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Top Things to Do in Laredo During Winter

With its pleasant winter temperatures, Laredo, Texas, is an idyllic destination to spend your winter holidays. The city has a rich history displayed throughout the Villa de San Agustin Historic District, in the heart of the city, and in five other significant historic districts. Throughout the holiday season, you can enjoy "Las posadas", Christmas plays and public performances of traditional holiday dances by the city’s different Ballets Folkloricos. This south Texas City has a wide variety of bird species, too, making it a perfect place for bird-watching enthusiasts. Here are some great ways to spend time in Laredo this winter.

Shop ‘Til You Drop

If you enjoy shopping, visit vintage buildings throughout the Downtown Laredo area, where independently owned businesses stock their shelves with perfumes, cosmetics and the latest trends in clothing and shoes. You can also purchase electronics and novelties here as well—all at affordable prices. There are even duty-free options available in this neighborhood.

Another popular retail destination is The Outlet Shoppes at Laredo full of brand-name shops.

The outlet has two levels, which include dozens of stores like H&M, Michael Kors, Banana Republic Factory, Carter’s Babies and Kids and many other shops. You’ll find covered walkways, a food court and a play area for the kids

Mexican import shops are plentiful as you discover San Bernardo Avenue. Vega’s Interiores Mejicanos specializes in gorgeous carved furnishings, stunning art pieces and other home decors. Laredo Mexican Imports, Basket and Pottery Alley, and Gamboa’s Quality Mexican Imports are a few spots to shop along this vibrant avenue that sell everything from piñatas and wrought iron to sterling jewelry and hand-woven baskets. San Bernardo Avenue lies amid a 40-block area filled with vendors showcasing authentic artisan craftsmanship.

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Explore Local History

If you’re a history lover, you will enjoy a trip to the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum. Housed in one of Laredo’s oldest structures, in San Agustín Plaza, it was constructed in 1830 with an addition in 1860. Bartolomé García, a prominent rancher and once the mayor of Laredo, used to live here, and the original building once served as the capitol of the Republic of the Río Grande, in 1840. Today, the structure depicts a typical 1830s Laredo home.

At Villa Antigua® Border Heritage Museum, visitors can explore the onetime home of two early Laredo merchant families. The two-story brick Italianate-style residence, from the early 20th century, was massive in size and perfectly situated along the banks of the Rio Grande. Located near San Agustin Plaza, this museum celebrated its10th anniversary in December 2016. Villa Antigua now showcases regional history, culture and industry through changing exhibits and educational seminars.

Enjoy the Arts

You’ll find numerous arts and cultural events at Laredo Center for the Arts. Visit international art exhibitions, enjoy theatrical presentations or attend dance and musical performances. The center also hosts art education classes for all ages, too.

Gallery 201 frequently hosts art shows, local musicians and the Laredo Border Poetry Slam, with open poetry readings every other Thursday in the evenings.

Pechuga Rellena by El Meson de San Agustin More>

Sample Tasty Food

Among many Laredo restaurants, El Meson de San Agustin is a popular downtown destination for its affordable and authentic cuisine. Named one of the state’s top 50 Mexican restaurants, by Texas Monthly magazine, El Meson de San Agustín uses the freshest ingredients. Try the homemade lemonade, its famous “Pechugas Rellenas” served in delicious poblano sauce or the classic menudo.

Photo courtesy of Facebook.

Start your day off at La Finca Bruncheria & Cafe. So much to choose from and everything is so tasty. You'll want to make sure and wear stretchy pants for this pit stop.

Photo by Raul De Laredo

Learn Bird-Watching Basics

Winter bird-watching is a popular pastime in Laredo, where the White-collared Seedeater is a “local star.” During Birding 101 classes, join other enthusiastic bird watchers at Rock Barn in Lake Casa Blanca International State Park. Guides provide tips to help you identify individual species and use binoculars effectively, too. Binoculars are available (or bring your own), but its recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes, appropriate clothes for the weather and to bring water. It’s a free program, with a small fee for parking.

See Birds With the Experts

Whether you're a birding aficionado or an amateur birder, the Laredo Birding Festival, is the perfect activity to relax, learn about birds and enjoy the outdoors. Taking place February 1st thru the 4th in 2023, attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy daily birding trips, explore Laredo's riverfront and creek areas, nature trails and even bird on private ranch land. These different explorations will allow you many exciting ways to view an enormous variety of birds, which include kingfishers, hawks and warblers. Register now!

Hit the Links

With Laredo’s mild winter temperatures, golf lovers can play 18 holes at Max A. Mandel Municipal Golf Course, throughout the season. A Robert Trent Jones II Signature Course, The Max was included in Golf Magazine’s “Top 100 Courses You Can Play” and Golfweek’s “Best Municipal Courses.” In addition to golfing, you can book special events here— from family gatherings to weddings and charity events.

Holiday Market by Sister Cities

Begin your holiday shopping at Holiday Market by Sister Cities. Takes place in November and has called the Outlet Shoppes at Laredo its home. This mini-version of the Laredo International Sister Cities Festival features over 50 artisans from Mexico selling their hand-crafted goods as well as amazing eats, jewelry, home accessories, shoes and so much more. Dates for 2022 are November 18th thru the 20th.

Laredo, Texas, offers plenty of fun activities to enjoy throughout the holiday season and beyond. Plan your perfect getaway at visitlaredo.com.