Excited for a magical holiday in Mission? Our guide will lead you to all the festive fun! From Mission regulars to holiday explorers, our guide highlights the season's best events and activities.
One beloved attraction is the Holiday Parade and Festival, where you can enjoy festive floats and local performers. This year, don't miss the elegant crafts and unique holiday gifts at A Holiday Affair. And the Basilica Christmas Concert is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring timeless carols in a breathtaking setting. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Mission
See these and even more events listed below!Mission Other Holiday Activities
UBER Winterfest
What to Expect:
Modern twist on winter activities in a warm climate
Description:
UBER Winterfest in Mission defies expectations, bringing winter fun to the Texas heat. The event features a massive ice skating rink surrounded by palm trees, creating a surreal juxtaposition. Visitors can try their hand at ice sculpting workshops led by professional artists. The festival pays homage to Mission's agricultural roots with displays of locally grown citrus fruits adorned with twinkling lights. Snow machines create periodic flurries, allowing Texans to experience a rare touch of winter. This innovative event showcases the city's ability to blend tradition with modern entertainment.
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Nearby Events
Holiday Parade and Festival (McAllen)
What to Expect:
Combines a traditional parade with a multicultural festival
Description:
McAllen's Holiday Parade and Festival transforms the city into a vibrant celebration of diverse cultures. Floats adorned with twinkling lights glide through the streets, showcasing the region's rich heritage. The festival grounds buzz with activity, offering visitors a chance to sample authentic Tex-Mex cuisine. This event honors McAllen's history as a melting pot of American and Mexican traditions. You'll witness performances that blend holiday classics with traditional Mexican dances, creating a unique cross-cultural experience.
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A Holiday Affair (McAllen)
What to Expect:
Elegant evening gala with a focus on local charities
Description:
A Holiday Affair in McAllen elevates the season with sophistication and purpose. This black-tie gala sparkles with champagne toasts and gourmet cuisine, while supporting local charities. Attendees glide across the dance floor to live jazz renditions of holiday tunes. The event showcases McAllen's commitment to community service, a tradition dating back to the city's founding. Silent auctions feature unique items donated by local artisans and businesses. Your participation contributes to making the season brighter for those in need throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
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Basilica Christmas Concert (San Juan)
What to Expect:
Classical concert in a historic basilica
Description:
The Basilica Christmas Concert in San Juan resonates with celestial harmonies in a breathtaking setting. World-class musicians perform timeless carols and classical masterpieces beneath the basilica's ornate dome. The concert highlights the acoustic perfection of this architectural gem, completed in 1954. Visitors can explore the basilica's stunning artwork before the performance begins. This event celebrates the rich musical heritage of the Rio Grande Valley, blending European classical traditions with local influences. The basilica's history as a pilgrimage site adds depth to the spiritual experience of the concert.
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Christmas Posada (Hidalgo)
What to Expect:
Traditional Mexican Christmas celebration
Description:
Hidalgo's Christmas Posada immerses participants in a cherished Mexican tradition. The event recreates Mary and Joseph's search for lodging, with candlelit processions winding through the streets. Locals open their doors to welcome the pilgrims, offering warmth and hospitality. You can join in singing traditional posada songs passed down through generations. The celebration culminates with the breaking of a star-shaped piñata, symbolizing the star that guided the Wise Men. This posada honors Hidalgo's deep-rooted Mexican heritage, bringing the community together in a spirit of unity and faith.
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Festival of Lights (Hidalgo)
What to Expect:
Massive drive-through light display along the Rio Grande
Description:
Hidalgo's Festival of Lights illuminates the banks of the Rio Grande with over three million dazzling lights. The three-mile drive takes visitors through a series of themed displays, each telling a story of local history and culture. Towering sculptures crafted entirely from lights depict everything from native wildlife to space exploration. You can tune your car radio to a special station syncing music to the light show. This spectacular event began in 1990 and has grown to become one of the largest holiday light displays in Texas, drawing visitors from across the state.
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Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (McAllen)
What to Expect:
Community-focused event with a 64-foot tree
Description:
McAllen's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony centers around a towering 64-foot tree, rivaling those found in major cities. The event kicks off with performances by local school choirs, showcasing young talent. As the switch is flipped, thousands of LED lights burst into a choreographed display set to music. Visitors can contribute to a community art project, decorating oversized ornaments with personal holiday wishes. This ceremony has been a McAllen tradition since 1984, growing from a small gathering to a major regional event. The massive tree serves as a beacon of community spirit throughout the holiday season.
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Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Holiday Artisan Market (McAllen)
What to Expect:
Showcase of local artisans with live demonstrations
Description:
McAllen's Holiday Artisan Market brings together the finest craftspeople from across the Rio Grande Valley. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of traditional techniques, from glass blowing to wood carving. The market emphasizes handcrafted, one-of-a-kind items that reflect the region's diverse cultural influences. You'll discover unique gifts infused with local flavors, such as mesquite wood sculptures and prickly pear jelly. This event celebrates McAllen's long history as a hub for artisans and traders, dating back to its early days as a border town. The air is filled with the aroma of freshly baked pan dulce, adding to the sensory experience.