As the sun sets over the Rio Grande on this Christmas Day, 2025, Laredo, Texas, stands as a vibrant testament to the enduring spirit of the American frontier.
While much of the United States celebrates the holiday with traditional winter scenes, Laredo offers a unique blend of South Texas warmth and deep-rooted Mexican-American culture.
Known as the “Gateway to Mexico,” this city is far more than just a border crossing; it is a sprawling metropolis of over 260,000 people where history, commerce, and holiday traditions converge in a way that no other city in the Lone Star State can replicate.
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Laredo Texas History
To understand the modern identity of the city, one must look back at Laredo Texas history.
Founded in 1755 by Captain Tomás Sánchez, Laredo is the oldest independent settlement in Texas.
Unlike many other Texas cities that began as military outposts or religious missions, Laredo was established as a private settlement for ranching families.
This independent streak led to one of the city’s most famous claims to fame: it is the only city in Texas to have flown seven flags instead of the usual six.
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In 1840, Laredo served as the capital of the short-lived Republic of the Rio Grande, a brave but brief attempt to create an independent nation between the U.S. and Mexico.
Today, the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum, located in the historic San Agustín district, preserves this “seventh flag” legacy.
Visitors walking the cobblestone streets near San Agustín Plaza can still feel the echoes of the 18th century in the architecture of the Cathedral of San Agustín, which remains the spiritual heart of the community.
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Laredo Port of Entry
In 2025, the Laredo Port of Entry continues to solidify its status as the undisputed heavyweight of North American trade.
As of this year, Laredo remains the #1 inland port in the United States, facilitating over $300 billion in total trade annually.
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Nearly 98% of all land-based trade between the U.S. and Mexico flows through this logistical hub.
The city’s skyline is a forest of distribution centers and warehouses, reflecting a booming economy driven by “nearshoring”—the practice of companies moving manufacturing closer to the U.S. market.
This economic engine provides a unique vitality to the city, making it a hub of international business and innovation.
The World Trade Bridge and the Laredo-Colombia Solidarity Bridge are currently operating at record capacities, proving that the bond between these two nations is stronger than ever.
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Holiday Events in Laredo
Despite the busy trade routes, the city knows how to celebrate.
Holiday events in Laredo have taken on a special magic in 2025.
This week, the Sames Auto Arena has been transformed for the annual “Holiday Skate Days,” where locals trade their cowboy boots for ice skates.
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Even with the unseasonably warm 80°F temperatures recorded this Christmas afternoon, the community has embraced the festive spirit with the “LMT Letters to Santa” program and record-breaking turnouts for local Christmas care package deliveries to NICU families.
Adding to the city’s pride this December is country music star Lainey Wilson, whose hit song “Somewhere Over Laredo” reached #1 on the charts this week.
The song has become an unofficial anthem for the city, celebrating the rugged beauty of the South Texas brush country and the resilience of the people who call it home.
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Laredo Cultural Landmarks
For those visiting during the winter break, the Laredo cultural landmarks offer a peaceful escape from the holiday rush.
Casa Ortiz, a Texas Historic Landmark built in 1830, stands as a stunning example of Spanish Colonial architecture and now serves as a museum and event space.
Meanwhile, Lake Casa Blanca International State Park provides a scenic backdrop for families enjoying Christmas cookouts and fishing trips.
From the historic Fort McIntosh to the modern Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium, the city offers a rich tapestry of experiences.
Laredo is a place where you can hear the bells of a 150-year-old cathedral in the morning and witness the cutting edge of global logistics by the afternoon.
As the city looks toward 2026, it remains a proud, independent, and indispensable part of the American story.
