CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — We have compiled a short list of fun going on this weekend. Take a look and see if you can make an appearance at any of these local events. Send us a press release a week in advance for any events you would like us to cover. Our email is newsroom@kristv.com
FRIDAY
Christmas Bake Sale at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
For more than half a century, the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church (502 S. Chaparral St.) has treated the residents of Corpus Christi to a their annual Greek Festival. But did you know that for the past 28 years, the church has also held a Christmas Bake Sale?
Well, they have. And it's happening again this weekend.
Organized by the St. Nicholas Ladies Philoptochos ("friend of the poor") Society, this annual event gives some of the best cooks and bakers in the city a chance to make pastries, breads and others sweet treats fresh in their church kitchen.
In addition to Greek Christmas breads -- including Round Loaves with a coin placed inside for good luck -- pastries will be offered like Baklava, Kourambiedes and Koulouria. Also available: Cocktsail-size Tiropites (Cheese Puffs) and Spanakopites (Spinach Puffs) which are sold frozen.
To place an order early or to ask about other items that may be available, call (361) 815-1460 or email: philoptochos@stnicholasgoc.net.
The Christmas Bake Sale will take place Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
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Moms-to-be invited to celebrate Baby's First Christmas
Driscoll Health Plan is sponsoring Baby’s First Christmas, a special Christmas event where moms-to-be and families can have fun as they enjoy a holiday celebration.
The event will be held Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club of the Coastal Bend (3902 Greenwood Drive).
The emphasis is on health, but the event also features games, refreshments, nutritional education and photos with Santa. Also, if moms-to-be bring their sonogram, they will have an opportunity to make baby’s first ornament.
The first 100 expecting mothers will receive a gift.
For more information, contact Miguel Lopez at (361) 548-8639 or miguel.lopez@dchstx.org.
Driscoll Health Plan is a nonprofit, community-based health insurance plan offering healthcare coverage to over 175,000 children, pregnant women, and other adults in its service area, which includes 24 South Texas counties and 25,000 square miles. Driscoll Health Plan is part of the Driscoll Health System, which includes Driscoll Children’s Hospital.
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Check out 'A Christmas Carol" at Harbor Playhouse this weekend
If you want to celebrate the holidays in classic style, you might want to visit the Harbor Playhouse this weekend.
The iconic Charles Dickens story “A Christmas Carol” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday through Dec. 15.
Meredith Owens and Nick Wommack, performers in the show, met with KRIS 6 News Anchor Mike Gillaspia about their upcoming presentation.
For more information, call 361-888-SHOW or check out their website here .
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SATURDAY </big>
Santa Claus is looking for some extra elves this year
The Nueces County Public Libraries have brought us a unique event for aspiring Christmas elves.
"Santa needs the very best. Come by the library and be put to the test," their event page says.
Elf Camp is a fun and free event that takes place this Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.. You will be able to meet jolly old Santa Claus and maybe even get a spot on his elf squad. Pointy shoes and ears are not required.
Join in on the fun at 1000 Terry Shamsie Blvd, Robstown, Texas 78380.
Check out the event page for more information.
Krampus Holiday Market highlights a lesser known holiday character
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Everyone has heard of Santa Clause and the Grinch. There is one more holiday character that doesn't get quite as much attention.
KRAMPUS!
" Krampus isn't exactly the stuff of dreams : Bearing horns, dark hair, fangs, and a long tongue, the anti-St. Nicholas comes with a chain and bells that he lashes about, along with a bundle of birch sticks meant to swat naughty children," National Geographic says, "He then hauls the bad kids down to the underworld."
Shop at some of the best local vendors in town at the free Krampus Holiday Market. brings The organizers of the event promise there won't be any Krampus inspired funny business.
"Krampus was created as a counterpart to kindly St. Nicholas, who rewarded children with sweets. Krampus, in contrast, would swat "wicked" children, stuff them in a sack, and take them away to his lair. Of Course Krampus won't be doing this here. It's just fun to take a photo with Krampus!" thier event page says.
Brought to you by ReVelations and Communitea, the market will start at 5 p.m. this Saturday at 505 Water St, Suite 540, Corpus Christi, Texas 78404. Everything wraps up around 8 p.m..
Find out more here.
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Christmas Tree Forest Free Family Fun Day this Saturday
Area students participated in this years Christmas Tree Forest buy deciding how the trees were decorated.
This year the Christmas Tree Forest has a theme: A Reading Wonderland. This means that this year's trees were decorated according to the themes of children's books chosen by local students. See it in all it's glory this Saturday at the Christmas Tree Forest Free Family Fun Day on Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m..
Along with live entertainment, Christmas tunes, and a special appearance by Santa Claus, there will also be an opportunity to vote on their favorite tree. The first 2,000 kids who attend will be given an H-E-Buddy goodie bag,
The forest is made possible by H-E-B, The Junior League of Corpus Christi, and The Art Museum of South Texas.
Learn more about the event here.
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Annual Santa Cause Toy Drive will benefit foster children
For the fifth year in a row, CASA of the Coastal Bend is holding their Christmas toy drive for foster children in the community.
CASA of the Coastal Bend is asking for donations of unwrapped toys for children that are newborns through the age 18. Samantha Koepp-Stemplinger, Marketing Manager from CASA, said there were over 800 foster children just in 2018.
You can now donate any unwrapped toys through December 14 at SAMES Ford, 4721 Ayers Rd.
On Saturday SAMES Ford and CASA will be holding their annual Santa Cause Toy Drive from 11 a.m - 3 p.m.
There will be vendors for some Christmas shopping, Corner Bakery will have snacks and Retro 104.1 will also be there to support the toy drive.
SAMES Ford is also giving free oil changes for anyone who wants to bring in an unwrapped toy.
To learn more about CASA of the Coastal Bend, you can go here .
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Catch the holiday classic "Nutcracker ballet' this weekend
Everyone's favorite holiday ballet is back!
For the next two weekends, the Corpus Christi Ballet will once again present The Nutcracker, to be performed at the Selena Auditorium.
The classic tale will be told Saturday, Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 15 at 3 p.m. during Family Weekend, with tickets on sale for half-price.
The Gala Performances are Saturday, Dec. 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 22 at 3 p.m. On these days, live music will be provided by the Corpus Christi Ballet Orchestra.
For tickets, call the Ballet Office at (361) 882-4588 or contact the American Bank Center Box Office.
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SUNDAY
'A Christmas Wish' comes to life this Sunday
This year’s edition of A Corpus Christi Christmas will feature a gathering of singers, dancers, actors and instrumentalists from churches throughout the Coastal Bend, as they present ‘A Christmas Wish.’
The free concert is presented by St. John Baptist Church, and will be held this Sunday at 6602 S. Staples St., the home of Corpus Christi Christian Fellowship. The evening’s activities begin at 6:53 p.m.
National Gospel recording artist Chester D. T. Baldwin of Houston will serve as the guest conductor for this holiday celebration.
Interpreting for the deaf will be available.
For additional information, contact Evelyn Cooper at (361) 774-0076 or visit the St. John Baptist Church website .
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