Christmas and New Year’s is a magical time of year, and Port Aransas is the place to be for the holidays! Enjoy the holiday season in Port Aransas with lots of unique festivities, and create fun memories and traditions with your family.
Get into the holiday spirit with a parade. Enjoy the festively decorated boats and holiday music of the Annual Lighted Boat Parade as they cruise through the Marina. A great view can be found at Roberts Point Park. Or bring your lawn chair and your holiday spirit to the Christmas Golf Cart Parade. Starting at Port-A-Pizzeria and ending at the Community Center with hot cocoa and cookies, the extravagantly decorated vehicles and costumes will bring a smile to your face.
Farley Boat Lighting Contest & Tour. Scattered throughout the town of Port Aransas, there are small, boat-shaped planters at homes and businesses, which are uniquely decorated by the owners. In December, the Port Aransas Garden Club hosts a Christmas decorating contest for these planters. Visitors and locals are encouraged to find these planters and cast their votes for the best one at polls located around town.
Visit the Sand Santa. The Port Aransas Community Center at the corner of Oakes and Alister hosts a Santa sand sculpture every day in December. This Santa doesn’t read letters, but he’s great for a photo op!
Port Aransas Community Tree Lighting. Head to Port Aransas Community Park for a festive event with live music, crafts and snacks, wrapping up with the lighting of the Holiday Tree.
Spend a day shopping in Port Aransas for unique holiday gifts. Visit one of the many independent boutiques that offer handmade items, jewelry, clothing, and more. Browse the Port Aransas Art Center with a glass of wine during their Sip & Shop every weekend in December.
Bring the family to the Sugar Plum Social. Held at the Civic Center, the Sugar Plum Social is fun for everyone, with holiday snacks and games. This is an indoor event, so festivities will go on regardless of weather.
Get into the spirit with a boat cruise. Take in views of Port Aransas from the deck of a pirate ship with Red Dragon Pirate Cruises. Take a sunset cruise for the best view of the island’s holiday lights from the water. Open Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
Catch a holiday show. Join the Port Aransas Community Theatre for a holiday show throughout December.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks. Watch the fireworks show over the water starting at nightfall. The best views are found at Robert’s Point Park or from a boat.
Get out into nature. Take a guided nature walk through the Port Aransas Nature Preserve on Tuesdays with a local bird-watching expert. Or take a beachwalk to learn about the beach ecosystem with an expert tour guide on the fourth Friday of the month.
