The holiday season in Corpus Christi brings a festive mix of coastal charm, community celebrations and waterfront event spectaculars. Whether you’re planning a cozy night under the lights, a last hurrah before the clock strikes midnight or a leisurely New Year’s Day brunch, these Corpus Christi holiday events carry the celebration straight through the start of the new year.

---

Need more? Read more: Your guide to Texas holidays: Where to celebrate across the state

---

Corpus Christi holiday events and New Year’s celebrations

From illuminated parks and holiday markets to Tex-Mex theater, waterfront cruises and New Year’s Eve celebrations, these Corpus Christi events offer festive fun from now through New Year’s Day.

Artesian Park Winter Wonderland (Downtown Corpus Christi, Texas)

Festivities: Downtown Corpus Christi is packed with holiday cheer, and Artesian Park is the perfect place to experience it all. Stroll through the beautifully lit Winter Wonderland, enjoy festive décor, and soak in the warmth of the season while celebrating community and holiday magic in the heart of downtown.

• Now – January 6 — Winter Wonderland: Seasonal light displays and festive décor throughout Artesian Park
• First Friday Artwalk — Holiday Tree Lighting: Live music, local vendors and a visit from Santa

Learn more here

Peppermint Lane Holiday Market (Downtown Corpus Christi, Texas)

Festivities: The Peppermint Lane Holiday Market, presented by the Corpus Christi Downtown Management District, transforms Downtown Corpus Christi into a festive shopping destination filled with seasonal cheer, local flavor and family-friendly fun.

• Sundays in November & December — Holiday Market: Shop unique pop-up vendors, enjoy local food trucks and snap festive holiday photos at the Bar Under the Sun (BUS) terminal.
• December 21 — Peppermint Lane Holiday Market: The market takes place from 2–7 p.m., featuring local vendors, food trucks and holiday photo opportunities for all ages.

Learn more here

Holly Jolly Bar Hop (Downtown Corpus Christi, Texas)

Festivities: Enjoy a festive-themed bar hop through Downtown Corpus Christi, where the holiday spirit comes alive. Sip on signature seasonal cocktails or non-alcoholic options while exploring cozy pubs decked out in twinkling lights and cheerful décor. 

• Now – 12/23 — Holly Jolly Bar Hop: A holiday-themed bar hop featuring festive drinks, seasonal décor and participating downtown bars.

Learn more here

HOLLY-DAYS at the Gardens (Corpus Christi, Texas)

Festivities: The eighth annual HOLLY-DAYS at the Gardens at South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center transforms the Coastal Bend into a sparkling holiday wonderland. Guests can enjoy Santa visits, hayrides, kids’ crafts, a lighted hay maze, photo cut-outs, animal ambassador encounters and s’mores with cocoa, all included with general admission or membership, excluding refreshments and animal photo donations.

• 12/20 — HOLLY-DAYS at the Gardens: Celebrate from 5:30–7:30 p.m. with festive activities, family-friendly fun and immersive holiday light displays throughout the gardens.
• Holiday highlights — Seasonal displays & décor: Features include a 20-foot fresh-cut lighted fir tree in the Rose Garden, cherry blossom trees, Texas-sized wood reindeer, a lighted Butterfly House, a poinsettia tree in the Bromeliad Conservatory and more creative light installations.
• Emerald Forest — Recycled Christmas display: An eco-inspired holiday exhibit by environmental artist Shelia Rogers showcasing an 18-foot illuminated eco Christmas tree and additional sculptures made from recycled materials.

Learn more here

Abuelita’s Christmas Carol (Corpus Christi, Texas)

Festivities: Ring in the holidays with a Tex-Mex holiday classic as “Rosita the Abuelita” returns to Corpus Christi. Written by Alex Garza and inspired by his family and his maternal grandmother, Rosa Hinojosa, this beloved production has delighted audiences across South and Central Texas since 2006 and even made a West Coast stop in California. The show features an eccentric and lovable cast of characters, including Lucas, Pedro, Feliza and the unforgettable pig ghost, Agapito, along with deleted scenes from the original production and a little more music than before.

• December 20 — Rosita the Abuelita: Live holiday performance from 2:30–3:30 p.m. celebrating family, tradition and festive Tex-Mex flair.

Learn more here 

Midnight on the Bay at the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel (Corpus Christi, Texas)

Festivities: Celebrate New Year’s Eve in true luxury at Midnight on the Bay with an elegant evening of dining, dancing and waterfront celebration. Guests can enjoy a gourmet dinner buffet featuring seasonal flavors, live music by Emotions Band and a champagne toast at midnight to welcome 2026. Luxurious overnight accommodations with late checkout on New Year’s Day complete the experience.

• December 31 — Midnight on the Bay: New Year’s Eve celebration featuring dinner, live music and a midnight champagne toast. Must be 21 or older to attend.
• Packages — Overnight experience: Packages start at $299 and include event access and accommodations.
• Individual tickets — Event only: Individual tickets may be available after December 25, 2025, and can be purchased at the Front Desk for $150 per person. Dress code: Semiformal or Black Tie attire is optional.

Learn more here 

New Year’s Eve Party at Port Royal Ocean Resort (Port Aransas, Texas)

Festivities: Ring in the new year on the beach at Port Royal Ocean Resort’s New Year’s Eve Party with an island-inspired celebration by the coast. Guests can enjoy live music by Cruise Control, delicious food from Restaurant 361, heavy hors d’oeuvres, door prizes, a cash bar and a midnight champagne toast, all wrapped in a relaxed seaside vibe.

• December 31, 2024 — New Year’s Eve Party: Combo packages for two include party access, drink tickets and a midnight champagne toast, with options for a one- or two-night stay.
• Packages — Lodging & party experience: Limited combo packages available, including accommodations, event access and drink tickets. Reservations recommended.

Learn more here and here

New Year’s Eve Early Bird Cruise (Corpus Christi, Texas)

Festivities: Celebrate the new year without staying out late aboard the three-story Texas Tease during this festive New Year’s Eve Early Bird Cruise. Enjoy live music by DJ Dynamite, a fully stocked bar and sweeping bay views as you toast to the year ahead in a relaxed, celebratory setting.

• December 31, 2024 — New Year’s Eve Early Bird Cruise: Cruise runs from 6:00–8:00 p.m. and features live music, drinks and scenic waterfront views aboard the Texas Tease.

Learn more here

New Year’s Day Brunch Buffet at Gallery 41 (Corpus Christi, Texas)

Festivities: Start the new year on a delicious note with a spectacular brunch buffet at Gallery 41 Waters Edge Grill. Guests can enjoy an indulgent spread featuring a prime rib carving station, oysters on the half shell, made-to-order omelets and waffles, flaming donuts and pastries from around the world, plus a variety of continental breakfast favorites.

• January 1, 2025 — New Year’s Day Brunch Buffet: Brunch is served from 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.with waterfront views and a celebratory start to 2025. Reservations: Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome.

Learn more here 

For more holiday events and experiences, visit visitcorpuschristi.com and downtowncorpuschristi.org.