Magic and Christmas have always gone hand in hand, and when you decide to spend your holiday in South Padre Island in 2024, you will be amazed at all the different ways you will find magic. Maybe it will be the colorful lights that brighten the night or the special events that we Texas do so well, or maybe magic will be found in the sparkle in your children’s eyes, the flush on their cheeks, and the excitement of waiting for the best day of the year to arrive.
And sometimes the magic can be found in the comfort, luxury, and style of the Franke Rentals retreats that shelter you during your unforgettable South Padre Island holiday getaway. This guide will help you discover all the ways this Christmas will be the most magical of all!
South Padre Island Tree Lighting Ceremony, 321 Padre Boulevard, December 5
In our homes, it doesn’t feel like the Christmas season has started until the tree is up and the walls are decorated, and that can go for a town as well, which is why we wait with bated breath every year for the South Padre Island Tree Lighting Ceremony, offering a greeting from our mayor, an appearance by Mr. Claus himself accompanied by an elf, and live holiday music that you won’t be able to keep from singing along with.
The tree signifies the beginning of Christmas, and its colorful boughs will bring a smile to your face and joy to your heart. This is the only night that you will be able to witness the official ceremony, but it will remain lit through the new year, so even if you miss the ceremony, you will still be able to see our beautiful tree.
South Padre Island Street Parade, Padre Boulevard, December 6
As the world seems to have turned away from parades, here in South Padre Island we hold traditions close to our hearts, and the SPI Street Parade is one such tradition. The procession follows Padre Boulevard from Mars to Acapulco, and as you sit in a lawn chair on the sidewalk you will see everything you expect in a parade, including lights, classic cars, and maybe even fire trucks and/or police cars, but the magic is in the difference the shimmering and colorful lights make.
And because the moon won’t be full for another week, the glow of the waning gibbous moon will not interfere with the glow of the Christmas lights of the parade. The parade begins at 6 PM, and judging for the best floats will be held at Padre Brewery (3400 Padre Boulevard), so why not join in the fun and enjoy a few new beers while there?
Lighted Boat Parade, Sea Ranch Marina, December 7
Knowing how much we love parades, you shouldn’t be surprised that there will be a second holiday light parade, but you may be a little shocked to learn that this parade is on water. The boats begin cruising through Laguna Madre Bay at 6 PM, each vessel more colorful and creative than the one before it, and as the cool winter breezes make you happy you chose to bring a thermos of hot chocolate to sip as you watch the cavalcade of boats do their thing, the colorful lights doing double duty as they reflect off the dark waters below, the magic of this December night will become a treasured memory you will never want to forget. Judging for this fun event will be held at Jim’s Pier.
Magically at Home for the Holiday in South Padre Island
Magic makes its presence known in so many different ways, and feeling at home even as you are hundreds or thousands miles from your own home is definitely a kind of magic. Warm, welcoming, and offering so many ways to celebrate Christmas you may find yourself reluctant to leave, even for the events we listed above.
State of the art televisions are where you can watch your favorite holiday movies on a chilly Texas night, snuggling under colorful throws and sipping hot cocoa as you discover that your life is wonderful as well. Fully equipped kitchens may encourage you to roll out cookie dough on stone countertops or maybe to go a little retro and try mulled wine for the very first time. Every room of our vacation escapes are designed to make everyone feel at home and welcomed and each space is ready to be used in all the ways you love.
Traditions Happen Here
Just because you are traveling, it doesn’t mean that you have to toss out all your old traditions it just allows you to add some new ones to the mix. Staying up late on Christmas Eve to put together complicated toys as your children sleep deeply in their rooms is an old tradition, but enjoying a glass of wine from the balcony overlooking the sea is a new one you may engage in every year. Reserve your favorite Franke Rentals holiday hideaway today!