’Tis the Season, Valley Fam | Dec 19–21 Weekend Guide
PRESENTED BY
Dedicated to protecting the heartbeat of the Valley. Providing advanced, compassionate cardiovascular care right here in McAllen, Texas.
Editor's Note
Hey Valley fam — the holiday stretch is HERE, and the 956 is doing what it does best: showing up for community, music, and a little bit of magic.
This weekend’s lineup has everything from a Twilight-themed night market (yes, the vibes are sparkly) to free family fun at the library, plus local bands battling it out in Brownsville. If you’ve been feeling the end-of-year rush, let this be your reminder:you don’t have to do big to feel good.
Grab some pan dulce, hit a market, take the kiddos to crafts, or just go listen to live music under the lights. And if you’ve got a hidden gem we should feature next week, we’re all ears. 🫶
Reader Question
What’s your hidden gem in the RGV right now?
Think of a local spot, event, or small business you want us to feature (bonus points if it’s family-owned or super under-the-radar). 👀✨
Comment your answer here
Sat, Dec 20 | 4 PM–9 PM | McAllen
Twilight-themed night market at Archer Park with a movie under the stars, 60+ vendors, food/drinks, and picnic vibes —free entry.
Sat, Dec 20 | 7 PM–10 PM | South Padre Island
Crafts, snacks, “snow,” hot chocolate, Santa (7–9), and live music with Toby Beau at Upper Deck.
Sat, Dec 20 | 6 PM | Brownsville
Local bands compete live at Gonzalez Park with vendors + food, plus a grand prize that includestwo-song studio time.
Holly Jolly Winter Celebration📚
Thu, Dec 18 | 6 PM | Edinburg
Free family night at the Dustin Michael Sekula Memorial Library with crafts, games, photo spots, festive surprises — and a chance to earn a free book.
Operation Christmas RGV: Heroes United Christmas Bash🚓🎁
Fri, Dec 19 | 6 PM–9 PM | Donna
Family activities, resources, rides, a lighted car show, and toys while supplies last (presented by Driscoll Health Plan).
Upper Valley (Mission • McAllen • Edinburg)
IMAS Mysterious Cosmos Family Fun Night
Dec 18 | 6 PM–8:30 PM | International Museum of Art & Science, 1900 W Nolana Ave, McAllen | Free
Holly Jolly Winter Celebration
Dec 18 | 6 PM | Dustin Sekula Memorial Library, 1906 S Closner Blvd, Edinburg
United for Kids this Christmas Toy Drive
Dec 19 | 6 PM–9 PM | Leo Pena Placita Park, 801 N Conway Ave, Mission
Pajama Christmas at the Food Park
Dec 19 | 6 PM–12 AM | McAllen Food Park, 10 N. Broadway St | Details
HUNKS The Show at The Citrus Live
Dec 19 | 8 PM | 108 N 12th Ave, Edinburg | Get tickets
Dec 20 | 3 PM–7 PM | The Mix Open Air Market, 2509 Colorado St, Mission
Dec 20 | 4 PM–9 PM | Archer Park, McAllen
Dec 21 | 4 PM–9 PM | Leo Pena Placita Park, 801 N Conway Ave
Mid Valley (Weslaco • Donna • Mercedes)
Alfresco Weslaco: Music & Art on the Street
Dec 18 | 6:30 PM–9:30 PM | Historic Downtown Weslaco
Dec 19 | 10:30 AM–11:30 AM | Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Library, 434 S Ohio Ave, Mercedes | For toddlers ages 1–5
Jurassic RGV at Backyard Eatery
Dec 19 | 6 PM | 2112 Redskin Ave, Donna
Operation Christmas RGV's Heroes United Christmas Bash
Dec 19 | 6 PM–9 PM | Bennie LaPrade Stadium, 2302 Wood Ave, Donna
Lower Valley (Harlingen • Brownsville • SPI)
Dec 18 | 7 PM | TSC Performing Arts Center, 90 E. Taylor St | Free
Dec 18–21 | Starts at 6 PM | Gladys Porter Zoo, Brownsville | Reserve your spot now: 📞 (956) 548-9453
Valley Voices Christmas Concert at St. Paul
Dec 19 | 7 PM–10 PM | 602 Morgan Blvd, Harlingen | Event Info
Dec 20 | 6 PM | Gonzalez Park, 34 Tony Gonzalez, Brownsville
Dec 20 | 7 PM–10 PM | Upper Deck Hotel & Bar, 120 E Atol St, SPI
Dec 21 | 5 PM–10 PM | Harlingen Convention Center
Snowball Express Honors Fallen Heroes at McAllen International Airport
On Dec 13, McAllen International Airport helped send families of fallen first responders to Disney World through the Gary Sinise Foundation’s Snowball Express, in partnership with American Airlines. Mayor Javier Villalobos called it a powerful reminder that the 956 never forgets its heroes.
Weslaco Secures Future for First Responders
The City of Weslaco and Firefighters Local 3207 signed a new labor agreement focused on firefighter wellness and retention. Mayor Adrian Gonzalez says it keeps the best of the best serving the community — and keeps Weslaco protected. Read More→
Image Source: Website | Texas Border Business
Meet Efrén Olivares
Efrén Olivares, a Rio Grande Valley human rights lawyer, has earned national recognition from Time Magazine for his long-standing work defending immigrant rights and fighting for justice. The honor highlights legal and humanitarian impact that goes far beyond the courtroom — and proves once again that powerful advocacy is happening right here in the 956. Read More→
Image Source: Website | myRGV
Meet Carsina and Conina, inseparable sisters packed with zoomies, sweetness, and playful Valley energy. They’re both 2 years and 8 months old and have spent about 1 year and 8 months waiting at the shelter, hoping to find a forever home together. If your house has room for double the love, these two are ready. 🐶🐶
📍Palm Valley Animal Society | Adopt, Donate, or Share→
Looking to adopt or foster? We rounded up the most trusted shelters and rescues across the Valley — find where to help a pet in need.
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.
Brought to you by Hexapaws💚
Smart ramps & comfy gear made for happy, wagging tails!
Nana’s Taqueria (Weslaco)
A true Weslaco staple, Nana’s Taqueria has grown from a small family kitchen into a local favorite. Known forNuevo Progreso-style lonches, Tacos Rio Bravo, and a colorful plaza-style setting, it’s the kind of spot that feels like home the moment you walk in.
🕐 Mon–Wed: 10 AM–8 PM | Thu–Fri: 10 AM–10 PM | Sat: 8 AM–10 PM | Sun: 8 AM–7 PM
📍1806 S International Blvd, Weslaco, TX 78596
🔗Check out The Texas Bucket List’s feature below.
Straight from y’all — the best eats, beats, and good deeds across the 956.
Image Source: Facebook | Wing Daddy's Sauce House - North Ware
Wing Daddy’s Sauce House (McAllen)— This North McAllen hangout brings big flavor and big energy, with 20+ wing sauces, loaded Sleezeballs, stacked burgers, and TVs everywhere you look. Whether you’re catching a game or pulling up late with friends, Wing Daddy’s delivers heat, sauce, and pure 956 vibes.
🔗 Facebook: Wing Daddy's Sauce House - North Ware
📍 4801 N Ware Rd, McAllen, TX 78504
🕐 Sun–Wed: 11 AM–11 PM | Thu–Sat: 11 AM–1 AM
Suggested by Joseph D. — 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
If your holiday plans are “just one quick stop”… congrats, you’re already 6 stores deep. 😭🛒
🌱 Quote
“We do not remember days, we remember moments.”
– Cesare Pavese
✅ Life Hack
Park your wrapping supplies in one shoebox (tape, scissors, tags) so you’re not hunting them down every single gift
THIS WEEK'S EDITION IS PROUDLY PRESENTED BY
McAllen’s trusted partner in heart health. Rudhira Heart and Vascular Institute offers comprehensive, cutting-edge care for all your vascular and cardiac needs, ensuring our community has access to the best treatment locally. Your health is your greatest wealth—schedule your consultation today!
📞 956-540-7030
📍 900 South Jackson Road Suite 3, McAllen, Texas 78503