As the holiday season approaches, the fun begins. Organizers of these events around Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend are excited to get you and your family and friends in a festive mood for winter fun, South Texas-style.
Want to add your event? Send an email to calendars@caller.com.
Ongoing
Aurora Arts Theatre presents ‘Winter Wonderettes’
What: The Wonderettes are back! This seasonal celebration finds the girls entertaining at the annual Harper’s Hardware Holiday Party. When Santa turns up missing, the girls use their talent and creative ingenuity to save the holiday party! Featuring great ’60s versions of holiday classics such as “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Run, Rudolph, Run,” and “Winter Wonderland,” the result is, of course, marvelous! This energetic and glittering holiday package is guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages.
When: Nov. 17 through Dec. 31; 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sundays
Where: Aurora Arts Theatre, 5635 Everhart Road
Cost: $20 general admission
Contact: 361-851-9700 | https://www.auroraartstheatre.com/
2023 Christmas Tree Forest: A Reading Wonderland
What: Join the Art Museum of South Texas, H-E-B and the Junior League of Corpus Christi to celebrate the Christmas season with the 14th annual Christmas Tree Forest. Thirty school groups read their chosen award-winning childhood classic book, created related decorations, and trimmed their trees accordingly. While on view through Jan. 3, visitors are encouraged to vote for their favorite tree, either in person or on social media.
When: Open Nov. 19 through Jan. 3; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 1-5 p.m. Sundays
Where: Art Museum of South Texas, 1902 N. Shoreline Blvd
Cost: Free admission, thanks for generous underwriting by HEB
Contact: 361-825-3500 | https://www.artmuseumofsouthtexas.org/christmas-tree-forest-contest/
Ice skating at Christmas on the Coast in Portland
What: Enjoy a real ice-skating rink this holiday season in Portland under Joe Burke Pavilion. The admission fee includes an ice-skating session and skate rental. The nightly skating sessions will be from 5-7 p.m. and 7:30-9:30 p.m., with a maintenance break between each session.
When: 5-9:30 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays, Dec. 3-17 then 5-9:30 p.m. daily Wednesday, Dec. 20 through Monday, Jan. 1
Where: Portland Community Center, 2000 Billy G. Webb Drive
Cost: $10 per person and per session
Contact: http://www.portlandtx.com/659/Christmas-on-the-Coast
2023 Christmas on the Beach at Rockport Beach
What: Enjoy some holiday cheer car by visiting this drive thru light display on Rockport Beach for the fourth annual Christmas on the Beach. Local nonprofit organizations have been working hard to create displays for drive-by guests to enjoy.
When: Dec. 3 through Jan. 7; 6-9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 6-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays
Where: 212 Seabreeze Drive, Rockport
Cost: Free, donations appreciated
Contact: 361-729-6445 | https://www.facebook.com/christmasonthebeachrockport
One-time events
10th annual Noon Year’s Eve party at Portland Senior Center
What: Do you want to ring in 2024 but don’t want to stay up all night? Join the fun at the 10th annual Noon Year’s Eve Party. Count down to noon with music, light refreshments, and then toast the New Year with sparkling cider as the clock strikes 12. Dress in your best and come join the fun. This is an event for senior citizens.
When: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29
Where: Portland Senior Center, 601 Wildcat Drive, Portland
Cost: Free
Contact: 361-777-4670 | https://www.portlandtx.com/calendar.aspx?eid=3163
Black-Eyed Pea Half-Marathon
What: End the year with a half-marathon, two-person half-marathon relay, 5K or 10K run or walk along Corpus Christi Bay. Sponsored by State Representative Todd Hunter, the City of Corpus Christi, and VFit Productions, this race is open to all ages and starts at 7:30 a.m. at Water’s Edge Park.
When: 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 30
Where: Water’s Edge Park, 402 S. Shoreline Blvd.
Cost: $20 registration fee per person for half marathon, free for 5k or 10K walk/run
New Year’s Eve with Quota and DJ Bobby Glory
What: Word of Mouth presents live at House of Rock, New Year’s Eve with DJ Bobby Glory & Quota featuring Kiya Vance & Moonjazz and special guest Alexismyrissa. Doors open at 8 p.m.
When: 9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Where: House of Rock, 411 Starr St.
Cost: $10
Contact: 361-882-7625 | https://texashouseofrock.com
Polar Bear Plunge at Emerald Beach
What: A New Year's Day polar bear plunge is an annual tradition shared by communities around the country and the world. The Corpus Christi Polar Bear Plunge is the local take on the tradition! Your registration includes a souvenir t-shirt or embroidered hat (while supplies last), a decal, a drink, and access to the post-plunge hot tub and snack buffet. And 100% of your registration payment goes to ALS TDI, an A-rated nonprofit working to find a cure for ALS. Since the Corpus Christi plunge first began in 2015, they have raised $93,719 to date.
When: noon Monday, Jan. 1
Where: outside Emerald Beach Hotel, 1102 S. Shoreline Blvd.
Cost: $30 early bird adult registration, $20 early bird kid registration
Contact: https://www.polarbearplunge.cc/
Boar’s Head & Yule Log Festival at First Christian Church
What: Join the 40th anniversary celebration! The First Christian Church Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival has become the traditional end to the Christmas season for the Coastal Bend. Christmas continues into Epiphany in January when members of First Christian Church present a gift of pageantry to the communities of South Texas. This tale was first told during a feast at Oxford to celebrate a student’s victory over a wild and raging boar. The present-day festival results from an amalgamation of several ancient celebrations turned into a procession of dances and music, joining traditions of Old England with the Christian joy at the birth of Christ.
When: 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6
Where: First Christian Church, 3401 Santa Fe St.
Cost: Free, donations of canned food items encouraged
Contact: 361-854-3044 | https://fcc-cc.org/boars-head-festival/
