South Pole Illuminated Festival runs through Dec. 29

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Joe Garcia the Marketing and Special Event Supervisor at the McAllen Convention Center, discussed the South Pole Illuminated Lights Festival.

Garcia said, "The first thing you see as soon as you get there is Santa's new castle. It was just constructed this year on location. It's 70 feet wide and about 30 feet tall. It's just as massive. That says, 'Welcome to the South Pole', and you come in, of course, our large digital Christmas tree, 118 feet of awesomeness, and then the beautiful lanterns all around the Oval Park, brand new lanterns that are new this year."

Activities include food trucks, photos with Santa, gingerbread house sales, and the Driscoll Electric Parade with illuminated floats. The festival concludes with a fireworks show. The event is family-friendly, with a half-mile walking path and a train option. Tickets are available at the door or online. The festival is open Wednesday through Thursday, closed on Christmas Eve, and open on Christmas Day.

The South Pole Illuminated Festival runs through Dec. 29.

Tickets are available at South Pole of Texas or the entrance.