December 9 is National Pastry Day! Pastries are typically made of flour, water, and shortening dough. Pastries have a long history and include tarts, croissants, pies, etc. Discover sweet and flaky morsels at these five McAllen restaurants. Share your favorite McAllen restaurants desserts on Instagram!
Maison Stivalet
5101 N. 10th St.
Want to live out your Parisian dreams? Enjoy pastry day in this pristine McAllen restaurant. Maison Stivalet is also known for its famous French-inspired macarons.
Need an excuse for brunch? Enjoy pastry day at Bonhomia for a classy touch on different fall and holiday flavors! You can even order their delectable pastry boxes to-go.
Have you ever tried a Strawberry Mostachón? This French treat is available in mango and peach flavors at O’ Pastries & Deli. Support your local business,
Occu-PIE your day with a slice of Coconut cream pie at PJ Pies! This pastry is all sorts of fluffy and flaky. They also offer meal pastries, such as their shepherd’s pie.
When you look up at the sky this December, you may find Santa’s sleigh whizzing by! Luckily for you, Santa will stop by many city of McAllen events too. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet and take photos with Santa at these four locations!
Valley Street Market presents A Jolly Good Market this Saturday, December 11. Take a photo with Santa as you shop at one of over 30 small businesses that will be present!
The South Pole of Texas Illuminating Festival offers photos with Santa this year! Visit the event website for more information! Take advantage of other activities throughout the festival, now until January 6, including but not limited to:
If you want a holiday-themed photo with Santa, head over to Maddie’s Christmas At The Farm! Bring your camera and take pictures with the entire family and enjoy the following:
Hayrides
Train rides
Petting zoo
Playground
Walking trails
Opportunities to take pictures with Santa will occur all month long! For more information, contact Maddie’s Pumpkin Patch at (956) 457-3035.
Do you crave to step into a winter wonderland? Listen to live music in McAllen, and take your family to the symphony! Valley Symphony Orchestra (VSO) presents “A Touch of Frost,” sponsored by Frost Bank. Let Christmas and winter music warm your hearts on December 10, 2021, at the McAllen Performing Arts Center. This annual holiday concert begins at 8 P.M., promptly.
This annual holiday tradition features the full orchestra and features the Valley Symphony Chorale, directed by UTRGV’s Chorale Conductor, Dr. Sean Taylor. Buy your tickets before they sell out! Learn more about what to expect at the symphony below.
Enjoy A Touch of Frost
This year, VSO will be featuring soloists Lindsey Gamble (violin) and Patrick Hopkins (cello).
Enjoy over ten beloved holiday compositions, including:
Handel, Messiah
Pyotr Tchaikovsky, The Nutcracker, Waltz of the Flowers
José Feliciano/ arr. Jan Oleszkowicz, Feliz Navidad
Join in the Spirit of Giving
This holiday, join in the spirit of giving! No matter how big or small, donate to help Valley Symphony Orchestra continue its traditions of organizing beautiful concerts for the community.
Follow COVID-19 Protocols
Learn more about our concert protocols here. If you have been exposed to COVID-19 before the concert, VSO asks that you please stay home and self-quarantine! Contact Valley Symphony Orchestra if you have any questions regarding tickets or for any future events.
Tag Us Online!
Tag us holding your pair of tickets for “A Touch of Frost,” on Instagram and Facebook! Use #exploremcallen, #VSO #McAllenTX
Hear those sleigh bells ring, and see the float rides swing through the McAllen Holiday Parade! There are many holiday surprises in store, so make sure to get there earlier! You also need to decide what to do once the parade ends? Why, get your holiday grub on of course! Grab your grinch-y family members, and share the joy with a good meal at these nine restaurants in McAllen.
Does Santa love tacos? He will, when he visits this McAllen restaurant, Tacos El Plebe! If you enjoy street-style tacos and snacks, then you’ll want to visit.
If you are looking a smorgasbord of food to try, then the Mercado District is your go to place. Everyone in your family can try something new after the parade!
If you are looking for healthier hearty meals, we recommend FoodAMed, founded by Dr. Dona Cooper. Dr. Cooper made these meals in mind for anyone wanting to try flavorful veggie-based meals, and those dealing with health-related issues.
If you are in the mood for some bratwurst, pretzels, and beers on tap with your closest friends, then visit Schnieder’s Beer Garden! Have a jolly time and enjoy a German feast!
For a relaxed evening, dine at Roosevelt at 7’s. Relax with friends indoors or outdoors and enjoy burgers, pizza, and paninis alongside beers on tap!
Share Your Selfie!
Take a selfie after the parade exploring your favorite restaurants in McAllen! Use #McAllenEvents #ThingsToDoInMcAllen #ExploreMcAllen and show us on Instagram or Facebook!
Enjoy finding good deals for the holiday? Shop local this Saturday, November 27th at these eight small businesses in McAllen! You can buy local art, artisan crafts, clothing, and more, for the whole family!
If you have a crystal lover in your life, go to Cosmic Earthly or shop online for some beautiful crystals, bracelets, necklaces, and more wellness goodies for your loved ones to enjoy!
Mon Amour Boutique is a Latina-owned small business that features an abundance of “cottage core meets soft girl clothing.” Gift some cute and chic styles to your loved ones this holiday season!
Sacks Thrift Avenue is a thrift boutique shop that aims to sell vintage clothing and items while keeping their environmental impact to a minimum. Choose environmentally-friendly vintage items for your friends and loved ones!
If you have a K-Pop fan in your family, shop from the first-ever K-Pop store in the RGV! They have a great variety of k-pop merchandise, k-beauty products, and many more stationery goods.
You can count on Valley Vinyls to provide great music selections for the musical geniuses in your life. Known as one of the biggest vinyl shops in the RGV, they are sure to have the music you need!
Leona Style offers giveaways, in-store promotions, and a gift with every purchase for Small Business Saturday! This woman-owned small business offers an assortment of chic clothing, jewelry, and items perfect to gift to your fashion-savvy loved ones!
Support Local Shopping in McAllen
Go out on the town this year and support local McAllen shopping! Tag us on Instagram and use #ExploreMcAllen and #ThingsToDoInMcAllen, so we can see your pictures!
‘Tis the season to grab your favorite ugly-Christmas sweater and spend the holidays with your family photoshoot-hopping! There are many places to pose around the city, but if you are looking for a festive background, we recommend these iconic Christmas trees in McAllen! Take your picture, and show us on Instagram using #exploremcallen!
The Art Village Christmas Tree
Between Main St. and Hackberry Ave., there’s a beautiful Christmas tree that will grace the view of everyone who passes by or enters McAllen’s Art Village.
The La Plaza Mall Christmas Tree
Along with the indoor tree where you can take a photo with Santa, the giant Christmas tree outside of La Plaza Mall is also worthy of a few pictures! It’s beautifully decorated with lights, swirls, and, of course, a star on top! It provides the perfect ambiance representing the Rio Grande Valley as it’s surrounded by palm trees.
The McAllen Convention Center Christmas Tree
This may be the most popular tree in McAllen. This grand and beautiful Christmas tree is the centerpiece of the McAllen Convention Center. Each year, the Annual Tree Lighting Event ignites the holiday season in McAllen, and if you happened to miss it, you can watch the whole thing here!
Tag Us All Season Long!
If you’re taking pics around town, then be sure to tag us on Facebook and Twitter too!
If you don’t want to spend nearly four hours cooking a turkey only to gobble it in under twenty minutes, then it’s time to change your Thanksgiving tradition. Order your holiday feast from any of these six McAllen restaurants, serving delicious Thanksgiving meals for your friends and family!
PJ Pies
5712 N. 10th St.
(956) 627-0180
Enjoy Thanks(Pie)Giving by choosing any of their five pies available for pickup on November 24th.
Pie selection includes:
Pumpkin Swirl Pie
Traditional Pecan Pie
Brown Butter Pumpkin Pie
Blueberry Basil Goat cheese
Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie
House.wine. & bistro
1117 W. US-83 BUS
(956) 994-8331
Order the house.wine. & bistro. Thanksgiving Feast before it’s too late! You can order online by Friday, November 19th, and pick it up on Wednesday, November 24th, from 12-3 PM!
Feast includes:
Yeast roll
Giblet gravy
House salad
12lb smoked turkey
Green bean casserole
Baked mac and cheese
Jalapeño cranberry sauce
Maple bourbon bread pudding
City Cafe and Catering
2901 N. 10th St.
(956) 682-8737
The last day to order City Cafe’s Holiday Meal Packages is Monday, November 22nd, and is to be picked up Wednesday, November 23rd! Packages include salad, gravy, turkey breast, and more! They feed four, eight, or twenty people and come with a choice of up two sides:
Buttered corn
Mashed potatoes
Cornbread stuffing
Green beans with bacon
Cowboy Chicken
1020 W. Nolana Ave. #3746
(956) 686-7777
3400 W. Expy. 83, #100
(956) 429-3999
Cowboy Chicken is offering their Holiday Turkey Package, which feeds between eight to ten people and includes:
Peach cobbler
Wild west sides
Country style stuffing
Twice-baked potatoes
Homestyle dinner rolls
Signature turkey cooked over an open flame
Cracker Barrel
3817 W. Expy. 83
(956) 683-1874
At Cracker Barrel, there are a variety of delicious options to choose from for your Thanksgiving meal:
The Chicken N’ Dumplings and the Country Vegetable Plate. You can find them here!
The Country Fried Turkey Plate includes fried turkey fillets covered in herbed pan gravy and is served with two countrysides.
The Turkey N’ Dressing Meal is served with sweet potato casserole with pecans, green beans, dinner rolls, and pumpkin pie, and is available on Thanksgiving Day only!
Luby’s
4901 N. 10th St.
(956) 687-9568
Order online and pick up your Thanksgiving orders between Monday, November 22nd to Wednesday, November 24th! One of your options includes:
The Thanksgiving Day Special:
Dinner Roll
Holiday Dessert
Cornbread dressing
Classic carved turkey
Two scrumptious sides
Tag Us Online!
Tag us in your holiday meal pictures on Facebook, and give us a shoutout on Twitter and Instagram! We hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving with your friends and family! Use #ExploreMcAllen, #ThingsToDoInMcAllen, and #ThanksgivingMeal.
Bring on the festive cheer! Celebrate the holidays with your family at the McAllen Holiday Parade 2021. Invite your friends and family to experience the balloon floats, special guests, and more on Saturday, December 4th.
Holiday Special Guests
We are excited to welcome some incredible guests to our city of McAllen to participate in our parade.
See:
Air Force Honor Guard
Julian Gil – Actor, model, TV host
Mario Lopez – TV personality, producer, actor
Live The Experience!
This year, the McAllen Holiday Parade 2021 will include several entertaining experiences.
Show us your favorite on Instagram and Facebook, and use #ExploreMcAllen.
Watching festive dance teams!
Listening to the marching bands!
Viewing Christmas in the Park!
Seeing the Illuminated floats pass through the 1.5-mile stadium and street parade route!
Sponsor this McAllen Event!
The McAllen Holiday Parade is one of the biggest city events, and local business owners can get in on the action. Become a sponsor today!
A traditional Friendsgiving involves sharing home-cooked meals with your closest pals. However, if you and your friends want to skip the stress of cooking a dish, then visit a restaurant in McAllen! Pick one of these five spots where you can spend quality time with your friends this Thanksgiving season!
If you are in the mood for some bratwurst, pretzels, and beers on tap with your closest friends, then visit Schnieder’s Beer Garden! Have a jolly time and enjoy a German feast for Friendsgiving!
Feast with your friends at Casa Madre Brunch and Grill to enjoy delicious baked goods, cocktails, and prime steaks! Call them today to book your reservation for Friendsgiving!
Enjoy a high-end Friendsgiving lunch or brunch at Bonhomia! Aside from their delicious pastries, this quaint brunch spot offers delicious duck and potato carnitas!
For a relaxed evening, dine at Roosevelt at 7’s. Relax with friends indoors or outdoors and enjoy burgers, pizza, and paninis alongside beers on tap!
Tag Us in Your Friendsgiving Photos!
Show us your fun experiences at these 5 Friendsgiving restaurants in the city of McAllen! Use #McAllenEvents #ThingsToDoInMcAllen #ExploreMcAllen and show us on Instagram or Facebook!
If you don’t have plans for Halloween night, fear no more! Dress up in your most ghoulish outfit, snack on your favorite treats, and have a bewitching time at these 10 spooktacular events!
Take a Journey into the Paranormal with the RGV Paranormal Investigations team as they hunt for ghosts residing in the McAllen Public Library.
October 24th | Spooky Flix
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
McAllen Main Library – Meeting Center, 4001 N. 23rd St.
Enjoy Spooky Flix at the McAllen Main Library! You can watch a scary movie and enjoy complimentary snacks!
October 29th | Halloween Critical Mass McAllen
7:00 PM
McAllen Convention Center, 700 Convention Center Blvd.
Take a ride with Halloween Critical Mass McAllen! Put on your costumer and face paint, and enjoy a slow 18-20 mile bike ride through McAllen!
October 29th | Fright Night
7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Downtown McAllen Parking Garage Rooftop, 221 S. 15th St.
Support your local businesses at Fright Night! Hosted by Cybelle Arts and the Downtown McAllen Parking Garage, this event features a costume contest with a cash prize, creative local vendors, and more!
October 29th | All Hallow’s Eve Market
8:00 PM until 12:00 AM
RGV KPop Shop, 410 Pecan Ave.
Get spooky at the All Hallow’s Eve Market and make your way through the pumpkin patch, pumpkin carving station, and more! Costumes are strongly encouraged!
October 30th | South Texas Juvenile Diabetes Association’s Annual Trunk or Treat
Downtown McAllen Parking Garage Rooftop, 221 S. 15th St.
Hosted by RGV Rooftop Markets, this Monster Bash features a costume contest, trick or treating, and local vendors.
October 30th | 4th Annual Halloween Bar Crawl
4:00 PM until 12:00 AM
OMG A Shot Bar, 202 S. 17th St.
Dress up in your best costume for The 4th Annual Halloween Bar Crawl! This event features a $1000 costume contest, 2 waived drinks, local food vendors, and more! Registration is required.
October 30th | NüQueer Presents: Ghouls’ Night Out
8:00 PM until 2:00 AM
The Gremlin, 322 S. 16th St.
Enjoy a Ghouls Night Out with your favorite people at Gremlin! This event will feature a drag show filled with performers and local vendors!
October 31st | OLPH 2021 Trunk or Treat
6:30 PM until 8:30 PM
Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 2209 Kendlewood Ave.
Bring out the whole family and grab some treats at the OLPH 2021 Trunk or Treat! Wear a fun costume and enjoy a safe night out!
Tag Us In Your Thrilling Adventures!
Show us your hauntingly fun adventures in the city of McAllen! Use #McAllenEvents #ThingsToDoInMcAllen #ExploreMcAllen and Show us online today!
