HARLINGEN — Santa Claus will be strolling down Jackson Street tonight.
Stroll along with him and shop the amazing collection of gift items including antiques, collectibles, sports team merchandise, records, jewelry, fashion and more.
The downtown merchants will be open late today from 5 to 8 p.m. so shoppers can start the holiday shopping during this annual Downtown Holiday Stroll.
Last year, many of the children looking for Santa in the many stores and gift shops caught up to him at the Prelude where they were able to tell him what they wanted for Christmas.
“Come celebrate the holiday season and do your Christmas shopping in Downtown Harlingen during its annual Holiday Stroll,” said Edward Meza, Downtown Harlingen director.
“Stroll down the beautifully-lit historic district and visit and shop over 35 specialty shops and restaurants which will be open late for your shopping pleasure,” Meza said. “Shop owners will have refreshments and many have decorated their windows with amazing holiday cheer.”
And like every year, there will be Christmas music playing in the background.
Many of the Christmas favorites will be playing from Jingle Bells, Blue Christmas and more played by the music legends from Sinatra to Elvis.
The official lighting of the Downtown Harlingen Christmas Tree will take place with a countdown at 7 p.m. at Lozano Plaza.
Santa will help with the official lighting and afterwards he will be available for pictures.
Downtown Jackson Avenue also has restaurants to choose from including Mexican food, burgers and sandwiches.
“Come have a delicious meal, dessert, or a specialty drink to finish off your downtown shopping experience,” Meza said.
Lighting of the Arroyo
Every year hundreds of people in jackets and wrapped in blankets ring in the holidays with the city of Harlingen’s Annual Lighting of the Arroyo at McKelvey Park.
This year marks the 30th annual Lighting of the Arroyo.
The event will be Thursday at 6: 30 p.m.
People fill the park and see student performances after the grand marshal lights up many holiday decorations at McKelvey Park.
Local vendors also attend to sell food, refreshments, handcrafted jewelry and more.
South Padre Island
There is never a dull moment on the Island.
Hours after playing in the water, fishing, kiteboarding or strolling the beach, the city always has its holiday season events planned.
On Friday at 6 p.m. the city will host its annual Christmas parade.
“We invite everyone to attend this family friendly event,” said Susan Guthrie, SPI city manager. “Help us kick off the holiday season and attend the many events we have planned this weekend.”
The South Padre Island Parks, Recreation and Beautification Committee will host the annual SPI Christmas Parade.
The parade will begin at Mars Lane and end at Kingfish Street, traveling south along Padre Boulevard.
Toys for Tots
The Island will also be a donation site on behalf of multiple organizations for the holiday season.
These organizations are providing assistance to those in need in the Laguna Madre area this holiday season.
Drop off a new pair of pajamas, unwrapped toy or pick up an angel from the Angel Tree at City Hall, located at 4601 Padre Blvd.
“Your donation brings holiday magic to kids and families in our community,” Guthrie said. “Together we can make this a wonderful Christmas for everyone.”
The following organizations will have a donation box at City Hall:
PJ Christmas Party, Give the Gift of Warmth: Donate a new pair of pajamas, newborn to adult sizes by Dec. 4.
Maggie’s House: Donate a new unwrapped toy by Dec. 6.
The Salvation Army, Angel Tree: Angels include age, clothing size, gender and wish list.
Bags will be provided and drop off Angel items by Dec. 13.
South Padre Island Fire Association Toy Drive: Donate a new unwrapped toy by Dec. 20.
