There’s no reason you have to commit to a traditional snowy and cold Christmas when you have options to enjoy your holiday away in Port Aransas, Texas! This year, swap out plummeting temperatures and icicles for daily highs in the 60s and 70s, time on the shoreline, and sunny skies instead. Port Aransas is an amazing place for solo travelers, couples, groups of friends, and families to enjoy time away together in December. If you’re hoping to enjoy a Port Aransas Christmas like a local, this is where you’ll want to start.
Make It a Coastal Christmas to Remember
The beauty of booking a getaway to Port Aransas over the holidays is that you can easily embrace the perfect blend of holiday charm and coastal Christmas appeal that locals have long known is worth enjoying. Here, your time on the sand is wonderfully balanced out with festive gatherings, giving you every reason to add as much to your itinerary as possible.
If you’re making your way to Port Aransas with the kids this Christmas, one event that locals love, and you won’t want to miss, is the annual Port Aransas Lighted Boat Parade. This family-friendly experience is a great time to gather alongside those who call Port Aransas home right at the marina. From this vantage point, you can witness a spectacular lineup of dazzling, lighted boats sailing right through, much to the delight of spectators. There’s no cost to attend, and when you pack a blanket and a warm drink, you can make the spectacle that much more festive for everyone in your group.
Do Holiday Shopping Like a Local in Port Aransas
When you set your sights on Port Aransas for your holiday vacation this year, there’s no reason to worry about how you’re going to get all those gifts in your suitcase. That’s because Port Aransas is home to great shopping options to check out this year when you arrive. Just be sure to have your list in hand, and you can check one item off after the next when you’re in town, like a true local.
There are a variety of pop-up bazaars and holiday markets to explore here when you’re looking for handmade treats, coastal-themed goodies, and handcrafted ornaments for your family and friends, too. Follow the locals right to the heart of Alister Street and you’ll find some exciting holiday sales happening as well! Those in the know here participate in the annual Holiday Shop Around in Port Aransas that happens early each December. This is a chance to browse unique inventory at boutique shops in the area that you truly won’t find anywhere else.
Check Out the Local Holiday Light Displays
If you’re someone who always loves adding time to admire holiday lights to your seasonal list of activities, you’ll be delighted to discover that locals in Port Aransas do as well. Here, the community never fails to lean into festive vibes, and you’ll often find homes and businesses decked out in their holiday best, often complete with lights, wreaths, animated displays, and more. A great place to check out a holiday light show alongside locals each evening is the Port Aransas Community Center. If you’re heading toward the shoreline instead, you’ll find that an impressive sand Santa sculpture has a wonderful way of appearing here this time of year.
Add a Sun-Soaked Outing to Your List
When you’re used to snow on Christmas, the best way to celebrate the holidays in Port Aransas like a local is to go entirely in the opposite direction on Christmas Day. Instead of bundling up and reaching for a sled, you’ll want to book your place on a sun-soaked dolphin spotting cruise! Even if you don’t have time to reserve your place on board an official tour, you can still often spot dolphins in the distance right from the shoreline. This is a great activity to enjoy when you want to start your day in an authentic coastal holiday style.
Book Just the Right Holiday Accommodations
Celebrating the holidays in Port Aransas just like a local means booking accommodations that have you feeling right at home. That’s entirely possible for those who partner with The Dunes when it’s time to make their reservations. Here, holiday travelers can wake up each day enjoying direct access to the sand, with opportunities to add sunbathing, swimming, boating, and paddleboarding to their lineup of holiday activities with ease. Many of our holiday rental properties come with fully equipped kitchens in place, so you can even build a traditional holiday family dinner into your stay.
Whether it’s access to heated pools and hot tubs that would make all the difference this Christmas, or you can’t wait to stay near the heart of town, The Dunes is where you want to be. Reach out today to learn more about our inviting Port Aransas vacation rentals and how we can help you plan a holiday away in Port Aransas that’s one-of-a-kind.