Things to Do Places to Stay Restaurants Events
E-News

Santa Soirée

December 13, 2025 

This December, head down to Port Aransas for the Santa Soirée, a festive weekend filled with twinkling lights, seaside cheer, and holiday magic! The celebration includes the beloved Lighted Boat Parade, the dazzling Holiday Drone Show, the merry Holiday Shop Around, and this year’s newest addition, Bingo Bells!

Lighted Boat Parade & Holiday Drone Show

Get ready for a spectacle like no other at the Lighted Boat Parade & Holiday Drone Show on Saturday, December 13, 2025! As twilight falls over the marina, an armada of festively decked-out boats will glide through the harbor, every hull aglow with lights, tinsel, and coastal cheer. Then, the sky takes center stage as more than 150 synchronized drones launch overhead, weaving dazzling patterns of colorful holiday characters and island favorites set to live music. Spectators can gather at Fisherman’s Wharf to enjoy live entertainment, photos with Santa, and seasonal treats while this two-part show lights up the island with holiday cheer.

Holiday Shop Around

Get ready to discover unique treasures and seaside charm during the Holiday Shop Around, happening Friday, December 12, through Sunday, December 14, 2025. This weekend-long event invites you to stroll through the delightful shops and boutiques of Port Aransas decked out in holiday cheer, enjoy special seasonal savings, and support local businesses while hunting for the perfect gift, or treating yourself! Wherever you wander, the island’s small-town magic and festive atmosphere promise a shopping experience you won’t forget.

Bingo Bells are Jingling

What Is Bingo Bells?

New to this year’s Santa Soirée is Bingo Bells, a festive twist where a scavenger hunt meets classic bingo! This one-day event invites you to explore and support local Port Aransas businesses while getting into the holiday spirit. Pick up a specialty bingo card and mark off squares as you shop, dine, and enjoy holiday-themed activities around town. Once you score a BINGO, you’ll be entered into a holiday giveaway packed with amazing prizes! Bingo Bells runs all day on Saturday, December 13, with the final call happening at the conclusion of the Holiday Drone Show.

Follow these steps to reach BINGO:
  1. Pick Up Your Bingo Card: Stop by participating locations or the Port Aransas Welcome Center to grab your special Bingo Bells card.
  2. Shop, Dine & Explore: On Saturday, December 13, visit local shops, restaurants, and experiences throughout Port Aransas that are marked on the bingo card. Each business will stamp its square on your bingo card once you’ve made a purchase, dined in, or joined an activity! Once you have four in a row, it's time for you to turn in a card or keep playing for more holiday fun! 
  3. Turn In Your Card: Drop off your completed cards at Fisherman’s Wharf in the designated Bingo Bells Box. You can turn them in early at the Bingo Bells Box before 6 p.m., or drop them off during the evening festivities.
  4. Win Holiday Prizes: Winners will be announced immediately following the Holiday Drone Show at Fisherman’s Wharf, so stick around for the magic!
BINGO! 

Local businesses are spreading extra cheer by donating amazing prizes, including gift cards valued at $25 or more! You could win goodies from your favorite Port A shops and restaurants just by joining the holiday fun.

Participating Locations:

holiday-drone show-grinch

No Need to Fear, more Holiday Events are Here! 

Meet a Santa made of sand, find unique gifts at local boutiques, and enjoy cheerful holiday vibes at every turn. Whether you’re sipping cocoa by the beach or joining Santa for a sandy celebration, the holidays in Port A are full of warmth, wonder, and tradition.

Plan Your Visit

  • Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot for the boat parade and drone show around Fisherman’s Wharf.

  • Make an evening of it: enjoy dinner at a local seafood spot or seaside café, then browse participating shops for Bingo Bells.

  • Bring your camera to capture the lights, laughter, and Santa Soirée memories.

  • Book your stay early: Hotels and rentals fill fast for holiday weekend events.

Make this holiday season one to remember! Come celebrate lights, laughter, and coastal holiday spirit at Santa Soirée in Port Aransas!