Santa, if you’re reading this, on behalf of Right On Corpus and the gorgeous community of Corpus Christi…we haven’t been THAT bad.
Yeah, this year was bumpy. There were hurtles to overcome. But, as Corpus Christi has proven time and time again, we have come out of this year’s challenges stronger than before. Now that the year is coming to a close and we all look forward to the future, take some time to slow down and realize what is truly important during this season…and have fun doing it! Here are some f-ing right on things to do in Corpus this December to find your holiday cheer and help spread it on to others.
Merry Days by The Bay
Location: Downtown Corpus Christi
Date: Now through the end of December
Downtown Corpus Christi will be hosting Merry Days by the Bay the entire month of December where you will 100% feel like you’ve stumbled upon a Hallmark Christmas movie set. Look out for the very sweet Peppermint Lane, a twinkling iconic gazebo, two very large Christmas trees, and an abundance of local businesses participating in the Mayor’s Battle of the Bulbs holiday décor competition. If you’re lucky you might get a glimpse of Santa taking in the beauty of this Sparkling City by the Sea (but you didn’t hear that from me).
The 11th Annual Christmas Tree Forest
Location: Art Museum of South Texas, 1902 N. Shoreline Blvd.
Date: Exhibit on view now through December 16th – FREE Family Day December 12th
Take the family out to stroll along the dreamy Christmas Tree Forest presented by the Art Museum of South Texas, the Junior League of Corpus Christi, H-E-B, and 20 local youth groups. The décor of each tree was inspired by classic children’s literature to showcase the importance of fine arts in youth programs. The exhibit will feature a free family day December 12th complete with live entertainment, food trucks, the opportunity to vote for your favorite tree, and a photo-op with Buddy the Elf and Santa.
Christmas on the Beach Drive Thru Lights Display
Location: Rockport Beach
Date: Every weekend now through January 3rd
Grab a hot chocolate to go, load up the car, and take a quick trip to Rockport Beach to take in the first annual Christmas on the Beach Drive Thru Lights Display. Fifteen local organizations and one local business came together to create a twinkling scene that captures both the magic of Christmas and the beauty of the coastal bend. The event is free and open to public, but donations are accepted benefiting the organizations involved in making this wonderland a reality.
The 2nd Annual Christmas in the Dog Park
Location: Gulf Coast Humane Society, 3118 Cabaniss Pkwy
Date: Every weekend now through December 24th
Christmas and puppies. Need I say more? The Gulf Coast Humane Society has transformed their dog park into a holiday heaven with weekends packed of fun events including Christmas movies in the park on Fridays, Knuckle Sandwich food truck dinners on Saturdays, and a Festival of Trees to explore decorated by local businesses. The best part of this event is all funds raised go toward the Gulf Coast Humane Society medical costs to ensure that animals keep receiving the help they need.
Holly-Days at the Botanical Gardens
Location: South Texas Botanical Gardens, 8545 S. Staples St.
Date: Every weekend now through December 19th
Santa will be making very special visits every weekend leading up to Christmas at the South Texas Botanical Gardens Holly-Days event complete with a 20-foot lighted fir tree, hayrides, a petting zoo, and of course s’mores and cocoa. It’s the perfect event to appreciate the beautiful animals and nature that Corpus Christi supports while also getting the opportunity to tell Santa how good (…or bad) your kids have been this year! (I’m sure they’ve been absolute angels.)
Bloody Mary Sundays with Crosstown Expressway
Location: House of Rock, 511 Starr St.
Date: Every Sunday now through the end of December
Bloody Marys while being serenaded with blue, jazz, and rock originals and covers? Sounds like a good time to me. Hit up House of Rock every Sunday for their tasty Bloody Mary and Michelada Bar for a time to unwind after a hectic week.
For King and Country Christmas Tour
Location: RMB Fairgrounds, 1213 Terry Shamsie Blvd. Robstown, TX
Date: December 3rd
Pop Christian duo For King and Country wants to bring people “together” this holiday season with a drive-in concert featuring songs from their newest album “A Drummer Boy Christmas.” The live Christmas concert aims to spread joy and holiday cheer by helping us remember the true reason we celebrate Christmas and why it is so important. You can expect hot chocolate, a festive light show, and some of your favorite holiday classics.
Art Walk
Location: Downtown Corpus Christi
Date: December 4th
Held on the first Friday of each month, Art Walk is a beloved event bustling with local vendors and a sense of community. This month Art Walk is back with most vendors open for in person shopping and others virtual with drive through delivery, pick-up, and online options. Its also the perfect opportunity to get some early Christmas shopping done!
All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914
Location: Rialto Theater, 327 Commercial St. Aransas Pass
Date: Weekends December 4th through December 13th
Lose yourself in the play All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 presented by the Rialto Theater. The play paints the true story of a German soldier who stepped into No Man’s Land singing a song that halted the course of violence and war for one very special Christmas day during World War I. Tickets for this moving story about camaraderie and peace start at $20.
YWCA Yuletide Market
Location: YWCA, 4601 Corona Drive
Date: December 4th
Break out your Christmas shopping funds and check out the Yuletide Market, dubbed “a one-day shopping extravaganza”, where you can find all sorts of fantastic local gifts and unique items. When you’ve finally shopped till you dropped, take a lunch break and indulge in food catered by local Mexican cuisine restaurant, Artesano. Admission is only $5, but if you want the special VIP shopping experience admission is $30.
25th Anniversary of K Space Art Studios
Location: K Space Contemporary, 623 N. Chaparral St
Date: Exhibit on view December 4th through January 22nd
Established in November of 1995, K Space Contemporary has become one of the most influential workspaces in the Corpus Christi art community. To celebrate 25 years of creativity, collaboration, and opportunity, the art studio will hold an exhibition paying tribute to many local artists involved in making K Space Contemporary what is it today. Over 40 past and presents artist works will be on display throughout the exhibit.
A Christmas Carol The Musical
Location: Harbor Playhouse, 1802 North Chaparral Building #2
Date: Weekends December 4th though December 20th
Its not truly Christmas without a little Ebenezer Scrooge in your life. The Harbor Playhouse will once again present this Christmas classic to be enjoyed by audiences young and old alike. To ensure COVID safety protocol, tickets must be purchased over the phone at 361-882-5500
Kingsville Wine Walk Holiday Sip & Shop
Location: Kingsville Main Street
Date: December 5th
Enjoy wines from all over South Texas and the world on this Wine Walk Holiday Sip & Shop starting at 3pm December 5th. You will receive a keepsake glass or cup and enjoy your beverages will exploring unique merchants and vendors. You may even have the shot at keepsake magnet and a chance to win hundreds of dollars in prizes.
Granger Smith Featuring Earl Dibbles Jr.
Location: American Bank Center, 1901 N. Shoreline Blvd
Date: December 5th
Catch country music star Granger Smith headlining at the American Bank Center on December 5th. Smith will perform songs written while in quarantine that feature themes of fatherhood, family, and being thankful for what he has. Earl Dibbles Jr. was an important part of creating these new songs and is along with Smith on tour to share their music with the world.
Scuba Santa
Location: Texas State Aquarium, 2710 N. Shoreline Blvd
Date: December 7th, December 9th-23rd, and December 24th
Santa will be giving the reindeer a break this season as he visits the Texas State Aquarium to take a dive in the H-E-B Caribbean Sea exhibit. He will be taking photos with guests while posing with his fellow fishy friends. Guests of all ages are welcome, and the event is included with admission or membership. Just remember to bring a camera, and don’t tap the glass!
Koe Wetzel Concert
Location: Concrete Street Amphitheater, 700 Concrete St.
Date: December 10th
Texas native and southern rock/country musician Koe Wetzel will perform at Concrete Street Amphitheater December 10th. Wetzel is known for his range of musical genres and his ability to adapt to different musical themes. Wetzel is not only a growing star in Texas, but throughout the United States where his music has garnered over 100 million streams and views across many platforms.
La Posada Lighted Boat Parade
Location: Marker 37 on S. Padre Island Drive
Date: December 11th
Check out the annual La Posada Lighted Boat Parade from Marker 37 on S. Padre Island Drive for the best view of the decked-out boats. The La Posada foundation encourages people to bring a toy for a Christmas gift giveaway and sit back and enjoy the festive show.
Breakfast with Santa
Location: USS Lexington Museum, 2914 N. Shoreline Blvd
Date: December 19th
Bring the whole family aboard the USS Lexington to enjoy a pancake bar breakfast with Santa, a viewing of the movie The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, and a Candy Cane Scavenger Hunt. Children will be able to take photos with Santa and receive their own bag of reindeer feed to take home. Each family will receive a custom USS Lexington holiday ornament to commemorate the special occasion.
