Celebrate Christmas in Port Aransas: A Unique Beach Town Holiday Experience

by: Jen Seymour

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

• 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.

Exciting Holiday Events and Activities

• Sand Santa There will be a professionally built sandman Santa on display at Roberts Point Park all month long. Be sure to check it out and snag some cool pics with the fam.
• Christmas Play Get your tickets to see The Winter Wonderettes at the Port Aransas Community Theatre. “When Santa turns up missing, the girls use

  

  their talent and creative ingenuity to save the holiday party!” It shows Thursday, Friday and Saturday the first 2 weekends in December. Get tickets here. 

  

   

• Holiday Golf Cart Parade and Festival on the 7th  Kick of the Holiday month with the annual Golf Cart Parade and Festival in the Park. This usually takes place the 1st weekend in December. The 2023 Parade/Festival will be December 7th. Cart line up is at 4 at Padre Pizzeria and ends at the Festival at Roberts Point Park. Be sure to bring a toy donation for the annual toy drive. Join in on the fun and decorate your cart with lights, Christmas trees and more! Festivities at the park after the parade include this years 1st annual 20′ Christmas Tree lighting ceremony.  Santa’s workshop craft stations, bounce houses, holiday hayrides, costumed characters, an ugly sweater contest, face painting and visits with Santa!

  

  Enjoy tamales, cocoa and cookies provided by the Port Aransas Tourism Bureau and Chamber of Commerce. There will also be a performance from Marlin Academy, an EMS toy drive and Handing Hands canned food drive. Here are some pics from the crew at Coastal Eds Coastal Carts from Christmas Golf Cart Parades:

  

  

  

• • • Lighted Boat Parade and Drone Show on the 14th: Come see the magic of the annual lighted boat parade and drone show through the City Marina. You can view from anywhere in the Marina however the best spot to watch is from Fisherman’s Wharf. They will live music by the Cleartones, holiday drinks and photo opps AND Santa will be there!  The Lighted Boat Parade will take place on Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 6 to 7 p.m. If want to be in the parade boat entries are due on or before December 10, 2024. Email kmangum@visitportaransas.com or call (361) 749-5919 with any questions.
    • Christmas at the Port Aransas Parks and Rec: The town hosts various events throughout the month of December, such as Christmas markets, live music, craft making and more.  There will be an Ornament making event on December 21st. Sign Up at the Rec Desk.

Cool things to do near Port Aransas

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  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 on December 14th from 3-5.
• Make Art:  The Port Aransas Art Center will be hosting a few events to make your own art and unique gifts. Acrylic painting class on the 9th and make your own watercolor greeting cards on the 10thand mosaic tiles on the 11th.

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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  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.

  

  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.

  

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

1. 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?
2. 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?
3. 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?
4. Ultimate Port A Bucket List: A downloadable things-to-do-and-see checklist for an immersive Port Aransas experiences!
5. 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.