Lighting of the Island

Watch out—don’t cry: Santa Claus is coming to South Padre Island tonight.
He’ll even allow good little boys and girls—and maybe a few big ones—to have a picture taken with him.
The annual Lighting of the Island begins at 6 p.m. at the Visitors Center at 600 Padre Boulevard.
Besides the guest of honor in his red suit and white beard, Mayor Robert N. Pinkerton Jr. will attend the tree lighting. Other guests include Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director Dan Quandt and singer Mark Maddy, who once lived on the Island.
There will be Christmas caroling, coffee, hot chocolate, punch, cake, cookies and candy to round out the festivities.
The event is courtesy of the Town of South Padre Island and the South Padre Island Convention and Visitors Bureau, officials said.
“It’s our way of showing our appreciation for all our visitors,” said Sylvia Mata, who is coordinating the event.
And when the switch is thrown to light the tree, it’s a thrill for everyone, young and old, she said.
“The public is invited, and it’s all free,” Mata said.