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Editor's Note

Hey Valley fam — December doesn’t waste any time down here. The whole RGV is lighting up this weekend, from McAllen’s massive parade to Mercedes, Mission, and Edinburg each bringing their own sparkle. And in between the holiday fun, we’re seeing what truly defines the 956: students building for kids who need joy, neighbors lifting up seniors, and a young woman’s bravery reminding us what courage looks like.

If you head out to a parade or a market, grab a hot chocolate, support a local vendor, and wave big — these moments are what make our region feel like home. And if your weekend looks more cozy than crowded? That counts too. Just glad you’re here with us, sharing the ride.

Let’s make it another good one. ❤️

Quick Poll

What’s your favorite December tradition?

• 🎄 Holiday parades

• 🍪 Baking + cozy nights

• 🎁 Gift shopping + markets

Vote Over Here

McAllen Holiday Parade🎅
Sat, Dec 6 | 6 PM | McAllen

• Massive crowds, over-the-top floats, celebrity guests, and one of the biggest holiday traditions in the Valley.

Market Days – Holiday Edition🛍️
Sat, Dec 6 | 9 AM–3 PM | Harlingen

• Local vendors, handmade goods, music, and festive shopping along Jackson Ave. & Centennial Park.

Miracle on McIntyre: Night of Lights Parade + Holiday Market✨
Thu–Fri, Dec 4–5 | Times vary | Edinburg

• Two nights of holiday lights, a glowing parade, family activities, and a cheerful market in downtown Edinburg.

Mayor’s Season of Giving🎁
Fri, Dec 5 | 5:30 PM–8 PM | Mission

• A heartwarming night at Mission City Hall with family activities, treats, and a community celebration centered on giving.

Patriotic Lighted Christmas Parade🌟
Sat, Dec 6 | 6 PM–8 PM | Mercedes

• A bright and spirited parade down South Texas Ave., filled with lights, music, and classic Mercedes holiday pride.

Upper Valley (Mission • McAllen • Edinburg)

Miracle on McIntyre: Night of Lights Parade + Holiday Market
Dec 4-5 | Edinburg | See full details

Mayor’s Season of Giving
Dec 5 | 5:30 PM–8 PM | Mission City Hall | More info

Gingerbread Marketplace
Dec 4–6 | St. John’s Episcopal Church & School, 2424 N 10th St, McAllen | 🎟️ $10/person, ages 13 and up; Free for kids 12 and under | Check details

McAllen Holiday Parade
Dec 6 | 6 PM | Get tickets here

Mickey & Friends Merry Market
Dec 6 | 12 PM–4 PM | Downtown McAllen Foodcourt, 221 S 15th St.

Mid Valley (Weslaco • Donna • Mercedes • Harlingen)

Night of Worship
Dec 5 | 7 PM | The Eatery Downtown Weslaco, 400 S Kansas Ave

Patriotic Lighted Christmas Parade
Dec 6 | 6 PM–8 PM | S. Texas Ave., Mercedes

Lower Valley (Harlingen • San Benito • Brownsville • SPI)

Grinchmas in the City: Christmas Parade
Dec 5 | 6 PM | Historic Jackson Ave, Downtown Harlingen

SPI Christmas Street Parade
Dec 5 | 6 PM–9 PM | Travels south on Padre Blvd. from Mars to Acapulco (East side of the medians only)

Zoo Nights & Lights
Dec 5–7 | 6 PM–9 PM | Gladys Porter Zoo, 500 E Ringgold St, Brownsville | 🎟️ $5/person | Get tickets here

Market Days
Dec 6 | 9 AM–3 PM | Jackson Ave. & Centennial Park, Downtown Harlingen

PetSmart Adoption Event
Dec 6 | 10 AM–5 PM | PetSmart, 585 East Morrison Rd., Brownsville

Christmas Market
Dec 6 | 3 PM–7 PM | Casa del Rey Christian Church, 6709 Paredes Line Rd, Brownsville

SPI Lighted Boat Parade
Dec 6 | 6 PM | Best viewing areas include restaurants along the Laguna Madre Bay in the Entertainment District

Mission Launches Annual ‘Adopt a Grandparent’ Drive

Adopt a Grandparent is officially underway in Mission, inviting the community to share warmth with local seniors this holiday season. The city is collecting cozy socks, warm blankets, teddy bears, board games, and other comfort items to brighten their Christmas.

Donation boxes are set up at the Mission Police Department, Mission Fire Department, and Mission City Hall— easy, central, and open during regular hours. Donations are accepted through December 12, 2025. A small gift goes a long way.

Image Source: Facebook | City of Mission - Government

Before Oz — The Player’s Studio’s Last Fall Show

The Player’s Studio High School Troupe is wrapping up the season with Before Oz, a charming look at the real life of L. Frank Baum — told through the voice of his wife, Maud. The show highlights the people and places that inspired the beloved world of Oz long before it became a classic.

A heartfelt, family-friendly performance celebrating creativity, love, and the story behind the story. Catch it while you can!

📅 Dec 6: 1:30 PM & 7 PM
📅 Dec 7: 7 PM
📍 Edinburg Municipal Auditorium
🎟️ Get Tickets Here

Image Source: Website | The Player's Studio

STC Students Build for Kids with Type 1 Diabetes

South Texas College students are putting skills to work — building picnic tables, sensory stations, and even a giant wooden chair for South Texas Juvenile Diabetes Association’s future 30-acre camp. A hands-on, heart-forward project for kids who need a safe retreat. Read More→

Image Source: Website | South Texas College

Meet Guadalupe Barajas — Courage in the Dark

When a sudden house fire erupted in Rio Grande City, 22-year-old Guadalupe Barajas, blind since childhood, stayed calm and led her younger siblings safely out of the burning home. Guided only by instinct, faith, and their hands in hers, she got them to safety just in time.

The Barajas family lost their home and belongings, but Guadalupe’s bravery is the reason her family is alive today. Proof that real courage doesn’t need sight — only heart.

Read More→

Image Source: Website | myRGV

Meet May — the helicopter-tail sweetheart 💛

May is a petite 4-year-old Yellow Lab/Whippet mix thriving in her foster home. Her tail spins like a full helicopter when she’s happy, and she’s learning to relax independently for short stretches. Cozy crate blankets? Instant nap mode.

She loves calm walks, short play bursts, and movie-night cuddles. If you’re looking for a soft-hearted buddy whose tail literally celebrates life — May’s your girl.

📍Currently in Foster Care through Palm Valley Animal Society | Adopt, Donate, or Share →

Join Palm Valley Animal Society at the Give A Bark 5K on January 3, 2026 at Fireman’s Park in McAllen for a morning of fitness, community, and furry friends.

👉 Register Here

💚Sponsor: Hexapaws
Ramps & gear that keep tails wagging!

Vera’s Backyard Bar-B-Que (Brownsville)

Vera's Backyard Bar-B-Que — A Brownsville legend and the only licensed restaurant in Texas serving barbacoa de cabeza (cow head) cooked the old-fashioned way: in an underground brick-lined pit. 🔥

This James Beard America's Classic winner offers an authentic, no-frills RGV experience, specializing in cuts like tender cachete (cheek meat) and the highly-prized ojo (cow’s eye), served with simple corn tortillas. It’s a true taste of South Texas culture.

🕐 Fri: 6:00 AM–2:00 PM, Sat-Sun: 5:00 AM–2:00 PM (Closed Mon-Thu)
📍 2404 Southmost Rd, Brownsville, TX 78521
🎥 Check out The Daytripper's mouth-watering feature below.

Straight from y’all — the best eats, beats, and good deeds across the 956.

Image Source: Google | Silent Re-Run Ladies Clothing (Uploaded by Nora)

Silent Re-Run Ladies Clothing (Harlingen) — A curated consignment boutique with well-organized racks of dresses, tops, shoes, handbags, and décor. Shoppers love it for its clean layout and dependable finds — perfect for anyone who enjoys secondhand fashion with a boutique feel.

📍809 N 77 Sunshine Strip, Harlingen, TX 78550

Check out our list of must-visit thrift and resale shops in Harlingen (and nearby) for budget finds and hidden gems.

Suggested by Tina O. — keep the recs coming, Valley fam!

💬 Got a local spot, event, or story we should shout out next week?

Hit reply to this email — we’ll feature a few every issue!

🧠Local Laugh

You know you’re from the Valley when you give directions based on what used to be there — “Turn left where the old Blockbuster was… no, not that one, the other one.” 😂

🌱 Quote

“To the world you may be one person; but to one person you may be the world.”

—Dr. Seuss

✅ Life Hack

Keep a spare foldable lawn chair in your trunk. Between pop-up parades, futbolito games, tailgate birthdays, and waiting for your cousin who’s “on the way,” you’ll thank yourself every weekend.🪑

THIS WEEK'S EDITION IS PROUDLY PRESENTED BY

The Pearly Whites Lounge

Book your teeth whitening session now and get that relaxing glow-up vibe that’ll have you smiling all weekend — self-care never looked so bright. ✨

👉 Text “SMILE” to 956-403-6009 or visit their website to book your appointment today!

📍 126 E Park Ave Suite 6, Pharr, TX 78577