Throughout the holiday season, locals and tourists flock to Corpus Christi to take in the many stunning Christmas light displays. Our coastal town is known for going all out for the holidays, and it’s never too early to make your Christmas bucket list.
Want to get your home in the holiday spirit, too? Save time by reaching out to ABC for professional lighting services.
Your Guide to Christmas Lights in Corpus Christi
Bright lights and holiday magic fill the streets of Corpus Christi come Christmastime. Our city becomes filled with spectacular light displays and events that the whole family can enjoy.
Lights go up in November and stick around through early January. It’s the perfect time for neighborhood strolls with your loved ones and a hot chocolate in hand. Some of the best options include:
- Peppermint Lane
- Christmas Tree Forest
- Candy Cane Lane
- H-E-B Christmas Tree at Water’s Edge
- Winter Wonderland in Artesian Park
- Mr. Bill’s Christmas Wonderland
- Gary Redden’s Light Show
- Christmas on the Coast
Keep reading for all the details you need to see the best Christmas lights in Corpus Christi.
Peppermint Lane
In downtown Corpus Christi, Chaparral Street transforms into Peppermint Lane during the holidays. From Lomox to Taylor Street, lights, bows and garlands set the stage for the perfect holiday stroll.
Every Sunday in November and December, you can also visit the Peppermint Lane holiday market to get some shopping done.
Christmas Tree Forest
Head to the Art Museum of South Texas to check out the magical Christmas Tree Forest. Multiple local organizations, including the museum, the Junior League of Corpus Christi and H-E-B, come together to deck out the trees, and each one is themed after a beloved book.
The Christmas Tree Forest runs from November through January, and there are specific days that are free for families.
Candy Cane Lane
Want to see some stellar houses decked out in Christmas lights? Make your way to the Schanen Estates neighborhood to check out Candy Cane Lane. Residents go all out with their light displays and have made a name for themselves over the years.
Along with the lights, Candy Cane Lane features food trucks and live music. It opens in December.
H-E-B Christmas Tree at Water’s Edge
Want to take holiday photos? H-E-B’s majestic 66-foot Christmas tree at Water’s Edge Park on the Corpus Christi Bayfront is the perfect photo opportunity. The tree is illuminated with 7,000 lights, 2,000 ornaments and a sparkling nativity star.
The season kicks off with a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the beginning of December, complete with live music, vendors and food trucks.
Winter Wonderland in Artesian Park
Starting in November, Artesian Park transforms into a magical winter wonderland. From the lit-up trees to the romantic gazebo, it’s the perfect spot for a holiday stroll. The park also features the First Friday Artwalk, which includes vendors, live music, food trucks and art exhibitions.
Mr. Bill’s Christmas Wonderland
Since 1998, local legend Mr. Bill has gifted Corpus Christi with a spectacular Christmas Wonderland that you have to see to believe. The event features a Christmas train, a life-size nativity scene, a Santa meet-and-greet, a choir and more.
Mr. Bill’s lights go on in December. You can find him at the corner of Hampton and Kennsington Court off Saratoga and Cimarron.
Gary Redden’s Light Show
Another local legend, Gary Redden, creates a one-of-a-kind experience that you won’t want to miss. His light show, which is synchronized to music, is nothing short of impressive, and it can get anyone in the holiday spirit.
You can find the drive-by display, which features 7,000 lights, at the 6200 block of Lourdes Street.
Christmas on the Coast
Christmas on the Coast is a month-long celebration of the holiday season. Kicking off on Saturday, December 6th, watch the lighting of the giant Christmas tree in the City Complex. There’s an ice skating rink, too!
Want to deck your own home out in lights for the holidays? Contact ABC to install festive lights along your eaves, driveway, walkways and throughout your shrubs and trees.
The Best Corpus Christi Holiday Events
Corpus Christi is known for amazing light displays, but those aren’t the only holiday events in town. There are also Christmas parades, concerts, markets and other fun events that are bound to become your family’s new favorite tradition. These include:
- Port of Corpus Christi Illuminated Boat Parade
- The Nutcracker by The Corpus Christi Ballet
- Holly Jolly Bar Hop in Downtown Corpus Christi
Let’s dive into each of these a bit more.
Port of Corpus Christi Illuminated Boat Parade
Who said a parade has to be on land? Watch as boats light up the marina at the Downtown Seawall and compete for the title of best-decorated boat of the season. After the competition, enjoy some festive food and good company at the after-party.
The Nutcracker by The Corpus Christi Ballet
Every year, the Corpus Christi Ballet puts on a stunning rendition of The Nutcracker at the American Bank Center Selena Auditorium. Watch as Clara’s nutcracker doll comes to life and takes her to a magical winter wonderland. The awe-inspiring dances and unforgettable music make this a favorite Christmas tradition for theater-goers.
Holly Jolly Bar Hop in Downtown Corpus Christi
Craving some festive cocktails? Don’t miss the Holly Jolly Bar Hop in Downtown Corpus Christ. All December long, participating bars and restaurants will offer holiday-themed drinks to get you in the spirit of the season.
Family-Friendly Holiday Events in Corpus Christi
Looking for a holiday event the whole family will love? These options are great for all ages, and you’re sure to make some magical memories:
- Holly-Days at the Gardens
- Ice Skating at the American Bank Center
- Holiday Tree Lighting at La Retama Park
Learn more about these events below.
Holly-Days at the Gardens
Head to the South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center for Holly-Days at the Gardens, a festive event that features Christmas lights, hay rides, a petting zoo, Santa, trees, s’mores and plenty of hot cocoa.
The event runs for four weekends starting the day after Thanksgiving.
Ice Skating at the American Bank Center
A night at the ice rink is perfect for the whole family. Enjoy Coastal Christmas at the American Bank Center, which features an indoor ice rink, festive family photo ops, holiday characters, food and more. This event runs the week of Christmas.
Holiday Tree Lighting at La Retama Park
Kick off the holiday season with the official Port of Corpus Christi’s Holiday Tree Lighting in La Retama Park this November. The annual event features pop-up vendors, food trucks, live music, art exhibitions and more festive fun for the whole family. It’s the perfect way to welcome the holiday season.
Ready to get your family home decked out for the holidays? It’s not too early to test your Christmas lights. Reach out to ABC for professional lighting services.
The Best Holiday Meals in Corpus Christi
If there’s one thing Texans love to do around the holidays, it’s enjoy good food. Luckily, several spots offer festive flavors you can indulge in all season long. Some of the best options include:
- Switchgrass Landing at the Omni Hotel
- Janet’s Bakery
- Hester’s Cafe
Let’s explore these in more detail.
Switchgrass Landing at the Omni Hotel
Enjoy a Christmas meal at Switchgrass Landing inside the Omni Hotel. Along with great food, the dining room offers gorgeous seaside views and festive decor. They’re open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Janet’s Bakery
Janet’s Bakery is a family-owned and operated Corpus Christi treasure that offers an array of holiday treats. Stop in for specialty cakes, cookies and pastries that celebrate festive flavors.
Hester’s Cafe
Another local treasure, family-owned Hester’s Cafe is known for its amazing food, baked goods and coffee. They make a variety of holiday treats, including cinnamon rolls, cranberry orange scones, pumpkin pecan bread and festive pies. They sell out quickly, so it’s a good idea to pre-order your favorite items.
Trust ABC to Light Up Your Home For the Holidays
With so many dazzling Christmas light displays in Corpus Christi, it’s only fitting to let your home sparkle too. Save yourself the time and effort and partner with ABC to bring your holiday vision to life.
ABC’s professionals can install lights on your home’s eaves, the driveway, walkways and around shrubbery and trees. Bring your dream holiday house to life this year with ABC.
