McAllen: Que FRIO!

By:

McAllen: Que FRIO!

McAllen, the Official South Pole of Texas! Que FRIO!
McAllen, the Official South Pole of Texas! Que FRIO!

Who says it doesn’t snow in McAllen? Actually, thanks to Peerless Production Group and the City of McAllen, expect to hear, “Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow” now through Jan. 6. In fact, due to this sudden change in Valley precipitation, city leaders have dubbed McAllen “The Official South Pole of Texas.” It will be so cold in McAllen, they will be using the Spanish word, “FRIO!”  

“FRIO! is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the experience of winter weather during the holidays, right here in McAllen,” said Jim Darling, mayor of McAllen.

The City of McAllen contracted Peerless Production to create a custom winter wonderland of frozen fun. With more than 12 special attractions, there is nothing similar south of Dallas.  

Attractions galore

Race down Pinguino Plunge, a two-story, eight-lane, indoor ice hill. Put on ice skates and waltz around Polar Glide, a 5400-square-foot ice-skating rink with penguins, icebergs and igloos. Young children who are not skaters can also glide around the ice on Push-Me Polar Bear skate buddies. Join family and friends to build your very own Frosty the Snowman with real snow. Make your way into a life-sized gingerbread house and then decorate a much smaller version of your own. Imagine the fun to be had at Santa’s Snowball Toss, where “children” of all ages will throw snowballs at moving targets. These targets include elves who will try their best to escape them.

Mr. Penguin makes it official: McAllen is the OFFICIAL South Pole of Texas.
Mr. Penguin makes it official: McAllen is the OFFICIAL South Pole of Texas.

For those who crave an even higher level of adventure, step into the popular holiday classic, A Christmas Story, which is the scene of an escape room at FRIO! Once you escape this land of leg lamps and bunny suits, go on a 4-D virtual-reality adventure and help Santa save Christmas. And if you still have some adventure left in you, jump on Rodolfo the Bucklin’ Burro and hold on tight so you won’t fall off.   

Santa, songs and snow

No winter wonderland is complete without the man in the snow-white beard and a red suit.  Yes, Santa Claus is comin’ to town for FRIO! Sit on his lap, take selfies and share with Santa all of your Christmas wishes.

Don’t miss Santa’s Circle, a free attraction featuring 10 stunning, 40-foot-tall lanterns and McAllen’s 64-foot tree covered in lights.

You may still be asking, “How can it snow in South Texas?” The answer is simple — with magic snowmaking machines, of course!

Perhaps the only thing missing is holiday music, but the City of McAllen and Peerless Productions thought of that too. Visit the McAllen Performing Arts Center for the Sunset Live Concert Series and a variety of entertainers sure to get you in the holiday spirit. The concert lineup is available on the MPAC and McAllen Convention Center Facebook pages.

Tickets and discounts

The City of McAllen is offering special student and group discounts. Email kpuente@mcallen.net to schedule your class, school, organization or company. Call 956-681-3800 about group packages for birthday parties and other special groups.

Tickets are available on tickemaster.com and friomcallen.com/tickets.

The lawn of the McAllen Performing Arts Center transforming into the kingdom of Santa’s Castle.
The lawn of the McAllen Performing Arts Center transforming into the kingdom of Santa’s Castle.

Comments