Holiday Village Returns for 15th Season

In Brownsville, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Each year, Holiday Village transforms Dean Porter Park into a winter wonderland and a beloved attraction for locals and visitors alike. The enchanting city in miniature embodies the spirit of the season with a touch of whimsy, a dash of nostalgia, and a generous helping of good cheer. Beneath thousands of twinkling lights, 34 custom designed cottages — measuring up to 14 feet high — bring joy and a sense of wonder to kids from one to 92! 

The miniature community has everything you might expect, from a general store and candy shop chock full of treats, to a one-room schoolhouse, a church, and a library. Several cottages are modeled after Brownsville’s landmarks, including the home of the city’s founder, Charles Stillman. And this is just the beginning! You’ll find the unexpected and creative. Be on the lookout for the school bus and Santa’s space shuttle.

Along with Santa’s supersonic transportation, you’ll find much of the North Pole has relocated to South Texas! As you meander through Holiday Village, you’ll see a bustling toy workshop, an elves’ bunkhouse, a reindeer barn, and a sleigh shop just in case Santa wants to fly home in a brand spankin’ new sleigh. Santa even has a fishing shack! Rest assured; Santa doesn’t just go fishing while he’s in the Rio Grande Valley. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights in December, he’s available for free photos with your little ones.

Holiday Village’s charming cottages are adorned for the holly jolly season both inside and out. As you peer through their picture windows, elaborate scenes with all the holiday trimmings unfold. Be sure to look for Fritter the Elf. He hides in plain sight in a new cottage every day from Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve. Fritter has an important job as Santa’s eyes and ears, discovering who’s been naughty and who’s been nice! If you spot Fritter, take a picture and post it on Facebook or Instagram for a chance to win one of the daily or weekly prizes.

True to the spirit of the season, the community’s gifts of time and treasure make Holiday Village possible. It is run entirely by volunteers and supported financially by sponsors and grants. Thanks to the generosity of all, admission is free. The memories you make on your visit, however, are priceless!

Holiday Village’s grand opening is on the Monday prior to Thanksgiving. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. and include live music, refreshments, and giveaways. One of the highlights of the evening is the official lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. that illuminates thousands of colorful, twinkling lights.

The village is open daily through New Years Day and buzzes with activity. Performances by choirs, school groups, dance troupes, and bands fill the calendar. Food and drink vendors are on hand, too, with piping hot cocoa and coffee, fresh baked treats, and tasty food truck fare.

Since its inception in 2009, taking part in Holiday Village’s festivities has become a cherished tradition for local families and visitors to the Rio Grande Valley. To plan your free visit and to create priceless heartwarming memories, please take a look at Holiday Village's official website.