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Christmas in Port Aransas has a welcoming and charming appeal for families near and far. With a wide variety of holiday events scheduled throughout December, Port Aransas celebrates Christmas at the beach with a true island flair.
Several events around town have specific dates and others are ongoing throughout the month of December. Grab your Santa hat and join in the festive fun with these suggestions for family activities to enjoy this holiday season.
Know of other holiday events not listed here? Let me know and I’ll add them to the list.
NOTE: All holiday events are subject to change due to weather conditions, so be sure to check schedules and weather for updates during the Christmas season.
Holiday Golf Cart Parade
As one of the most highly-anticipated events of every December, the Holiday Golf Cart Parade is cart-loads of fun! Santa will arrive in Roberts Point Park at the end of the Christmas Golf Cart Parade. So be sure to wear your ugly Christmas sweater and fun Santa hat.
Don’t miss this lively parade to see some decorated carts with lights and music, and don’t forget your camera. A must-see event to celebrate Christmas in Port Aransas, if you’re in town!
Date: December 2, 2023 from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Location: Roberts Point Park (301 JC Barr Blvd.)
MY HOLIDAY TIP:
Kids love parades and you can help them get in on the ho-ho-ho with these festive Christmas headbands and glasses. So fun!
Santa Photos in the Park
Bring your own camera and take photos with jolly ol’ Santa. Your family can also explore activity stations with crafts, holiday hayrides, face painting and even participate in an ugly sweater contest.
Date: December 2, 2023 from 5:30 – 8:00 pm
Location: Roberts Point Park (301 JC Barr Blvd.)
MY HOLIDAY TIP:
Bring your camera for photos, and wear your ugly Christmas sweater to get in the spirit of the holidays.
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Lighted Boat Parade
The best places to watch the Lighted Boat Parade include the dock walkways, Fisherman’s Wharf, Fred Rhodes Pavilion bulkhead at Roberts Point Park, or the waterfront restaurants, like Fins Grill & Icehouse, Virginia’s on the Bay or Trout Street Bar & Grill. If you’re feeling adventurous, enjoy the view aboard the Red Dragon Pirate Cruise ship or book a sunset cruise before the parade on the Scarlett Lady Dolphin Cruise.
Arrive early to grab a waterfront viewing spot to watch the Lighted Boat Parade in the City Marina. You’ll see boats of all sizes beautifully decorated with Christmas lights slowly gliding around through the harbor.
Date: December 9, 2023 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm (boat line-up typically begins at 5:30 pm)
Location: Fisherman’s Wharf (900 Tarpon St.) and City Marina area
MY HOLIDAY TIP:
Don’t forget your camera, heated folding chairs, and fun Santa hats. December evenings by the water can be chilly.
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Holiday Drone Show
How exciting will this be?! Stick around after the Lighted Boat Parade for an awesome show in the sky with the Holiday Drone Show.
Date: December 9, 2023 after the Lighted Boat Parade
MY HOLIDAY TIP:
Bring glow flashlights and Christmas bracelets for the kids (and adults!) to add to the holiday lights atmosphere.
Wreaths Across America
Take time to honor veterans by sponsoring ($17 per wreath) and laying wreaths on the graves of veterans at the Royal Palm Cemetery. Contact the Moore McDonald VFW Post 8967 at 361-349-9503 for more information.
Date: December 16 at 11:00 am
Location: Royal Palm Cemetery in Port Aransas
Sand Santa
It’s not a true Christmas at the beach without a Santa sand sculpture, right? Drive through Roberts Point Park (near the basketball court) to view and take photos beside Sand Santa this month. Hurry, he won’t last forever and he’s pretty amazing!
Date: should be complete by the first week of December 2023
Location: Roberts Point Park (301 JC Barr Blvd.)
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MY HOLIDAY TIP:
Arrive early in the day to get a great picture of the Sand Santa. It attracts crowds and is a popular photo spot. Bring your selfie stick to be sure you’re in the photo!
Farley Boat Decoration Lighting
Take a self-guided tour around town to see how local residents decorate their Farley Boat planters, which can be easily viewed from the street or the comfort of your car as you drive around. A map and virtual tour is usually provided by the Port Aransas Garden Club.
What a fun way to explore Port Aransas for Christmas at the beach!
Date: Throughout December
Location: Various homes and businesses in Port Aransas
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Community Christmas Tree
Take a moment to visit the Memorial Christmas Tree in Roberts Point Park to view the photos of loved ones who have passed. Locals will often attach a favorite photo to the tree in remembrance during the holiday season and it’s a beautiful tradition that warms the heart.
Date: December 2023
Location: Roberts Point Park (301 JC Barr Blvd.)
Christmas Decorations & Tree Lighting
There is nothing better than seeing Christmas lights in December. Stop by the Port Aransas Museum courtyard to enjoy the nightly lighting of the trees, festive holiday music, and some great holiday photo scenes.
Date: Throughout December
Location: Port Aransas Museum & Community Center Courtyard (400 N. Alister Street)
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Which event are you looking forward to the most this Christmas at the beach?
December is a wonderful month to experience a whole new Port Aransas than what you may be accustomed to seeing. The holidays are a great time to get away to the coast and celebrate a coastal Christmas.
Know someone who’d love to visit Port Aransas in the winter for the holidays? Share this post with them and I’ll see you at the beach!
