As Halloween decorations barely make their way back to storage, the La Palmera Mall in Corpus Christi is already entering the holiday season with open arms. On Wednesday, Nov. 6, the mall hosted its annual “Santa’s Arrival” event, bringing holiday cheer to thousands of eager guests and kicking off the Christmas festivities in the Coastal Bend area.
A Magical Evening of Festivities
The night was filled with family-friendly activities, from face painting to balloon animals, a lively marching band, and even more surprises for Christmas enthusiasts. La Palmera’s spokesperson, Sarona Winfrey, expressed the excitement behind the event, saying, “This is the day we wait for 365 days a year.”
One of the highlights was, of course, Santa Claus’s arrival. With his jolly laugh and iconic red suit, Santa was the main attraction, drawing cheers and smiles from the crowd.
A Coastal Bend Tradition
For Coastal Bend native Elena Booth, the event holds a special place in her heart. She brought her young niece, Grace Phil, to join in the holiday excitement. “It’s super traditional for us to come here every year to see Santa,” Booth shared. “This day just means a lot to us; it gets her spirit started in a whole new way.”
Thrilled with anticipation, Grace couldn’t hold back her excitement, chanting “Santa, Santa, Santa!” as she awaited his grand entrance.
Keeping the Festivities Fresh
With each passing year, La Palmera aims to enhance the holiday experience. “Every year, we try to come up with something different to mix it up,” said Winfrey. This year’s lineup includes weekend entertainment featuring magic shows, pet nights, and other seasonal festive surprises.
Santa will remain at La Palmera, offering photo opportunities for families and children eager to capture a cherished holiday memory. Photo packages start at $34.95 and provide various options for bringing a piece of Christmas magic home.
A Gift to the Community
The event is free, a gesture from La Palmera to show appreciation for the community. “This is something we do for the community,” Winfrey said. “We are part of the community, and we’re happy everyone comes and celebrates this event at La Palmera.”