As we move ever closer to the holidays, it becomes even easier to believe in magic. Maybe it is the sparkle in our children’s eyes, the flush on their cheeks, and their all so obvious attempts to stay on the nice list or maybe it is just the beauty of the decorations, the way colorful lights shimmer and sparkle in the night, the Christmas trees standing tall and proud dressed in ornaments and their own lights as they provide shade to the gaily wrapped gifts already resting beneath their boughs. Whatever the reasons, you can find your own magic during your holiday visit to Port Aransas and your stay in our holiday hideaways at The Dunes; this guide will give you ideas on how to spend the moments outside your comfortable retreat and enjoy these holiday events in Port Aransas!
Nutcracker Market, November 22-November 24, Terry’s Place on the Town Center, 5009 Highway 361
This first event is a little early in the season, starting the week before Thanksgiving, but if you happen to be enjoying an early holiday visit to Port A and are eager to begin your shopping, the Nutcracker Market will feature pop-up boutiques, and a large variety of wares created by local artisans, all destined to guarantee that the recipients of the gifts you purchase from here will bring magic into their lives as well!
Sand Santa @ Roberts Point Park, December 1-January 3
There is no one more magical than Santa Claus, and the giant Sand Santa at Roberts Point Park offers its own magic, having been created by some of the best sculptors in the world. Providing a fun backdrop to your family selfies, this unique holiday decoration adds a whimsical flair to your celebrations and because there will be more festivals, events in Port Aransas, and activities to enjoy while you are at the park, you may find yourself spending an entire day or evening in the area!
City Holiday in the Park, Roberts Point Park, December 7
The second most important day of the Christmas season (after Christmas!) is December 7 when our town’s City Holiday in the Park takes place. Offering a parade of golf carts all decked out in their holiday apparel, and by apparel we obviously mean lights, there will be holiday themed games to play and the opportunity to meet Santa Claus, something no kid will ever turn down, even if they suddenly become scared in the moment. The holidays mean something different to everyone, but we can promise that everyone will want to explore Roberts Point Park at the holidays!
Holiday Shop Around, December 13, Various Locations in Port Aransas
Offering a second chance to get your Christmas shopping done, the Holiday Shop Around celebrates the work of local artisans with holiday specials in the shops that make up the downtown area of Port Aransas. These magical gifts and treasures will tickle your sense of whimsy, bringing joy to the hearts of the recipients and the prices you will pay will bring joy to your bank account!
Lighted Boat Parade & Holiday Drone Show, December 14, Port Aransas Fisherman’s Wharf
The golf cart parade was whimsical, but the lighted boat parade is truly magical, offering a procession of boats covered in Christmas lights that light up the night and shimmer against the dark waters below. A local group, the Dunebillies, will be on hand providing holiday music, and the entire evening will be like one big Christmas party. Expect photo ops, and holiday beverages (think hot cocoa), and know that just like most of the other holiday events in Port Aransas, Santa will be there. After the boat show ends, all eyes will turn to the sky, where a Holiday Drone Show will light up the skies with more whimsy and magic, making this night in mid-December as close to perfect as possible!
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Display, Roberts Point Park
The last holiday of the year deserves some love too and although this event only lasts an hour, the New Year’s Eve Fireworks Display will light up the night with color and style. Starting at 7 PM and ending at 8, parents with young children will still be able to return to their Dunes escape long before midnight, celebrating with their partners once the kiddos have fallen asleep.
Magic and Joy
The magic of our holiday hideaways at The Dunes will bring joy to the hearts of all who reside within and as you watch the waves crash against sandy beaches with hot cocoa in hand, the decision to bring your celebration to Texas will be one that you will never regret. Watch Christmas movies on state of the art televisions, bake Christmas cookies in our fully equipped kitchens, and sleep deeply in rooms built to hold happy dreams. Reserve your favorite holiday hideaway today!