Celebrate Christmas in Port Aransas: A Local’s Guide to the Holidays at the Beach
By Jen Seymour
Instead of bundling up in snow boots and shoveling the driveway, you might find yourself building a sand snowman, cruising around town in a Christmas-decorated golf cart, watching boats covered in twinkling lights cruise through the marina, or taking your family Christmas card photo with Sand Santa.
I’ve lived here long enough to know that the holidays in Port A aren’t just about one big event. There are little traditions happening all over the island throughout December, and some of the best ones are the things we locals look forward to every year.
So grab your Christmas list and let me show you Christmas in Port Aransas — the local way.
Be sure to bookmark our Port A Bucket List Calendar for the most current event dates and times.
Christmas in Port Aransas
There is something pretty magical about spending December on the coast.
You might wake up to a chilly morning and need a jacket, but by afternoon you could be walking the beach in sunshine. The weather is unpredictable, but that’s part of the fun!
And when the sun goes down, Port Aransas comes alive with Christmas lights, decorated golf carts, festive boats, local shopping, and holiday events.
The Port Aransas Tourism Bureau calls it “Christmas the Island Way,” and I think that’s pretty fitting.
Sand Santa
December 1, 2026 – January 4, 2027
📍 Roberts Point Park Pavilion
Yes, we have a Santa made of sand!
Every year, a giant professionally created sand sculpture transforms into Sand Santa, giving Port Aransas one of the most unique Christmas photo opportunities around.
Bring the kids, grab your camera, and get your Christmas card photo somewhere that doesn’t require snow.
Sand Santa will be on display at Roberts Point Park throughout the holiday season.
Local tip: Make a trip to Roberts Point Park at sunset and turn it into a waterfront Christmas photo adventure.
The Holiday Golf Cart Parade
One of my absolute favorite Port A Christmas traditions is the Holiday Golf Cart Parade.
If you know us at Coastal Ed’s Coastal Carts, you already know we LOVE decorating golf carts for Christmas. We’ve entered the parade ourselves, and believe me — Port Aransas takes Christmas golf carts seriously!
Think lights, inflatables, Christmas trees, reindeer, Santa, elves and some wonderfully creative island-style decorations cruising through town.
👉 Check the Port A Bucket List Calendar for the latest parade information.
Santa Soirée: Boats, Drones & Holiday Fun
December 12, 2026
This is the big holiday weekend you won’t want to miss!
Port Aransas’ Santa Soirée brings several holiday traditions together for one festive weekend, including the Lighted Boat Parade, Holiday Drone Show, Holiday Shop Around and Bingo Bells.
✨ Lighted Boat Parade and Drone Show
The harbor comes alive as boats decorated with Christmas lights cruise through the marina.
The official viewing area is Fisherman’s Wharf, where you’ll also find live entertainment, Santa, and holiday treats.
And then look up!
More than 150 synchronized drones will light up the night sky after the boat parade, creating holiday and island-themed images over the water.
This is one of those events where I recommend getting there early, finding a good spot, and making an entire evening out of it.
🛍️ Holiday Shop Around
December 11–13, 2026
Skip the big-box stores and do some Christmas shopping island-style.
During the Holiday Shop Around, Port Aransas shops and boutiques deck themselves out for the holidays and offer seasonal specials and shopping opportunities throughout the weekend.
It’s a great time to find gifts that feel a little more personal — coastal art, jewelry, clothing, home décor, local creations and plenty of things you won’t find at the mall.
Bonus: You can combine your shopping with Bingo Bells on Saturday.
🎁 Try Bingo Bells
December 12, 2026
New in recent years, Bingo Bells combines a scavenger hunt with bingo and encourages you to explore local Port Aransas businesses.
Pick up a Bingo Bells card, visit participating businesses, shop, dine or participate in activities to fill your squares, and turn in your completed card for a chance at holiday prizes.
It’s a fun way to explore parts of Port A you might otherwise miss — and you’re supporting local businesses while you’re doing it.
🏖️ Make Your Own Port A Christmas Tradition
Some of my favorite Christmas memories aren’t organized events at all.
They’re the little things.
Build a Sand Snowman
This is a My family tradition.
Instead of snow, we use sand, shovels and buckets and build our own Port A version of Frosty. Add a Santa hat, seashell eyes, a seaweed scarf and whatever else you can find.
We’ve done this with our family for years, and I highly recommend starting your own tradition.
Tag #PortABucketList so we can see your sandy creations!
Port Aransas, Texas, is a charming beach town on Mustang Island that offers a unique Christmas Experience. While the weather may be mild compared to traditional snowy holiday scenes, it creates an idyllic coastal backdrop for a holiday getaway. Here is your local’s guide to Christmas in Port Aransas. Be sure to check out the Calendar for a full breakdown of events.
Mild Weather and Outdoor Fun in Port Aransas
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Coastal Eds Christmas Cart 2022 Temperatures: In December, Port Aransas typically enjoys mild weather, with daytime highs averaging in the 60s and low 70s, which makes it perfect for a stroll along the beach or a bike ride through town.
- Beach Christmas Traditions: Plan a bonfire and roast marshmallows while sip hot chocolate under the December starry skies.
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Rudolph even had a lit nose! 
Santa Sleigh Golf Cart at night
Cool things to do near Port Aransas
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Mozoch family Christmas Display Christmas Lights: Take a drive to Padre Island to see the Mozach family Christmas display at the end of Whitecap Dr. Only 20 miles away this home usually makes nation news for its amazing coastal themed Christmas display.
- Ice Skating: Take a drive into Corpus Christi to the American Bank Center for Ice Skating fun! Be sure to book you time slot in advance as it tends to sell out during peak times. My son definitely spends more time falling on the ice than actual skating. He is going to turn ice falling into an Olympic sport.
Shop Local for Unique Christmas Gifts
- Local Shops: Annual Holiday Shop Around is the weekend of the 13,14 and 15. Port Aransas has a variety of local boutiques and stores offering unique gifts, including coastal-themed ornaments, locally made crafts, and beachy jewelry. This is a great place to find thoughtful gifts with a Texan flair.
- Santa Paws: Bring you fur babies to Island Pet Company for a picture with the Clauses.
Delicious Holiday Dining and Treats
- Holiday Feasts: Many local restaurants offer special holiday menus, featuring fresh seafood and classic Christmas dishes. You may find local favorites like crab and shrimp, as well as more traditional fare like roasted turkey or ham.
- Festive Treats: While you might not find snowman-shaped cookies, you can still indulge in holiday sweets like pecan pie, gingerbread, or fudge from local bakeries.
Beach Christmas Traditions
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Jen, Josh and Pace’s with their Sand Snowman 2022 Sand Snowman Join in on my family’s tradition of our annual Sand Snowman. Every year we pick a day to build our sand snowman.
Sandy Reed Sand Snowman 2023 We use shovels and buckets and create a snowman shape. We then adorn our sand snowman with Santa hats, seaweed scarves and sea shells for buttons and eyes. Be sure to tag #portabucketlist in your pics. We would love to see them.
Sand Snowman 2020
Winter Wildlife in Port Aransas
- Birdwatching: For those who enjoy birdwatching or wildlife, the cooler months are perfect for seeing migratory birds and other coastal creatures. Check out our map for all the best nature spots and read up on Port A Nature here.
- Fishing: Port Aransas is the fishing capitol of South Texas book a guided fishing trip or get a gift card for the fisherman in your family. Click here to read more about the local fishing scene.
In all, Christmas in Port Aransas offers a blend of traditional holiday cheer and a relaxed beach atmosphere, making it a wonderful spot for a unique and memorable holiday celebration. Whether you’re lounging by the beach, enjoying a sunset, or sipping cocoa on a patio, the stress-free vibe of this small beach town provides a refreshing escape from more traditional, hustle-and-bustle holiday celebrations.
Always something fun happening Port Aransas:
Be sure to check out our calendar of events to stay posted on the fun things to do with kids in Port Aransas! Port A Bucket List Calendar
Map of Port Aransas
Port Aransas has a plethora of history and nature areas to explore. Offering nature trails, bird watching, allegator/dolphin/sea turtle sightings and more. Did you know know Franklin D Roosevelt has a signed Tarpon scale in Port Aransas? Or that we have a remnants of a WWII Gun Mounts? Check out our map for a self-guided tours through Port Aransas be sure to include a stop at the Port Aransas History Museum.
Other Things to Do in Port Aransas
So many things to do in Port Aransas
- Beyond Dolphin Watching: This is a great guide on where to connect with nature in Port Aransas. Lots of information on Fishing charters, birdwatching, and nature trails. Did you know we have a resident alligator named Boots?
- Culinary Delights: Local eateries serving fresh seafood and coastal cuisine a guide to Port Aransas restaurants. Did you know most places will cook your fishing catch?
- Events and Festivals: Always something going on from live music, art shows, and festivals. Check out our calendar and plan your Port Aransas Escape. Did you know Port Aransas is an official live music city of Texas?
- Ultimate Port A Bucket List: A downloadable things-to-do-and-see checklist for an immersive Port Aransas experiences!
- Where to Eat in Port Aransas: Full guide on where to eat in Port Aransas, From family friendly, pet friendly, breakfast places and the best fish tacos.
