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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 with a true island flair.
So grab your Santa hat and join in the festive fun with these suggestions for family activities to enjoy this holiday season.
NOTE: Considering the current pandemic of 2020, be advised that the holiday events listed below may change or be cancelled as local officials keep an eye on the latest COVID-19 case numbers. Please stay healthy by social distancing where possible and wearing a mask.
Christmas Tree Lightings
There’s nothing better than seeing Christmas lights. Stop by the Port Aransas Museum courtyard to enjoy the nightly lighting of the trees, festive holiday music, and some great holiday photo scenes.
My holiday tip: Don’t forget your camera!
Date: December 3, 2020 – January 3, 2021 from 6:00 pm – 9:45 pm
Location: Port Aransas Museum & Community Center Courtyard (400 N. Alister Street)
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Farley Boat Lighting Contest & Virtual Tour
Take a self-guided tour around town to see how local residents decorate their Farley Boat planters, which can be viewed from the street. A map and virtual tour will be provided on the Port Aransas Garden Club page on Facebook. You’ll even have a chance to vote on your favorite for the People’s Choice Award, which benefits the Port Aransas EMS Toy Roundup, for only $1 per vote. Voting will open soon!
The contest is sponsored by the Port Aransas Garden Club as part of the Port Aransas Light Up campaign. Watch for photos of the winning boats in the local newspaper, the Port Aransas South Jetty.
Date: December 3, 2020 – January 3, 2021 from 5:30 – 8:00 pm
Location: Various homes and businesses all over town in Port Aransas
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Sand Santa
It’s not a beach-worthy Christmas 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!
Date: should be complete by December 5, 2020
Location: Roberts Point Park (301 JC Barr Blvd.)
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Christmas Golf Cart Parade
As one of the most highly-anticipated events of every December, the Christmas Golf Cart Parade is cart-loads of fun! The parade begins at Port A Pizzeria and ends at Robert’s Point Park. Wear your ugly Christmas sweater and 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 5, 2020 at 5:00 pm (line-up begins at 4:30 pm)
Location: Pizzeria Port A (407 E. Avenue G)
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Lighted Boat Parade
If you miss out on the Christmas Golf Cart Parade, be sure 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.
MY HOLIDAY TIP: Don’t forget your camera!
The best places to watch the boat parade include the dock walkways, 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. Or 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.
Date: Saturday, December 5, 2020 at 6:00 pm (line-up begins at 5:30 pm)
Location: City Marina (301 JC Barr Blvd.)
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Enchanted Holiday Forest
Looking for a drive-through holiday light experience? Head toward the ferry landing and veer right into Roberts Point Park for the Enchanted Holiday Forest of lighted trees. The trees will be lit at dark, so you and your family can cruise through the park as much as you like with your favorite Christmas tunes in your own car. This year’s theme is “Rise and Shine”.
Date: December 10, 2020 – January 3, 2021
Location: Chili Field at Roberts Point Park (301 JC Barr Blvd.)
Holiday Drive-In Movies in the Park
Venture over to the Community Park for three fun drive-in movie nights this month in Port Aransas. Light concessions will be offered with cookies and hot chocolate. The drive-in movies are free to enjoy, but you’re asked to register in advance to ensure space.
Date: December 10, 2020 Polar Express at 6:00 pm
December 11, 2020 Elf at 6:00 pm
December 12, 2020 National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation at 6:00 pm
Location: Port Aransas Community Park (700 Clark Parkway, just off Cut Off Road)
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LST Christmas Party & Santa Photos
Santa’s a busy guy this time of year, but he’ll be thrilled to take photos with your little ones at Lone Star Taste from 5:00 – 6:30 pm. Bring your camera for photos, and enjoy food, drinks and holiday music while you shop for the holidays.
Date: December 12, 2020 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm
Location: Lone Star Taste at The Shops at Port A (1023 State Hwy. 361, Suite H)
Santa Photos in the Park
Bring your own camera and take socially-distanced photos with jolly ol’ Santa. Your family can also explore several activity stations with crafts, stories, gingerbread cookies and goodie bags. There will also be live carolers, musicians and some special holiday treats.
Date: December 18, 2020 from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Fred Rhodes Pavilion at Roberts Point Park (301 JC Barr Blvd.)
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Know of other holiday events not listed here? Let me know and I’ll add them to the list!
PS: I’ve heard New Year’s Eve fireworks are being planned for 2020! I’ll share more details here as soon as I have them.
NOTE: Considering the current pandemic of 2020, be advised that the holiday events listed above may change or be cancelled as local officials keep an eye on the latest COVID-19 case numbers. Please stay healthy by social distancing where possible and wearing a mask.
