Warm pajamas are recommended before boarding the Red Dragon pirate cruise for the illuminated boat parade in Port Aransas, which is 6-8 p.m. Saturday, December 7. Courtesy photo
Port Aransas celebrates Christmas island style with a lighted boat parade, a golf cart parade, a holiday market, an enchanted forest, and pirates! Here’s the information you need to plan your Mustang Island Christmas in Port Aransas.
Island Holiday Market
9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, November 30
9 a.m.-3 p.m., Sunday, December 1
Port Aransas Civic Center, 700 W. Avenue A
Now two days long, the Island Holiday Market in Port Aransas makes shopping for creative gifts easy.
Port Aransas Christmas Tree Lighting
6:30 p.m. Thursday, December 5
Robert’s Point Park
301 J.C. Barr Blvd.
Join the fun at the Port Aransas Christmas Tree Lighting at Robert’s Point Park in Port Aransas. Marlin Academy students will sing Christmas songs. At 7 p.m., watch a screening of “The Polar Express.” Hayrides, free photos with the tree, and cookies and hot chocolate or cider available. Admission is free.
Enchanted Holiday Forest
5-8 p.m. Wednesday, December 18
Port Aransas Community Center
408 N. Alister St.
Breakfast for supper with Santa in the Enchanted Forest along with a kids’ Christmas party. Share a meal with your family and have a photo taken with Santa. Free gift.
Pirate Ship Christmas Tours
Saturday, December 7
Red Dragon Pirate Ship
440 W. Cotter Ave.
December 7 kicks off the holiday season for the pirates at Red Dragon Pirate Cruises. Pirates will be decked out in their holiday finest for all cruises throughout the season. On December 7, the day of the Port Aransas illuminated boat parade, tickets are $20 to watch the parade from the water with pirates. Free hot chocolate. For prices of other cruises, online.
Christmas Golf Cart Parade
5:30 p.m. Saturday, December 7
Leaves Port A Pizzeria; ends at Robert’s Point Park
710 W. Avenue A
Decorate your cart or vehicle and join the fun. Fee is $5 per cart. Free to watch.
Lighted Boat Parade
6-8 p.m. Saturday, December 7
Port Aransas City Marina and Robert’s Point Park Pavilion
710 W. Avenue A
Santa arrives on a boat. Hot chocolate, cookies, and tamales available. Decorate your boat to light up the marina and join the parade.
