Santa’s Premier Arrival, presented by Physicians Premier ER, kicks off the Coastal Bend holiday season
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Oct. 23, 2026) — La Palmera will officially kick off the holiday shopping season on Wednesday, Nov. 4, with Santa’s Premier Arrival, presented by Physicians Premier ER.
Thousands of guests are again expected to attend the free, family-friendly event throughout the mall from 5–8 p.m., including live music and entertainment, arts and crafts, face painting, balloon twisting and special activities.
Santa is taking his arrival to new heights this year, poised to make a magical appearance in Center Court at 6 p.m. before kicking off the annual holiday photo tradition.
“Since 2008, La Palmera has hosted the official arrival of Santa here in the Coastal Bend,” said Amanda Sanchez, La Palmera general manager. “It’s become a tradition for many families here in Corpus Christi and beyond, and we look forward to seeing the community come out once again for the annual kickoff to the holiday season.”
Guests of all ages will find entertainment and activities throughout the mall:
CENTER COURT
Photos with Santa, presented by Physicians Premier ER
Music with DJ Johnny Hotcakes
6:30–8 PM (between lululemon and Oakley)
“Meet & Gripe” with everyone’s favorite “Green Meanie”
THE STAGE AT LA PALMERA CAFÉS FOOD COURT
5–5:30 PM Just for Kix Corpus Christi
5:30–6 PM School of Science & Technology Dance & Drill Teams
6–7 PM Los Mariachis
7–7:30 PM Pacific Islanders
7:30–8 PM Windsor Park Owlets and Choir
JCPENNEY STAGE
5–5:30 PM Special Hearts in the Arts
5:30–6:30 PM YAPP 361 Dance Studio
6:30–7 PM Ballet Folklorico Viva Mexico de Corpus Christi
7–7:30 PM Quinceañera Choreography Creations by Stephanie
5–8 PM
Face Painting
Balloon Twister
TRANSITION COURT ESCALATORS (Main and Upper Level)
Balloon Twisters
UPPER LEVEL
Fairytale Princess “Meet & Greet”
Arts & Crafts with K Space Contemporary (while supplies last)
Face Painting
*Event and scheduled entertainment subject to change, while supplies last.
Photos with Santa, presented by Physicians Premier ER, will be available by reservation or walk-up during mall hours, beginning the evening of Nov. 4 through Thursday, Dec. 24. Photo packages start at $40, including tax, with other items available for purchase. Reserved photo times will be available with an LP SnapPass, which can be booked online at lapalmera.com.