Merry Christmas, 956 🎄 | Dec 26–28 Weekend Guide

Archive| 2025

December 29, 2025•7 min read

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Editor's Note

Hey Valley fam — The holidays are officially here. The lights are on, the music’s playing, and the Valley is doing what it does best: showing up with heart. This week’s edition is packed with festive events, meaningful wins, and reminders that community is our greatest tradition.

Whether you’re out enjoying a holiday ballet, supporting local markets, or just spending time with family, we hope this edition helps you feel connected to everything happening around you. Thanks for being part of the 956 Pulse family — and for keeping Valley pride alive all year long. 🎄

Quick Poll

What’s your Christmas mood?

🎄 Cozy at home
🎉 Out and about
🫔 Eating tamales

Vote over here

South Pole Illuminated Festival❄️
Fri–Sun, Dec 26–28 | McAllen
A festive holiday experience with lights, activities, and family fun at the McAllen Convention Center.

NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet🩰
Sun, Dec 28 | 3 PM & 7 PM | McAllen
A stunning Christmas ballet filled with music, costumes, and holiday magic.

Lotería for the Paws🐾
Sat, Dec 27 | 10 AM–2 PM | Harlingen
Classic lotería fun benefiting local pets at Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux.

New Year’s Eve Balloon Drop🎈
Sat–Sun, Dec 27–28 | 3 PM | Brownsville
A kid-friendly countdown celebration at the Children’s Museum of Brownsville.

Goodbye 2025 Market🛍️
Sun, Dec 28 | 5–9 PM | Edinburg
Shop local and wrap up the year with vendors, art, and community vibes.

Upper Valley (Mission • McAllen • Edinburg)

Mid Valley (Weslaco • Donna • Mercedes)

Lower Valley (Harlingen • Brownsville • SPI)

Driscoll Children’s Hospital Brings Next-Gen Hearing Tech to RGV

Driscoll Children’s Hospital Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg is now offering the Nucleus Nexa System, a smart cochlear implant that allows future software updates without additional surgery. Dr. Roberto Solis recently performed the first procedure on a local child, marking a major milestone in bringing world-class pediatric care closer to home. This advancement means Valley families no longer need to travel to major metro areas for cutting-edge hearing solutions. Read More→

Image Source: Website | myRGV

12-Year-Old Entrepreneur Supports San Benito Library

A 12-year-old from San Benito, alongside a group of friends, launched a grassroots fundraising effort to support their local library. Through small sales and community outreach, they raised awareness about the importance of literacy and shared public spaces. Their efforts have earned praise across the community and show that leadership in the Valley starts young. Read More→

Image Source: Website | myRGV

Good Neighbor Settlement House Expands Holiday Care

TheGood Neighbor Settlement House in Brownsville is stepping up this Christmas season to provide meals, hygiene kits, and cold-weather supplies to neighbors in need. In addition to daily food service, the organization offers laundry access and shelter support, helping ensure dignity and warmth during the holidays. Their work highlights the Valley’s deep-rooted culture of looking out for one another. Read More→

Meet Juan Mendoza

Juan Mendoza, a 19-year-old from Weslaco, sprang into action after witnessing an expressway car crash, rescuing an elderly couple from a smoking vehicle. His bravery didn’t go unnoticed — the city honored him with an official proclamation naming December 17 as “Juan Mendoza Day.” He was also surprised with a full-ride scholarship to EMT and paramedic school. Read More→

Meet Mott— a 2-year-old, 81.5-lb Retriever/Lab/Terrier mix with a big heart and even bigger energy. He’s a social, dog-friendly pup who loves running, toys, and outdoor play, then winding down with cozy naps. If you’re looking for a happy adventure buddy who’s just as down to chill, Mott’s your guy.

📍Currently in Foster Care through 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.

👉Register Here

Brought to you by Hexapaws💚
Smart ramps & comfy gear made for happy, wagging tails!

Delia's Tamales

An undisputed Valley classic, Delia’s Tamales is where locals go for pillowy masa, perfectly seasoned fillings, and tamales that taste like family holidays. From pork and chicken to spicy jalapeño & cheese, these tamales are sold by the dozen for a reason — nobody ever stops at just one.

🕐 Mon–Sat: 7 AM–8:30 PM | Sun: 7 AM–6:30 PM
📍 McAllen, Mission, Edinburg, Pharr, San Juan

🔗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 | Twist and Tales LLC

Twists and Tales (San Benito)— A whimsical haven for book lovers and community seekers located right in San Benito. This indie bookstore is beloved for its curated selection of diverse reads, unique gifts, and a cozy atmosphere that invites you to stay a while. Whether you’re hunting for a new thriller or a local author’s debut, their personalized recommendations and frequent community events make it a true cultural gem for the area.

🔗 Facebook: Twist and Tales LLC
📍 230 S. Travis St. Suite C, San Benito, TX 78586
🕐 Tue–Sat, 10 AM–5 PM

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

“I’ll just grab one more tamal” is the biggest lie told in the 956 during Christmas week. 🫔😅

🌱 Quote

“Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.”

— Calvin Coolidge

✅Life Hack

Freeze leftover tamales in small batches with a damp paper towel inside the bag — they reheat softer and taste fresh even days later.

THIS WEEK'S EDITION IS PROUDLY PRESENTED BY

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