11/17-12/31 - Christmas Tree Forest at IMAS - McAllen

From the IMAS website:
The IMAS Guild Christmas Tree Forest Committee invites area groups, classes, clubs and businesses to enter the annual Christmas Tree Forest at the International Museum of Art and Science in McAllen. The theme for this year's Christmas Tree Forest is Christmas at a Museum. The IMAS Guild hopes that this theme will inspire entrants to draw on the experiences they have had at various museums and convert them into imaginatively decorated trees that make up this popular locally generated Christmas exhibit.

22nd Annual Hidalgo Festival of Lights - Hidalgo

Excerpted from official website:
LIGHTS TOUR: 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

CHRISTMAS POSADA: Tuesday, December 18th – Free outdoor concert with a stellar line-up of performances. Takes place at City Hall Plaza in Hidalgo. Free to the public
The Christmas Posada, which has become a local tradition starting in Hidalgo, Texas, is a free event that invites the local community to enjoy food, live entertainment and a visit from Santa Claus.

CHRISTMAS CAROLS AND ENTERTAINMENT: December 1st thru 19th ; Free to the public
Show Starts at 7:00 PM
The performances are during the first three weeks of December
Dec. 1 Sat. Parade- ‘A Victorian Christmas’
Dec. 2 Sunday Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints West Stake Youth Choir
Dec. 3 Mon. Hidalgo Jr. High Band and Hidalgo Jr. High Mariachis
Dec. 4 Tues. Hidalgo Jr. High and High School Bands
Dec. 5 Wed. Valley View High School Mariachis
Dec. 6 Thurs. Magic Valley Chorus
Dec. 7 Friday Estudiantina Guadalupana
Dec. 8 Sat. The Childrens Choir El Perote Veracruz, MX
Dec. 9 Sunday Estudiantina Guadalupana
Dec. 10 Mon. Estudiantina Guadalupana
Dec. 11 Tues. Milam Elementary Alebrije
Dec. 12 Wed. Estudiantina Guadalupana
Dec. 13 Thurs. Estudiantina Guadalupana
Dec. 14 Friday Estudiantina Guadalupana
Dec. 15 Sat. Estudiantina Guadalupana
Dec. 16 Sunday Estudiantina Guadalupana
Dec. 17 Mon. Oratory Academy of St. Philip Neri Angel Choir
Dec. 18 Tues. Christmas Posada
Dec. 19 Wed. Valley View High School Jazz Ensemble
Dec. 20 Thurs. Un Regalo para Jesus Ministerio Maranatha

12/31 - 2013 New Year's Eve Bash - McAllen

From mcallen.net:

NEW YEAR'S EVE AT McALLEN CONVENTION CENTER'S OVAL PARK:

Ring in 2013 at the City of McAllen's New Year's Eve Bash, Monday, December 31, at the McAllen Convention Center's Oval Park.

This free, family-friendly event will feature live entertainment on three stages with rock, Top 40 DJs, and tejano including a live performance from Grammy Award winning artist Jimmy Gonzalez y Grupo Mazz.

The 2013 City of McAllen New Year's Eve Bash will also include a laser light show, street performers, and a kiddie carnival & arcade.

When the clock strikes midnight McAllen's night sky will light up with a giant fireworks display!

Enjoy free admission and parking. For more information, call Advertir, Inc. at (956) 682-5563.

NO outside food, alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages permitted. Barbecue pits and ice chests are also NOT ALLOWED.

11/19-1/1 - Holiday Village - Brownsville

12/12-31 - South Padre Island Christmas 2012 - 12+ Days of Christmas

Dec. 12
   10 AM - Noon Cookies & Coffee, SPI Visitor's Center

Dec. 13  
   8 AM - 10 AM  White Elephant Prizes, Yummies Bistro, 708 Padre Blvd.
   5 PM - 7 PM  Holiday Hot Beverage Happy Hour, Pearl Beachside Bar
   5:45 PM Christmas Parade Patio Party, Zeste Gourmet, 3508 Padre Blvd
   6:15 PM South Padre Island Christmas Parade, Padre Blvd. Mars to Campeche

Dec. 14
    11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Fashion Show, Padre Brewing Company

Dec. 15
    9 AM-Noon Breakfast with Santa, Schlitterbahn Indoor Water Resort
    11:30 - 4 PM Bicycle Raffle & Toy Drive, Blackbeard's Restaurant, 103 Saturn

Dec. 16 
     11 AM-2 PM Pet Photos with Santa, Island Dog Wash, 2013 Padre Blvd.
     1 PM- 4PM Caroling, Kites, and Castles, Boomerang Billy's

Dec. 17
     10:30 AM- 11:30 AM Centering & Relaxation, Laguna Madre Yoga, Meditation, & Dance
     3:00 -4:30 PM Cheese, Meat, & Wine Tasting, Gabriella's Italian Grill, 700 Padre Blvd.

Dec. 18
     10 AM-Noon Bagel Bites, Bada Bing Bagels, 1817 Padre Blvd. #3
     3 PM Holiday Flowers, Jake's Flowers, 2500 Padre Blvd.
     6 PM Awards Ceremony on the Steps of City Hall

Dec. 19
     5 PM Brewing Tour & Beer Tasting, Padre Island Brewing Company

Dec. 20
     5 PM Christmas South of the Border, SPI Hilton Garden Inn

Dec. 21
     3 PM Zumba Class, Laguna Madre Yoga, Meditation, & Dance

Dec. 21
     6 PM Tango Lesson, Laguna Madre Yoga, Meditation & Dance

Dec. 22
     6:30 PM Children's Story Hour, Paragraphs on Padre, 5505 Padre Blvd.

Dec. 23
    6 PM Caroling in the Snow, Padre Rita Grill, 4001 Padre Blvd.

Dec. 26
    1 PM- 4 PM Free Mini Fried Ice Cream Balls, Schlitterbahn's Shrimp Haus

Dec. 27
    11 AM Beach Dog Walk, Corn Dogs, Kayak Pet Photos, Clayton's Beach Bar

Dec. 28
    10 AM-3 PM Free Kayak Lessons, UB Captain, 5009 Padre Blvd. Ste. 2

Dec. 29
    1 PM- 4 PM Stuffed Mushrooms & Tour, Sea4Ever Rooftop, Schlitterbahn Beach Resort

Dec. 30
     5 PM Surf Moive, On the Beach Surfshop,

Dec.31 
     11 AM-1 PM Pizza Hut Kid's New Year's, Water Tower Park

12/20-30 - The Wizard of Oz - Brownsville

 

Excerpted from the Camille Playhouse Website:

 

The greatest family musical of all time, The Wizard of Oz! Finally, for the first time, Camille presents this classic musical! Little Dorothy Gale of Kansas, like so many girls her age, dreams frequently of what lies over the rainbow until a twister hits her farm and carries her away. She finds herself in the Land of Oz; home of the fascinating people and creatures including the Munchkins, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Lion, and of course...that Wicked ol' Witch! With all the songs from the original 1939 film, and following the success of last year's sold out performances of Peter Pan, this is sure to be a musical you and your loved ones won't want to miss! Not to mention-the dazzling flying effects!

Join us this holiday season as Camille strolls down that yellow brick road as we meet The Wizard of Oz! 

December 20-21 at 8 PM

December 22-23 at 2:30 PM and 8 PM

December 27-30 at 2:30 PM and 8 PM

 

_____________________________________________________________

Tickets
$15 for Adults
$10 for Students w/I.D.
$5 for Children 12 and under

Purchase Your Tickets in Advance by calling 956-542-8900 between the hours of 10AM and 4 PM
All ticket holders must be in their seats at least 15 minutes before the show starts.

12/23 - Disney's Beauty & the Beast at State Farm Arena - Hidalgo

What: THE MOST BEAUTIFUL LOVE STORY EVER TOLD COMES TO LIFE! Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, the smash hit Broadway musical, is coming to Hidalgo! Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, this eye-popping spectacle has won the hearts of over 35 million people worldwide. This classic musical love story is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers including "Be Our Guest" and the beloved title song.

When: December 23, 2012 ; 7:00 pm

Where: State Farm Arena -
Tickets go on sale November 16, 2012.
Excerpted from statefarmarena.com.

12/14,16,21-23 "Once upon a Wolf" - Weslaco

12/20-22 - Navidad Mexicana with Mariachi Aztlan of UTPA

The University of Texas-Pan American invites the public to ring in the holiday season with the pageantry and beauty of the Mariachi tradition.

Navidad Mexicana
November 30, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.
December 1 & 2, 2012 at 2:00 p.m.
December 20 & 21 at 7:00 p.m.
December 22 at 2:00 p.m.

All concerts are performed at the Edinburg City Auditorium with the exception on November 30th which will take place at the UTPA Field house. The concerts will also feature performances by the Luz de Luna Folkloric Dance Ensemble.

Tickets for all concerts are $10 at the door or $8 in advance at UTPA Payments and Collections. If special assistance or accommodations are necessary please call Voice TDD (956) 665-3471 three days in advance. For more information, call (956) 665-2175.

12/22 - Bunuelo Bites and Christmas Lights - Weslaco

Bunuelo Bites and Christmas Lights – Saturday, December 22nd 6:30pm -9:30pm
Come enjoy an evening full of Christmas spirit. Walk the park's colorfully lit walkway up to the visitor center where you can join our park naturalists around the piano playing music and singing Christmas carols. Crafts for the kids are always a big hit and make great memento of you special night. Stroll down another lit path to Pauraque Hall and learn to make and enjoy traditional hot chocolate and bunuelos. You'll also have the opportunity to explore the park on a ride in our tinseled trolley! Be sure to visit the park store, where your sure to find the perfect gift for anyone on your list.

12/7-12/22 - Scholastic Holiday Warehouse Book Sale - Edinburg

Scholastic Book Fairs Edinburg Warehouse
1710 Industrial Drive
Edinburg, TX 78539

December 7 - 22

Weekdays (Dec.7-21): 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Saturdays (Dec. 8, 15 & 22): 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Closed Sunday

(888) 764-7323

12/20 - Make and Eat Valley Snowflakes - McAllen

12/19 - Christmas Posada with Ramon Ayala - Pharr

The City of Pharr will host the 13th Annual Ramon Ayala/Hermes Music Christmas Posada from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 19, at St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Catholic Church, located at 8001 S. Cage Blvd. in Pharr.

This year's festivities will continue the beloved traditions the Christmas Posada is known for — an estimated 10,000 toys will be given away, and Norteño legend Ramon Ayala will headline an evening of live music featuring several of the Valley's favorite Tejano/Norteño stars.

A full schedule of events can be found below. For more information, contact Gary Rodriguez at gary.rodriguez@pharr-tx.gov.

WHAT: The 13th Annnual Ramon Ayala/Hermes Music Christmas Posada

WHEN: 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 19

WHERE: St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Catholic Church, 8001 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr, Texas (click this link to view a map: http://goo.gl/maps/ROlXr)

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

4 p.m. Outdoor Catholic Mass

5 p.m. Ceremonial Ribbon Cutting

5:40 p.m. — 6:10 p.m. Zumba Rocks

6:20 p.m. — 6:50 p.m. Grupo Intruso de Nuevo Leon

7:00 p.m. — 7:40 p.m. Payasitos Mayin y Chilindrin

7:50 p.m. — 8:10 p.m. Official Welcome & Presentations

8:10 p.m. — 9 p.m. Ramon Ayala y Sus Bravos Del Norte featuring Eliseo Robles & Bobby Pulido

9:10 p.m. — 9:40 p.m. Liberacion de Virgilio Canales

9:50 p.m. — 10:20 p.m. Grupo La Mafia

10:30 p.m. — 11:00 p.m. Grupo La Leyenda de Monterrey N.L.

12/16 - Holiday Handbell Concert - Edinburg

From the MOSTH website:

Holiday Handbell Concert with the Edinburg United Methodist Glory Bellringers!
Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012
Starts at 2 p.m. 

On Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, the Edinburg United Methodist Glory Bellringers return to "ring in" the holiday season at MOSTHistory starting at 2 p.m. Using handbells, the Glory Bellringers create a special sound that is beautifully magnified in the museum's Grand Lobby. Historic information regarding the carols will be provided. Also, a portion of the program will feature chime music, and there will be an opportunity for audience participation! We invite everyone to join us for this special holiday performance at the museum.

The program is included in the fee for regular museum admission. FRIENDS of the Museum are admitted free as a benefit of FRIENDships. For information on becoming a FRIEND of the Museum, call 956.383.6911 or click here. The Museum of South Texas History is located at 200 North Closner Boulevard on the Hidalgo County Courthouse square in downtown Edinburg.

12/20 - Jazz on the Street - Weslaco

18th annual Mid-Valley Lighted Christmas Parade to be held on Thursday, December 20th at 6 pm. 
The starting point will be the intersection of Texas Boulevard and Pike Avenue in Weslaco, Texas. All entries will lineup west of Texas Boulevard on Pike. The parade route will travel south on Texas (approximately one mile) to Sixth Street, which is the parade ending point.
Dean Canty will play at 7 pm.

12/16 - Concierto Navideno y Posada en “La Placita” - Harlingen

Where: Gutierrez Park  Harlingen,TX 78550

When: December 16, 2012 - 5:00 - 8:30 pm

Phone: 956-216-5001

Performances by:
Singer, Carlos Canas
Grupo Americanto
Provacourture Productions (K3)
and
Special Presentation by Tenor Xavier Jaramillo

Free Admission – Limited Seating – Bring your Lawn Chair – Food Vendors

12/15 - Gingerbread House Making Class - McAllen

12/15 - Toys for Transit Gift Drive and 5K Run - Weslaco

Toys for Transit is a gift drive & 5K to benefit children living in colonias during the Christmas season. Valley Metro, the RGV’s regional public transit provider, will collect new, unopened toys and distribute them to families living in colonias. Valley Metro is a department of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council, a regional governmental agency. Valley Metro will identify which colonias and which children will receive gifts and will distribute the gifts on the week of December 17, 2012.

Bring new, unopened toys to Valley Metro’s offices during regular business hours (8 AM – 5 PM) from December 10 – December 14, 2012. We’ll do the wrapping.

Stuff the Bus 5K
This will be a 5K run/walk & 1-mile child’s fun run. The entry fee will be a child’s gift of at least a $10 value. (Although you are welcome to bring more!) We will park a bus at the event and place all the gifts inside. Participants are encouraged to dress up in holiday costumes.

For more information visit their Facebook Event Page.

12/14-15 - Christmas at Market Square - Brownsville

From the Better Block Brownsville Website:
Two festive days starting on Friday, December 14^th at 6:00 pm with a lighting of Market Square followed by carolers and a free holiday movie.  Saturday, December 15^th from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm will feature live music and performances, free children activities all day long, and local artisans for your Christmas shopping.
Bring your camera as Santa Claus will arrive at 2pm for picture taking and play in the SNOW!

12/19 - Christmas Children's Program at the Dustin Sekula Memorial Library - Edinburg

Join us for our 2012 Christmas Children's Program on Wednesday, Dec. 19th @ 6 P.M. We will be having an evening of storytelling, door prizes, goodie bags and a R.I.F. Distribution. There will also be a special visit from Santa Claus! For more information contact Children's Librarian Alexa Tressler at 956-383-6246

Excerpted from the Dustin Sekula Memorial Library Website.

12/15 - Holiday Bazaar at Dustin Sekula Memorial Library - Edinburg

Come find that perfect holiday gift! Join us Saturday, Dec. 15th from 9 A.M. - 4 P.M. for a Holiday Bazaar taking place in the library meeting room. There will be art, jewelry, crafts and more gift ideas available for purchase. For more information contact Evana Vleck at 956-383-6246.

Excerpted from the Dustin Sekula Memorial Library website.

12/15 - Posada in the Park - Los Fresnos

12/14 - Jolly Night Hike - Brownsville

Description: Join us for a night of Christmas cheer in the great outdoors! Take a hike on our trail of lights and take a merry hay ride around the park singing Christmas carols. Enjoy hot chocolate and apple cider with Christmas cookies, while we work on festive crafts in the visitor center. We may even get a visit from the green Santa Claus! Event is open to all ages! Dress comfortably with walking shoes. Held at Resaca de la Palma State Park, 1000 New Carmen Blvd., Brownsville, TX 78521.

Admission: $4 for Adults, children 12 & Under Free

Farmer's Market at Fireman's Park - McAllen

 

Saturdays 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. at Fireman's Park

Wormy Wednesdays at Quinta Mazatlan - McAllen

La Pastorela at MOSTH Sunday, December 9th!

12/8 - 30th Annual Candlelight Posada - McAllen

Excerpt from the McAllen Chamber of Commerce website:

The McAllen Chamber of Commerce and the City of McAllen Parks & Recreation Department invite you to join them for the 30th Annual Candlelight Posada. This free, family-friendly event will be held at Archer Park Saturday, December 8th, from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The traditional Posada procession will begin at 6:00 p.m. at the McAllen Heritage Center. The nativity performance will take place at approximately 6:30 p.m. in front of the parade review stand at Archer Park. The parade will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will follow the traditional route north on Main Street from City Hall to Archer Park. All events are free to the public! Cultural Food and beverages can be purchased throughout the 35 booths within the park.

Port Isbel Flea Market

The Port Isabel Antique & Flea Market has expanded their winter schedule!

Every Sunday in December, January and February, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and every first Sunday of each month March through November. Free Admission!

For more information or vendor information, call the Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce at 956/943-2262 or Gloria Bates at 956/455-6798. (Rain or shine event.)

The Market @ McAllen

 

 

The Market @ McAllen

After two years of calling Alhambra Restaurant home, the Farmers’ Market is now setting new roots at the McAllen Public Library. Formerly known as the Market @ Alhambra our new home and new season required a fitting new name, The Market @ McAllen. It all started when Alhambra Restaurant, an independently owned local business, opened their doors in 2009. They wanted to introduce to the Valley a new style of cuisine, one based off of locally sourced fresh products. They knew that to get the best tasting dishes you had to start with the best ingredients. They also knew that these can only be found through local farmers and ranchers where the products are harvested at their peak of freshness. By doing this the restaurant was cutting its carbon footprint, providing the best tasting dishes possible, and supporting local business. Most of the “fresh” products you find at a super market are shipped from far distances, in fact on average thousands of miles, all the while losing freshness and key nutrients. At one point Alhambra was even receiving their shipment of tomatoes by bicycle, essentially creating a carbon neutral supply chain.

In order to produce these fresh dishes they needed farmers. The question was how? No restaurant was attempting to buy from local producers, so a network of farmers and ranchers had to be created from scratch. Slowly they built a network large enough to provide for the restaurants needs. It didn’t take them long to realize this network had to be shared with the community.

And thus in October of 2010 The Market @ Alhambra was born. Since then the network has grown even larger and The Market has seen the frequenting of many loyal customers. Now with the move to McAllen Public Library we hope to broaden our reach even further. We want to spread our message of eating right and living healthy. Every Saturday the community will now have access to local farmers, ranchers, chefs, and artisans each contributing to the healthy life style changes our community desperately needs.

 

Every SATURDAY | 10am – 1pm

 

Basic Info:


Location: McAllen Public Library (4001 North 23rd Street McAllen, TX 78504) Start date Nov 17th
Contact name: Juan Carlos Zapata (market manager)
Contact info: 956-821-9173 -info@rgvfarmersmarket.com
 
FREE to the public

Edinburg Market Days

The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce and the Edinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau hold “Edinburg Market Days” the second Saturday of each month from 8am-2pm starting up again in Fall of 2013. Market Days is held at the Town Square across from the Court House. Please note that days may be subject to change due to weather conditions.

The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting vendors for Market Days; registration fee is only $25; deadline to register is Monday before the event. For those interested in being a vendor, set up time will be between 6:00 am-7:45 am, and tear-down time will be at 2:00 pm on the day of the event.

Various items are sold from fresh produce, to new, slightly used and antique items. If you are interested in serving on the Market Days Committee please contact Imelda Rodriguez at 956-383-4974.

Please call the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce at 956-383-4974 for more information or to register.

ArtWalk / Music After Hours / Craft Fair - McAllen

The McAllen Chamber of Commerce and the City of McAllen bring you the Music Afterhours Outdoor Concert Series. This free event is held twice a month from October through May.

On the first Friday of every month you’ll witness a variety of musical sounds at historic Archer Park on Main Street, which is in the Arts District. On the third Friday of each month, you’ll find Music Afterhours at the McAllen Convention Center Bandstand, located on the east side of the reflection pool.

Come by and give your ears a treat!

- http://mcallenmusic.com/Music-Afterhours

Maxan Street Farmers Market - Port Isabel

Farmers Market

Wednesdays from 4 to 6 pm at the Lightouse Garden (Maxan St.)

Get Your Fresh On at the Maxan Street Farmers’ Market! Every Wednesday from 4-6 pm in The Garden on Maxan Street in Port Isabel’s Lighthouse Square! Additional parking at Pirate’s Landing for Farmers’ Market customers. For more information and vendor opportunities, call 956-433-9675.

The Market @Weslaco

Welcome to The Market @Weslaco. Our mission is to provide opportunities for farmers to sell and consumers to buy produce directly from each other. By doing this, the Market increases the local food supply and production, and hopes to create, expand and enhance the economic strength and viability of farmers in south Texas while also contributing to the health and wealth of valley residents. The Valley has been blessed with a amazing growing season yet most of our fruits and vegetables we buy in super markets come from thousands of miles away.
This is where The Market comes in to save the day. Having accesses to locally grown and raised products gives us food that is thousands of miles better, strengthens our economy, and most importantly helps keep our community healthy.

Every THURSDAY | 5pm – 7pm FREE to the public

Weslaco Business Visitor & Event Center

275 South Kansas Avenue Weslaco, Texas 78596
 
Email Address: info@rgvfarmersmarket.com or aaguilar@weslacoedc.com
Telephone: 956.821.9173