There is certainly no shortage of holiday events here in the RGV! We have compiled a list of everything we could find to do here in the RGV that is holiday related. If we missed something, please let us know in the comments so we can add it!

BROWNSVILLE

Christmas Parade
Monday, December 8, 2014
7 PM
956-542-4245 for parade info

Annual Green Christmas in the Park … Resaca de la Palma State Park
1000 New Carmen Blvd. – Brownsville … 956-350-2920
No need to have a bah-humbug holiday this year! Join the festivities as they celebrate their second annual “Green Christmas” Festival. Find us on Facebook-Resaca de la Palma State Park For more information contact the park 956-350-2920.

Jingle Bell Run
December 6, 2014
8 AM

Polar Express Day
Join us for train rides! Plus Story Time, Pictures with Santa and other activities
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2014
Address: 501 East Ringgold Street, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA
Time: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Admission: $6.00 per person / Train Rides: $2.00

Zoo Nights and Lights at Gladys Porter Zoo
December 5th, 6th and 7th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Enjoy live performances from local bands and choirs while taking in the dazzling light displays. Browse for holiday gifts at our arts and crafts show. Plus, kids can decorate a gingerbread cookie and make a craft. Tickets are now on sale for $2.50 or donate a new unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. Zoo members get in free with their membership cards. Tickets are available now for pre-sale or can be purchased at the gate on each night of the event.

Las Casas Hermosas Christmas Tour
Starts: Sunday, December 7, 2014 Ends: Sunday, December 7, 2014
From: 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Visit Website
Donation: $10.00 Tickets available from any Zonta Club Member or call”
English Motors / 3000 E. Price Rd / 956-547-9898 – Dollie Lucio
Marcelo’s Floor Covering / 24 W. Jefferson St. / 956-546-0824 – Rosalie Gutierrez
Proceeds benefit service projects Zonta Club of Brownsville

Dirt, Gears, & Mesquite Mountain Bike Race (2 of 3 Race Series) 
9 AM at Brownsville Monte Bella Trails :: Sunday, December 7, 2014

Charro Days Fiesta
February 26, 2015 – March 8, 2015

EDINBURG

Night of Lights Parade
Friday, December 5, 2014 at 7PM
Edinburg Night of Lights Parade kicks off with live family entertainment, music, food booths, games and more. Don’t miss the lighted parade, plus a visit from Santa Claus! (956) 383-4974

Winter Wonder Wetlands- Edinburg
World Birding Center
Dec 29-31
School is out and you and your family are looking for something to do, so why not head over to the EWBC for some amazing family fun! The EWBC education staff has three days of hands-on family activities designed to engage, inspire and entertain the whole family! Tuesday, Dec 30: Critter Capture. Time: 1:00-4:00 pm. Enjoy a visit to one of our ponds and capture to observe critters from the waters below!Regular Admission, EWBC Members Free. Please call ahead to Register. For more information contact us at (956) 381-9922 or visit our website atwww.EdinburgWBC.org

HARLINGEN

28th Annual Arroyo Holiday Lighting
Thursday, December 4th
McKelvey Park in Harlingen, Tx
6:30 pm
Kids performances from local groups singing and dancing to Christmas Songs. Appearance of Santa Claus.
Food vendors at site. No food and beverages allowed. Bring your Blanks and lawn chairs.

RGV Jaycees “Country Christms” 2014 Parade
Downtown Jackson St.
Friday, December 5, 2014
7:00 PM

Jammin’ on Jackson Street
Nov 2014 – March 2015
101 E Jackson, Harlingen
Info at 956-216-4910

HIDALGO

Hidalgo Festival of Lights
This event takes place during the entire Month of December—Drive the trail of 9 sites or take a train, trolley or horse drawn carriage ride from the City Hall Plaza through more than 3,000,000 lights and 900 displays. Individual Trolley, Train & Horse Drawn Wagon Rides Sold On Site at City Hall. [Facebook page]

Festival of Lights 5K Fun Run and Walk in the Lights [More Races Here]
6:15PM City Hall, Hidalgo, TX :: Tuesday, December 2, 2014

LA FERIA

16th Annual Lighted Christmas Parade & Winter Festival 2014
Saturday, December 13, 2014 join us along Main Street from Central Avenue to Ninth Street and then along Ninth Street to the La Feria High School parking lot.  This year’s theme is “Let It Snow.”  The parade begins promptly at 5:30 p.m. and you don’t want to miss it.  The judging stage will be stationed at the intersection of Main and Industrial Way.
After the parade, join friends and family at the Winter Festival at the La Feria High School parking lot where vendors will be selling all kinds of food and arts and crafts from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.  Carnival rides and games will also be available for everyone’s enjoyment.
The competition is on for the 3^rd Annual Tiny, Little, & Jr. Mr. and Miss La Feria Winter Wonderland which will take place immediately after the Christmas Parade.  Music will be provided by DJ Armando Gonzalez starting at 4:00 p.m.at the stage where the competition will take place.  For more information about these activities, click on the following documents below or call City Hall at 956-797-2261.

LOS FRESNOS

Los Fresnos Christmas Lights Parade
December 13, 2014
5 – 6 PM
Streets of Los Fresnos
Annual Los Fresnos Christmas Lights Parade, 5 p.m. Parade lineup begins at 3 p.m. at Second and Brazil streets. Parade goes east on for two blocks on Second Street, then turns north on Arroyo Boulevard (FM 1847). Parade ends at Los Fresnos High School.

MCALLEN

Light up the Holidays- Inaugural Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 1, 2014
6:00 pm
Oval Park at the McAllen Convention Center
700 Convention Center Boulevard
McAllen, Texas
Mayor Jim Darling & McAllen City Commissioners will be on hand for the lighting of the spectacular 64′ Christmas tree. It is said to be the largest in all of South Texas! Musical entertainment provided by local students. The tree will be lit and on display through December.
Cost :: FREE

McAllen Holiday Express Train and Paddle Boat Rides
December 1, 2014 – December 31, 2014
The fun sized train will be available throughout December for both kids and adults and will travel around Oval Park to see the attractions in and around the McAllen Convention Center. Paddles boats will also be available to ride in the pond there too.
Cost :: $5.00 per person to ride.

Dancing Lights
December 1, 2014 – December 31, 2014
1916 Jefferson Avenue in McAllen
This is a private residence and they have the lights that dance to the music on FM 103.1 – It is awesome fun for the kids.

IMAS Christmas Tree Forest
Ongoing during the months of November and December, view a display of Christmas trees decorated by local schools and organizations.

Run or Dye
11 PM at Westside Park, McAllen, TX :: Friday, December 5, 2014

McAllen Holiday Parade
Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014 at 6:00 p.m
Bicentennial Boulevard
The City will partner with major event and parade production companies to produce the largest illuminated holiday parade in Texas. It will feature a large array of giant helium-filled balloons similar to those seen in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

• Tamale Fest: 12:00 p.m.
• Tamale Kids Fun Run: 4:00 p.m.
• Candlelight Posada: 5:15
• McAllen Holiday Parade: 6:00 p.m.
• Come Back after the parade to Christmas In the Park for Live Music,Carnival Rides, Food and much more

McAllen Tamale Kids Run / McAllen Kids Marathon
December 6, 2014
Kids age 5-3 can participate in this run walk program by signing up and keeping a log of their first 25.1 miles. The last mile (making it a grand 26.1 miles) will be run/walked together during the Tamale Kids Run on December 6, 2014. As a runner and a mommy, it’s exciting to see an opportunity like this to plant the seed in our kids for a love of running, walking, and a healthy lifestyle!

McAllen Tamale Fest
Tamale Fest 2014 will take place on Saturday, December 06, 2014 at a new and bigger location with the Hot Tamale children’s fun run expected to draw over 1,000 participants. Make plans to be a part of it all. Sponsorships, artisan and vendor opportunities are available and spaces are limited. Be a part of the event everyone is talking about. Delicious tamales, yummy Mexican foods and unique gifts can be found here. Volunteers will be needed and tamale makers can start calling us now. For more information, contact Daisy Hinojosa-Martinez, BGCM Director of Grant & Resource Development at (956) 682-5791 or (956) 537-6015.

Buckets of Fun! … Forest of Holiday Gifts at Quinta Mazatlan
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Preschool children and their parents will have BUCKETS OF FUN with hands-on, nature-inspired lessons filled with song, discovery, socializing, movement, and exploration! Adults and children must dress for outdoor activities.
Time: 10:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m.
Ages: 2-5 years
Fee: $2 Children & $3 Adults (Large groups, please register in advance)

McAllen Half and Full Marathon 
(Certified Course) :: 7 AM at McAllen, TX :: Sunday, December 14, 2014

13th Annual Christmas for Kids Program
Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014
8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
The City of McAllen and the McAllen Police Department proudly announce the 13th Annual Christmas For Kids Program to be held on Saturday, December 20, 2014 at the McAllen Police Department. Through this program, we provide a brighter Christmas for children in need in McAllen and the surrounding areas. The program begins at 8:30 a.m. with a “Parade of Characters”. There will be plenty of music, and of course, a chance to see Santa Claus! Each child in need will be gifted a bag of healthy goodies and a toy.

MERCEDES

Winter Texan Reception
December 2, 2014 at 7 PM
RGV Livestock Show Youth Center
1200 N. Texas

Mercedes Annual Lighted Parade
Friday, December 12, 2014
6:00 PM
A Storybook Christmas
Texas Avenue

MISSION

Cactus Thorn 5K/10K 
Mission Hike and Bike
Saturday, December 6, 2014

Conway Avenue Baptist Church 2nd Annual Snow Day
Saturday, December 13, 10am-12pm
Over 18,000 pounds of snow is being shipped to Conway Avenue Baptist Church in Mission! (Corner of 495 & Conway)
•Build a snowman
•Enjoy some hot cocoa and sweet bread
•Take family pictures in the snow
•Enjoy a train ride and more
It’s a FREE public event so bring your family and friends!
For more information: 956-585-2413

2nd Annual Jingle Bells 5K Run
7 PM at Bentsen Palm Park, Mission, TX
Saturday, December 20, 2014

Dirt, Gears, & Mesquite Mountain Bike Race (3 of 3 Race Series)
9 AM at Mission Trails :: *TBA

PHARR

Christmas Fiesta and Lighted Parade
Saturday, December 6, 2014
4:00 pm
Downtown Pharr
Enjoy a variety of food booths, fun activities, live entertainment led by PSJA ISD groups and local organizations and a lighted parade that will travel through Downtown Pharr. You can get more info on the City of Pharr website here.

PORT ISABEL

Christmas Lighted Boat Parade
December 6, 2014
6:00 pm
Port Isabel City Docks
The 28^th Annual Port Isabel Christmas Lighted Boat Parade will be held rain or shine. The event is hosted by the Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce and features boats of all sizes decorated in their holiday finest. Designated viewing areas throughout the route offer free public viewing.

Community Tree Lighting

December 4, 2014
6:00 – 9:00 pm
Port Isabel Public Library at 213 N. Yturria
Mayor Joe E. Vega & The Port Isabel City Commission invite you to attend City of Port Isabel’s 7th Annual Community Tree Lighting
Thursday, DECEMBER 4 at 6 p.m., Beulah Lee Park. Public is invited! 213 N. Yturria St. Next to the Public Library. Special appearances by Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus, Music Performances, Crafts for Children, Christmas Caroling, Food Booths and Goody Bags! For more information, please call (956) 943-2682
FREE TO THE PUBLIC!
956/943-2682.

Community Christmas Decorating Contest. (City of Port Isabel) 956/943-2682.

Port Isabel Antique & Flea Market. First Sunday, monthly. November – February, first & third Sunday. Buelah Lee Park. 956/455-6798. Free admission. Vendor fees apply.

31st ANNUAL PORT ISABEL “LONGEST CAUSEWAY RUN & FITNESS WALK”…
January 10, 2015 – Port Isabel
In its 31st year, enjoy 10K certified run, #TX05009WG, and 3-mile fitness walk. Over 4,800 participants. Call Chamber of Commerce for info and applications. (800) 527-6102.

RIO GRANDE CITY

Starr County Christmas Festival
First weekend of December

2nd Annual Tree Angel
6:30 PM
“Community Against Domestic Violence”
Gregorio Barrera Kiosk, Britton Avenue

Christmas Tree Lighting
Wednesday, December 3rd
6 PM at Britton Avenue Kiosk

HEB Feast of Sharing
Thursday, December 4th
6 – 9 PM at Ringgold Elementary

RGC Chamber of Commerce Christmas Lighted Parade
Friday, December 5th at 6PM
Main Street in RGC
Parade starts by BBVA Compass Bank and Britton Avenue on eastbound 83, Ends at Fort Ringgold Campus

Free Photos with Santa
RGC Public Library
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

ROMA

“Toys for Kids”
Friday, December 5, 2014
Roma VFW
6:00 pm – 12:00 pm

SAN JUAN

5K Reindeer Run
Saturday, December 20, 2014
7:30 AM at Amigos del Valle

Baseball Toy Drive Tournament
December 6th
9AM at Mayfield Park

Noche De Paz Festival
Saturday, December 13, 2014
11 AM – 10 PM
San Juan Municipal Park

Blue Santa Toy Giveaway
December 20, 2014
3 – 6 PM
Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan Del Valle Shrine
400 N Nebraska, San Juan

WESLACO

Christmas Parade
December 18th
6:00 – 8:00 PM
Streets of Weslaco – Call 969-0838 for more information

Santa’s Bird Hike
3301 S. International Boulevard, Weslaco, Texas 78596
Join Santa and his favorite bird guide friends on a special bird walk.
Dec 13, 2014 from 09:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Where Estero Llano Grande State Park
Contact Phone (956) 565-3919
It shouldn’t be a surprise that Santa’s a birder: he loves keeping a list and checks it twice during his annual trip to the RGV. You can join him and try to spot those South Texas specialties like Green Jay, Plain Chachalaca, and the Great Kiskadee to name a few. Regular entrance fees apply.