If you want to see a lighted boat parade or grab a picture with a Sand Santa sculpture, then Port Aransas is the place for you this December. Kick off the holiday season when you make your way to Roberts Point Park to catch the hand-carved Sand Santa. Each year, Sand Santa boasts a festive new layout. Take your family holiday photo with “Sandy” Claus, or just enjoy the jovial view. This giant sand sculpture is created by world-class sand sculptors and will be on display for the whole holiday season.
City Holiday in the Park
Continuing the holiday fun, visit Roberts Point Park on Saturday, December 7 to enjoy the City Holiday in the Park event. This festive day will begin with a golf cart parade through town (ending at Sip Yard), followed by festivities at the park. Families will love seeing Santa’s workshop craft stations, bounce houses, holiday hayrides, costumed characters, an ugly sweater contest, face painting, and visits with Santa! Enjoy free tamales and hot chocolate while you take in a performance by Marlin Academy. Don’t forget to bring a donation for the EMS toy drive and Helping Hands canned food drive. End the night with the first Holiday Light Show of the year and the official tree lighting. This is a real-life Hallmark Christmas town!
Holiday Shop Around
It’s never too late to shop for Christmas gifts. Shop local this holiday season with the Holiday Shop Around in Port Aransas. From Friday, December 13 through Sunday, December 15, you can choose from fun and whimsical treasures that await you during this weekend of small-town glory. Forget the island of misfit toys, Port Aransas is the island of most-wanted toys! Find gifts from everyone in your life, and maybe even a few things to put under the tree for yourself as you spread Christmas cheer by shopping here.
Lighted Boat Parade & Drone Show
The jolly good time continues Saturday, December 14 with a Santa Soirée featuring the Lighted Boat Parade and Holiday Drone Show. Arrive at Port Aransas Fisherman’s Wharf at 5 p.m. to enjoy specialty cocktails and snacks, an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus, and live holiday tunes by The Cleartones filling the air. Come dressed in your best holiday attire, from Santa hats to your favorite ugly sweater! Then, at 6 p.m., watch as the marina fills with boats decorated bow to stern in lights, costumes, and holiday spirit. The fun doesn’t end with the Lighted Boat Parade. Watch the night sky come to life with Christmas cheer during the 2nd annual Holiday Drone Show! You will see visions of sugar plums dance through the night as this fan-favorite show brings you delight.
Head to Port Aransas this December to uncover a town that holds a Christmas spirit like no other. Whether it’s your first or fiftieth time visiting this island, a Christmas in the sand never disappoints.
