LA PALMERA READY TO WELCOME SANTA

Santa’s Arrival, presented by Physicians Premier ER, kicks off the Coastal Bend holiday season  

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Oct. 23, 2024) — La Palmera will officially kick off the holiday shopping season on Nov. 6 with Santa’s Arrival, presented by Physicians Premier ER. 

Thousands of guests are expected once again 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.

At 6 p.m., Santa will make his arrival from inside the mall, striding along to the holiday sounds of the King High School Mustangs band as they lead him to Center Court to begin taking photos with boys and girls.   

"Since 2008, La Palmera has hosted a free community event to welcome Santa and kick off the Coastal Bend holiday season,” said Amanda Sanchez, La Palmera general manager. “We wanted to extend the celebration this year, so in addition to the local entertainment, performances and activities the evening of Santa’s arrival, we will host more special events throughout the holiday season featuring popular characters, special shows and more.” 

Guests of all ages will find entertainment and activities throughout the mall for Santa’s Arrival, including:

CENTER COURT/MAIN ENTRANCE

·       Photos with Santa, presented by Physicians Premier ER

·       Music with DJ Johnny Hotcakes

·       Snowfall outside the main entrance

THE STAGE AT LA PALMERA CAFÉS FOOD COURT

·       Local performers throughout the evening, including Los Mariachis, Corpus Christi Chorale and more

JCPENNEY STAGE

·       Performances by Ballet Folklorico viva Mexico de Corpus Christi, Pacific Islanders and more

·       Face Painting

TRANSITION COURT ESCALATORS (Main and Upper Level)

·       Balloon Twisters

UPPER LEVEL

·       Photo ops with characters from a galaxy far, far away  

·       Arts and Crafts with K Space Contemporary (while supplies last)

·       Face painting

*All scheduled entertainment subject to change.

Photos with Santa, presented by Physicians Premier ER, will be available by reservation or walk-up during mall hours, beginning the evening of Nov. 6 through Tuesday, Dec. 24. Photo packages start at $34.95 with other items available for purchase. Reserved photo times will be available with an LP SnapPass, which can be booked online at lapalmera.com.

More information on Santa’s Arrival, presented by Physicians Premier ER, will be available on lapalmera.com and Facebook, or by calling (361) 991-3755.

A WORLD OF PURE IMAGINATION AWAITS

Annual Ready or Not Foundation fashion fundraiser makes debut at La Palmera

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Sept. 13, 2024) — Now in its 17th year, the Ready or Not Foundation will host its annual fashion show fundraiser where fashion lives — La Palmera.

“A World of Pure Imagination” awaits guests at this year’s Best Dressed Dinner, Thursday, Sept. 19, from 6–9 p.m. in La Palmera’s Center Court, featuring a fashion show and family-style fine dining. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center in Houston, world-renowned for its clinical care, research and education, offering innovative therapies for all forms of childhood cancer and blood disorders.

“The work being done by Texas Children’s Hospital for pediatric cancer research and treatments is world-class,” said Barbara Canales, Ready or Not Foundation co-founder. “So many of our regional pediatric patients require sub-specialists and unique treatments found at Texas Children’s Cancer Center. TXCCC’s quest for collaborative research and clinical trials throughout Texas, especially in the arena of brain tumors, is making a difference for all our families faced with this terrible disease. We are excited about working with our community partner La Palmera hosting this year’s event, and we are looking forward to a great turnout for a worthy cause.”

La Palmera’s Center Court will be transformed for the private event, including a fashion runway filled with designer looks available from mall retailers, and a seated dinner for 450 catered by Palenque Grill at La Palmera. A limited number of tables and individual tickets remain and can be purchased online at readyornotfoundation.org.

Board-certified pediatric oncologist Dr. Susan Blaney, Director of Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Center, who also leads the renowned Texas Brain Tumor Consortium, will share with guests the important clinical trials and research she and her colleagues are working on. The evening will also honor four outstanding community members for their philanthropic service: Texergy CEO and Port of Corpus Christi Commissioner Rajan Ajuha for his health care and children’s social services advocacy; Coastal Bend Wellness Foundation CEO Bill Hoelscher for his community health care and wellness advocacy; communications professional and co-owner of The Annex Bar in downtown Corpus Christi Caitlin Shook for her volunteerism in pediatric care; and Frost Wealth Advisors Vice President Cindy Barrera, herself a cancer survivor.

Founded in 2008 by Canales and her family, including daughter Jackie Black who survived anaplastic astrocytoma, a rare brain cancer, the Ready or Not Foundation has raised more than $2 million for pediatric cancer research, helping those facing a cancer diagnosis while honoring survivors and those who lost their battle. Black will again serve as the dinner’s keynote speaker providing updates on national advocacy efforts and sharing her personal journey with survivorship.

“While playing hide and seek at the age of 6, I experienced a seizure,” said Black. “That was very scary to me as a kid, but the diagnosis that followed is still one of the scariest things my family and I have ever faced. Although I know how blessed I am to have survived cancer, I still struggle with the long-term effects of my cancer treatment. My hope is that the money we raise will help fund safer and more efficient cancer treatments so that kids not only survive, they thrive.”

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and La Palmera is also teaming up with Ready or Not Foundation once again for the annual Ready. Set. Gold. event, now in its 10th year. Designed to raise awareness and funds, guests will find a special 10-foot tree in Center Court with golden leaves — the color associated with childhood cancer — and can enjoy free family-friendly events each Sunday from noon–4 p.m. All donations collected through the various events at La Palmera throughout September will be used for pediatric cancer research.

For more information on the Ready or Not Foundation, go online to https://readyornotfoundation.org/ or call (361) 779-0338. For more information on La Palmera go to lapalmera.com, follow us on Facebook or Instagram, or call (361) 991-3755.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL TIME AT LA PALMERA

Informative, fun activities and Tax-Free Weekend await shoppers

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (August 2, 2024) — Back-to-school shopping continues as school districts throughout the Coastal Bend welcome students back for a new school year.

            As the Corpus Christi ISD prepares to start Aug. 12, La Palmera is hosting CCISD Day, Saturday, Aug. 3, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. in Center Court. The event includes information regarding registration, job opportunities, programs and services, as well as immunizations (free for those who qualify), vision screenings by Warby Parker, along with live performances, mascot meet and greets, and giveaways from Drs. McIntyre, Garza, Avila and Jurica.

            La Palmera’s IYKYK Challenge: The Ultimate Back-to-School Test, will take place Thursday, Aug. 8, beginning at 6 p.m. in Center Court. It’s a three-round competition open to all on a first-come, first-served basis, testing participants’ knowledge of La Palmera, including trivia, eye spy, and problem-solving. La Palmera Gift Cards will be awarded to the top three finishers with one winner also taking home a grand prize of goodies valued at more than $500. Details are available on La Palmera’s Facebook Event page.

Shoppers and retailers are also preparing for the Texas Sales Tax Holiday Friday, Aug. 9, through Sunday, Aug. 11, providing tax-free shopping on approved items priced under $100, such as basic school supplies, backpacks, clothing and uniforms, shoes and accessories, a list of which is available online.

At La Palmera, shoppers will find children’s shoes and accessories, including the required clear backpacks at Hallmark, shoes and accessories at Journeys Kidz; uniforms at The Children’s Place, Dillard’s, JCPenney and Macy’s; athletic t-shirts and shorts from Champs Sports; denim and other clothing and accessories from Aeropostale, Buckle, francesca’s, H&M, OshKosh B’gosh, PacSun, Tillys, Vans and Zumiez; as well as makeup and grooming products at MAC and Ulta Beauty.

For more information on La Palmera go to lapalmera.com, follow us on Facebook or Instagram, or call (361) 991-3755.

COOL FUN ALL SUMMER LONG AT LA PALMERA

A variety of family-friendly events now underway

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (July 1, 2024) – If more than 100 shopping and dining options in climate-controlled comfort isn’t incentive enough to hang out this summer at La Palmera, the lineup of events will be.

“We host numerous family-friendly events throughout the year for our community,” said Amanda Sanchez, La Palmera general manager, “but in summer, we schedule even more as local residents search for things to do while staying cool. Guests can check out the Events Calendar on our website year-round for listings of things to do here at La Palmera.”

Special La Palmera summer events, which are free unless otherwise indicated, include:

·       Summer Bingo Bonanza every Tuesday through August 27, beginning 6 p.m. in the food court with La Palmera Gift Card prizes

·       Youth Odyssey Rock Climbing Wall (7/2, lawn by LongHorn Steakhouse) hosted by Youth Odyssey, 10 a.m.-noon, and designed for all ages, participants must fit properly into a secured harness to climb

·       Tide Turners Kids Club (7/2, Upper Level) extended "shark-themed" version of the regular monthly event, 10 a.m.–noon, featuring TAMU-CC with a shark craft and giveaways, plus Izzy the TAMU-CC mascot

·       Shark Week Celebration (7/7–13) includes a Center Court shark-infested photo wall beginning Friday, July 5, in honor of Shark Week on Discovery, July 7–13

·       South Texas Cornhole Tournament, presented by La Palmera (7/14, Center Court) hosted by South Texas Cornhole from 2–5 p.m. with awards 5–6 p.m. at Palenque Grill (teams register on the Scoreholio mobile app, $40 per team, with cash and prizes to top three teams)

·       Pickleball Pop-In (7/20, Center Court) hosted by Coastal Bend Pickleball Association, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., with free lessons, demonstrations and giveaways

·       Slime Time with Slimerella (7/21, Upper Level) with social media star Azul “Slimerella” Garibi, on-site from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. helping kids ages 4 and up make their very own “slime” (sign-up online at lapalmera.com; limited to first 50 kids/25 per hour)

·       Petting Zoo (7/30, JCPenney Court) featuring adorable farm animals from Cuddles and Critters, noon–3 p.m.

·       Karaoke and Sing-along (8/3, Food Court) with All Request Piano from 2–4 p.m. on The Stage at La Palmera Cafés Food Court

·       Back-to-School Scavenger Hunt (8/8) begins at 6 p.m. featuring La Palmera Gift Card prizes and more 

Other year-round regularly scheduled events include:

·       Live on The Stage at La Palmera Cafés, featuring weekly performances from popular locals such as Damon Scott, Eric Graham, Joseph Martinez, Emma James and more

·       Wave Walkers, sponsored by Conviva and Villa Assisted Living of Corpus Christi, designed for mall walkers of all ages and fitness levels featuring get-togethers the last Tuesday of the month, 8­–10 a.m. in the food court, with bingo, health-related topics and activities

For more information about La Palmera and our many events, go online to lapalmera.com, follow us on Facebook, or call (361) 991-3755.

SHOE PALACE COMING TO LA PALMERA

Construction set to begin in June

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (June 3, 2024) – La Palmera today announced Shoe Palace is one step closer to opening its first Corpus Christi location.

Offering only elite shoe and apparel brands, the new 7,000-square-foot store will join other retailers located outside the La Palmera main entrance adjacent to valet parking. Construction is expected to begin June 10 with plans to open by late summer.

Known as one of the most trusted athletic footwear and apparel retail chains in the U.S., Shoe Palace prides itself on offering its customers the ultimate experience when it comes to shoe and apparel shopping with brands such as Nike, Adidas, Birkenstock, Converse, Hey Dude, Ugg, Dickies, Ed Hardy, Juicy Couture, Polo Ralph Lauren,  and more. Family-owned and operated since 1993, the business has grown from a single San Jose, Calif., store to more than 160 locations across the Southwest.

THE ART OF SHOPPING EXPANDS AT LA PALMERA WITH NEW MURAL

March 23 unveiling of “From Our Generation to Yours” created by local senior citizens

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (March 15, 2024) – As home to a variety of public art created by local talent of all ages, The Art of Shopping collection at La Palmera is expanding with the unveiling of its largest mural to date.

Created by approximately 80 local seniors ranging in age from 55 to 95 as part of the K Space Senior Outreach Program, “From Our Generation to Yours” will be unveiled on Saturday, March 23, at 10 a.m. Designed by local artists Monica Marie Garcia and Mayra Zamora who have designed other La Palmera murals in conjunction with the K Space Contemporary Summer Mural Arts Program, the new brightly colored 150-foot-long mural featuring celestial images will be installed on a wall in the parking area adjacent to Mall Shoe Service and the parking garage.

“We have been working with K Space and local artists since 2018 to develop and create original wall art for the mall,” said La Palmera General Manager Amanda Sanchez. “The murals are as unique as the many artists who created them and you’ll often see our guests using them as photo backdrops. We are proud to showcase the amazing talent we have here in the Coastal Bend and provide our guests another reason to visit La Palmera.”

Since 2018, six murals have been painted in various locations throughout and around the mall including four painted by K Space Summer Mural Arts Program students: “Greetings from La Palmera” (2018), reminiscent of a traditional, travel postcard, and “Be…” (2018), a larger-than-life butterfly with encouraging words of self-worth, both located just inside the upper-level entrance; “Peace, Love, and Unity” (2019), a three-panel piece with unifying imagery and messaging in the hallway adjacent to Dave & Buster’s; and “Waves of the Future” (2021), featuring student-designed work, located on the exterior sky bridge walls of the upper-level parking garage mall entrance. Local artists have also contributed work, including Jason Juranek’s mural depicting iconic Corpus Christi culture, located inside the mall entrance adjacent to LongHorn Steakhouse, and “The Palms of Palmera” (2021), a colorful abstract sunset and silhouetted palm trees mural by Cam Walls, located adjacent to the upper-level mall management office.

As the oldest alternative art space in the Coastal Bend, K Space is a popular non-profit organization dedicated to presenting and promoting contemporary art and providing a forum for emerging and mid-career artists whose works are experimental, non-commercial, or difficult to exhibit due to unusual installation requirements or site-specific ideas.

For more information, go to lapalmera.com, follow us on Facebook, or call (361) 991-3755.

EASTER BUNNY ON HIS WAY TO LA PALMERA

Photos with Bunny begin Feb. 18 

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Feb. 15, 2024) –Easter Sunday is March 31 and the Easter Bunny will soon arrive at La Palmera.

Photos with Bunny, presented by The Children’s Center of Corpus Christi, will be available Sunday, Feb. 18, through Saturday, March 30, in Center Court during mall hours. Mrs. Bunny will also be available for photos on weekends as well as during Pet Night with Bunny and Quiet Time with Bunny events.

Six Pet Night with Bunny events are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday evenings, Feb. 28 and 29, March 6 and 7, and again on March 13 and 14, from 5–8 p.m. Only dogs and cats are permitted, and all animals must remain on a leash or in a carrier at all times.

Walk-ups for photos are always welcome, but those who would like to shorten their wait time can go online to lapalmera.com for an LP SnapPass allowing them to reserve a specific time. Packages start at $25.99 with other keepsake items available for purchase.

Guests can once again take advantage of Quiet Time with Bunny events, providing sensory-friendly one-on-one time for special needs children to have photos taken with the Easter Bunny. The events are scheduled for Sunday, March 3, 10 and 17, from 9–11 a.m. before mall opening — no fountain, no background music, no crowds — providing extra visit time for those who may have developmental or physical challenges. Visit lapalmera.com for more information and to reserve a time.

Other popular events are also returning, including Bingo with Bunny on Feb. 27 and March 19, and the Golden Egg Hunt scheduled for March 21. For more information, go to lapalmera.com, follow us on Facebook, or call (361) 991-3755.

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS READY TO ROLL AT LA PALMERA

Shoppers, local organizations and community members benefit from seasonal programs  

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Nov. 15, 2023) – Marked by the annual arrival of Santa, the holidays are now underway at La Palmera with a full slate of seasonal events and services.

Boys and girls are invited to stop by for Photos with Santa, presented by Apollo Towing, every day through Dec. 24 in Center Court. Walk-ups are welcome, but guests can skip the line by making a reservation for an LP SnapPass available online at lapalmera.com. Photo packages start at $34.95 with other keepsake items available for purchase.

Pet Night with Santa also returns for six nights beginning in November. Guests may bring their favorite fur baby on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, Nov. 29 and 30, and Dec. 6, and 7, and 13 and 14 from 5:30–8:30 p.m. in Center Court. Local animal organizations on hand to provide information each evening include Mission Pawsible Animal Assistance of Corpus Christi (11/29–11/30), Gulf Coast Humane Society (12/6–12/7), and Kanines & Kitties (12/13–12/14). Pet owners can walk up or reserve a photo time by booking an LP SnapPass online at lapalmera.com. Only dogs and cats are permitted and all animals must remain on a leash or in a carrier at all times. 

Shoppers can take advantage of La Palmera’s charity gift-wrapping service every Friday through Sunday beginning Nov. 24, plus the full week leading up to Christmas. The gift–wrapping station is located on the Main Level near Concierge where volunteers from local charities will provide their wrapping services for donations each day from noon–6 p.m. Participating charities this year include YMCA of the Coastal Bend (11/24–11/26), Burn Pits 360 Veterans Organization (12/1–12/3), School of Science & Technology (12/8–12/10), Coastal Bend Wellness Foundation (12/15–12/17), Nueces County for Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities (NCMHID) (12/18–12/20), CASA of the Coastal Bend (12/21–12/22), and Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center (12/23 – 12/24).

Quiet Time with Santa returns, providing an opportunity for those with developmental or physical challenges and their families to enjoy a visit with Santa in a sensory-friendly environment before the mall opens — no background music, no crowds. Scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 26, Dec. 3 and 10, from 9–11 a.m., reservations are required and can be made online by going to lapalmera.com.

Although some shoppers will get an early start on gift buying this year, some traditionally wait until Black Friday. The mall will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23, and will officially reopen at 8 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 24, kicking off extended holiday shopping hours. Some stores likely will plan to open even earlier for Black Friday events. Shoppers will be able to access department stores directly through each store’s outer doors, while mall doors will open at 7 a.m. for access to select interior stores planning to open early that day.

Shoppers will see the Salvation Army bell ringers stationed in their traditional locations at select mall entrances, and shoppers can also help local children in need by “adopting” them from the Angel Tree located at Concierge. The tree is decorated with children’s names and their wish lists, including items such as toys, clothes, shoes, and more for shoppers to purchase. Each year, The Salvation Army of the Coastal Bend helps provide Christmas gifts to more than 1,300 local children.

LULULEMON NOW OPEN AT LA PALMERA

First Corpus Christi location for the popular brand ready for holiday shoppers

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Nov. 10, 2023) – Fitness favorite lululemon is now open at La Palmera.

Located on Center Court adjacent to American Eagle, the 6,350-square-foot store hosted a morning yoga session to officially mark the opening of their first Corpus Christi location.

A brand that stands for well-being, the new store features lululemon’s innovative products for yoga, running, and training, as well as other athletic endeavors such as golf, tennis, hiking, and more. Guests will also have the opportunity to discover the brand’s immersive offerings, including access to tools, resources, and community events for connection, growth, and empowerment.

Construction also continues on Palenque Grill, the 8,760-square-foot casual dining table service restaurant located adjacent to Dave & Buster’s, as well as the fast-service Taco Palenque located near Firestone. Both locations are slated to open this year.

LA PALMERA PLANNING RED CARPET ARRIVAL FOR SANTA

Lights, Camera, Santa!, presented by Apollo Towing, marks
official start of the Coastal Bend holiday season  

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Oct. 30, 2023) — La Palmera will officially kick off the holiday shopping season on Nov. 9 with Lights, Camera, Santa!, presented by Apollo Towing, complete with a red-carpet arrival befitting a Hollywood premiere. 

Thousands of guests are expected once again to attend the free, family-friendly events throughout the mall from 5–8 p.m., including live music and entertainment, events, and special activities.

Lights, Camera, Santa!, presented by Apollo Towing, kicks off at 5 p.m. with a star-studded procession of beloved animated and action film characters, arriving at the mall’s main entrance and walking the red carpet as they prepare for an evening of performances and photo ops with guests. Preceded by the King High School marching band, Santa will be the final arrival of the evening, walking the red carpet and then heading to Center Court to begin his annual photos with boys and girls.   

"La Palmera is proud to host the official kick-off to the holidays here in the Coastal Bend every year since 2008,” said Amanda Sanchez, La Palmera general manager. “Each year, we try to create something fun and exciting for the thousands of guests in attendance and this year’s event will be no exception. It’s going to be an evening of fun featuring film-themed characters and performers along with the star of the show, Santa himself.”

Guests of all ages will find plenty to do throughout the mall all evening long, including:

CENTER COURT

·       Photos with Santa, presented by Apollo Towing

·       Music with DJ Johnny Hotcakes

·       Photo ops with a princess and a witch from under the sea, and holiday-themed stilt walkers

LA PALMERA CAFÉS FOOD COURT

·       A special game show with everyone’s favorite “green meanie”

·       Local performers, including Los Mariachis

JCPENNEY STAGE

·       Character shows featuring a top-hatted candy maker and two sisters sharing their family’s magic, as well as local performers

·       Face Painting

LOWER LEVEL

·       Photo ops with everyone’s favorite web-slinger, a truly marvelous captain, a band of pizza-loving crime fighters, and the elf who didn’t want to grow up

TRANSITION COURT ESCALATORS (both levels)

·       Balloon Twisters

UPPER LEVEL

·       Photo ops with characters from a galaxy far, far away  

·       Arts and Crafts with K Space Contemporary (while supplies last)

·       Face painting

*All scheduled entertainment subject to change.

Photos with Santa, presented by Apollo Towing, will be available by reservation or walk-up during mall hours, beginning the evening of Nov. 9 through Sunday, Dec. 24. Photo packages start at $34.95 with other items available for purchase. Reserved photo times will be available with a SnapPass, which can be booked online at lapalmera.com.