast is getting to enjoy the beach year-round! Enjoy a picnic, camping, and be one with nature at Padre Island National Seashore this winter. Get the full guide to Corpus Christi beaches here.
12. Ice Skating
Every year, Coastal Christmas at the Hilliard Center invites visitors to get on the ice and enjoy a skate in a winter wonderland! Enjoy indoor ice skating, family photo ops, holiday characters, holiday refreshments and more! Don’t miss the DJ Late Night Skate, featuring neon lights and live DJ beats for a glowing holiday experience.
The 2025 holiday season is upon us and there’s no better way to embrace the…
The 2025 holiday season is upon us and there’s no better way to embrace the……