When the holidays come around, thoughts of fluffy white snow, hot chocolate, and cozy nights by a warm fire come to mind, right? Unfortunately for the residents of South Texas, classic winter activities such as building snowmen and sledding down snow-filled hills aren’t exactly options. Thankfully, Coastal Bend residents and visitors still have plenty of ways to enjoy the cooler weather during the holidays. Here are 7 local activities that will ensure your holiday on the coast is nothing less than festive.
1. Christmas Tree Forest
Image courtesy of the Art Museum of South Texas’ websiteOn December 13, 2017 from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm, folks can head to the Art Museum of South Texas for “Tree Forest: A Reading Wonderland.” This free event includes a Reading Wonderland, holiday music, art activities, book giveaways, and a visit with Santa Clause. After the event, the museum will stay open for self-guided tours of the Christmas Tree Forest and other exhibitions.
2. The Polar Express 4-D Experience
As one the most beloved Christmas movies (and Caldecott Medal children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg), The Polar Express is taken to a new level as an incredible 4-D experience at the Texas State Aquarium’s brand new Whataburger 4-Dimension Theater.
Using state-of-the-art technology and unique special effects, this theater makes you feel as if you’re part of the film. After all, “in the Whataburger 4D Theater, you don’t just see a movie, you experience it.”
This holiday season, immerse yourself in a preview of the film as experience first hand the sights, sounds, feelings, and even smells as you watch them on screen.
With eight showings daily (a show every 20 minutes!) from November 18th — January 5th, 2018 at the Texas State Aquarium, you have ample opportunity to make plans to attend this amazing experience! And while you’re there, check out Scuba Santa at the H-E-B Caribbean Sea in Caribbean Journey- both are included with admission to the aquarium.
3. Young Artists Workshop – Holiday Ornaments
Image courtesy of the Art Museum of South Texas’ Facebook pageOn Saturday, December 16 at 10:30 am until 12:00 pm, the Art Museum of South Texas will host an ornament painting event. Come and enjoy the music and aesthetic of the museum, as well as the opportunity to bring home a unique ornament to hang on the tree. The entry fee is $15 for members and $20 for non-members.
4. Candy Cane Lane
Image courtesy of Candy Cane Lane’s Facebook pageMore than just a mythical candy cane road, Corpus Christi locals recognize the name “Candy Cane Lane” as a favorite local neighborhood light show. Residents of the neighborhood make it a point to decorate their homes with sparkling light displays and festive decorations that begin in December and lasts throughout the holidays.
The show starts on Gayle Drive and winds all the way through the neighborhood. Enjoy music and the jingle bell bicycle parade, as well as Santa and friends on December 23rd! This event is fun for the whole family, and all you have to do is follow the Candy Cane Lane.
5. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 
Church Unlimited, formerly known as Bay Area Fellowship, is known to host spectacular Christmas activities at the Broadcast Campus on Christmas Eve. These events and decorations range from traditional to innovative from fake snow to bounce houses.
Christmas Eve services at the Broadcast Campus are at 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm, 6:00 pm, and 8:00 pm. There will be candlelight services and beautiful music to celebrate “the reason for the season.” The church will also host early Christmas Eve services on Saturday, December 23rd.
6. Merry TubaChristmas
It doesn’t feel quite like Christmas without the joyful noise of Christmas music, and there’s nothing quite like hearing it played by an ensemble of tubas.
Celebrating their 44th year, the TubaChristmas performance features traditional Christmas carols and has become an established Christmas tradition in cities throughout the world.
On Friday, December 22, come hear the rich sounds of a local tuba-euphonium choir at Plains Capital Bank on N. Shorline Blvd. The performance begins at noon and is free! Better yet, if you are a current or former tuba player who wants to participate, this event is open for registration. To find out more, click here.
7. House of Rock New Year’s Concert
Image courtesy of House of Rock’s Facebook pageHouse of Rock is a popular weekend hangout for many residents of Corpus Christi and a great venue for out of towners to come visit.
This exciting, lively bar is known for live music and a unique atmosphere. The era the music is from may vary, but the genre is always Rock and Roll. Have a rockin’ start to your new year by rocking out to some music at House of Rock!
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