Christmas and New Year’s is truly a magical time of year to be in Port Aransas! The holiday season in Port Aransas features lots of unique festivities, allowing our guests to create fun memories and traditions with family. Check out some of the fun holiday events happening in Port Aransas this year, and start planning your Texas Gulf Coast vacation!
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 Port Aransas 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. It’s a beautiful sight to see!
Spend a day shopping in Port Aransas for unique holiday gifts
Visit one of the many independent boutiques in Port Aransas that offer handmade items, jewelry, clothing, and more. Or 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 Mustang 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 of It’s a Wonderful Life throughout December.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks show over the water starting at nightfall. The best views in Port Aransas are found at Robert’s Point Park or from a boat. There truly is nothing like watching fireworks explode in the sky over the beautiful Gulf water!
Get out into nature
For those that live in colder states, it’s such a treat to be able to be outside and enjoy nature during this time of year. A guided nature walk through the Port Aransas Nature Preserve on Tuesdays with a local bird-watching expert is a great way to get some exercise and some fresh air. Or take a beachwalk to learn about our beach ecosystem with an expert tour guide on the fourth Friday of the month.
Plan Your Stay
If you’re thinking about visiting Port Aransas during the holidays this year, we highly recommend it! Average daytime highs are in the 60’s, with overnight lows in the 50s, making it a pleasant time for enjoying the beach and our local parks and nature preserves. Plus the summer crowds have gone away, so you’ll have the beaches all to yourselves! Our Port Aransas Condo Complex features 1, 2, and 3 bedroom condos with direct beach access and incredible Gulf views. It’s the perfect place to get in the holiday spirit and spend quality time with family. Find your perfect Port Aransas condo rental at the Sandpiper today, and start planning your holiday getaway!
