When all you want for Christmas is sand and surf

The holiday season has officially started, and if you're looking for a Texas getaway, visit South Padre Island, which puts a tropical spin on the festive season. Saturday is the Christmas Lighted Boat parade at Port Isabel. Sea Turtle Inc., a nonprofit group dedicated to the preservation and conservation of sea turtles, will host Wassailing with the Turtles on Dec. 8; the event has entertainment, shopping and sea turtles.

The 22nd annual nighttime Christmas Parade is Dec. 11, starting at 6:30. On Dec. 12, South Padre Island merchants host holiday shoppers during Shop the Island, an event offering plenty of specials for folks who are seeking out the perfect gift. And South Padre Island also will celebrate the arrival of 2010 with a fireworks display on New Year's Eve. For more info, call 800-767-2373.