Christmas at the beach is an experience everyone should enjoy at least once in their lives, and when your beachy vacation brings you to the shores of Port Aransas, it may become a new family tradition. Offering warm temperatures, sunny skies, and all the Christmas activities that help make you get into the spirit of the season—including Christmas lights and displays—the only thing better than a holiday visit to Port A is a holiday visit to Port A spent celebrating, resting, and relaxing in our holiday hideaways at The Dunes. This guide to a Texas Christmas will take you to the best light displays in our coastal town, so start marking off the days on your calendar; the holiday will be here sooner than you think!
Nautical & Nice Drive Thru Holiday Light Display, Roberts Point Park, December 7 through January 5th
The Nautical & Nice Drive-Thru Holiday Light Display at Roberts Point Park is one of our favorite holiday traditions, costing nothing to participate in and brightening up our Christmases instantly. Offering ocean-themed cutouts decorated with lights and a large selection of Christmas trees that will bring a smile to your face, this experience can be even more joyful when accompanied by mugs of hot chocolate, carefully sipped under the glow of the moon and in the reflection of the holiday lights. The full moon will be in the sky on December 15th, adding to this heartwarming holiday activity. Christmas music can be heard through your radios when tuned to the right channel (details will be at the entrance of the drive thru) so feel free to sing along to your favorite songs.
Holiday Golf Cart Parade, Roberts Point Park, December 7
We love a parade, the quirkier the better, making the Holiday Golf Cart Parade that kicks off the season another one of our favorite Christmas activities. It is exactly what it sounds like, a parade of golf carts all decorated for the season, including colorful lights, inflatables, and of course, Santa Claus himself. Unlike most parades, Santa leads the way in his golf cart decorated like a sleigh and because this parade is a part of a bigger event, City Holiday in the Park, your kiddos will be able to meet Santa, tell him what they want for Christmas, play games, sing along to the Christmas music, and celebrate the season with joy. This is also a good time to visit the Memorial Christmas Tree, adding a card that honors family or friends that are no longer with us, to its boughs, offering a moving tribute to those we will never forget. Follow up the activities with a drive through the park’s holiday light display as mentioned above.
Lighted Boat Parade & Holiday Drone Show, Port Aransas Fisherman’s Wharf, December 14
The cavalcade of holiday lights continues, only this parade takes place on the water, adding a tranquil touch to this most festive of occasions. Costing nothing and starting at 6 PM, this celebration also takes to the skies as the 2nd annual Drone Show lights up the skies, and we really can’t decide which we love more, the colorful and shimmering boats skimming across the waters or the imaginative and also colorful light show in the sky. Also offering live holiday music performed by the Dunebillies (We kind of dig the name!), meet and greets with Santa Claus, photo opportunities, holiday beverages, and an all around magical evening of good cheer and happiness.
The Port Aransas Museum Courtyard, 400 N Alister Street, Throughout December
The courtyard of the Port Aransas Museum and Community Center offers its own holiday display, lighting its trees, playing holiday music, and providing more holiday photo opportunities.
Farley Boat Decoration Lighting, Throughout December
Farley Boat Works has always been a pretty big deal in town and at Christmas, our residents enjoy decking the boughs of their Farley Boat Planters, providing an eclectic display of spirit and joy. They can be in the neighborhoods that surround your holiday hideaway at The Dunes and are always decorating the fronts of local businesses, so take your time and enjoy a leisurely drive through town, stopping and taking pictures of your favorite displays and falling in love with this beachy Christmas vacation you chose to engage in. The Port Aransas Garden Club offers maps and a virtual tour if you are worried about missing some of the displays.
At Home with The Dunes
Some of your favorite displays may be the ones you can view as you walk to and from your holiday haven at The Dunes. Many owners who live here year-round (lucky souls!) will also take the time to add lights, decorations, and holiday cheer to their balconies (visible from the beaches below) or their doors. Reserve your favorite escape with The Dunes today and fall in love with all the joy a beachy Texas Christmas can bring.
P.S., be sure to check our website for the seasonal discounts that may be available during your desired time.