until Christmas on the Coast kicks off November 28!
Christmas on the Coast is a season-long celebration of the holidays in Portland. The City decks out its facilities with lights, garland, a Christmas tree and plenty of picture-worthy decorations. We also host family-friendly events for residents and visitors, including a REAL Ice Skating Rink! See what’s happening below.
Tap any event to unwrap the details.
Drop off a new, unwrapped toy at the Portland Community Center and help make Christmas a little brighter for kids in Portland! The Portland Parks and Recreation Department’s Toy Drive benefits Christmas for Kids Year Round.
Simply tree-mendous.
Come visit our Christmas Tree Forest and vote for your favorite! Trophies will be awarded to the winners. All trees will be donated to families in need within our area by the San Patricio County Child Welfare Board.
Want to enter a tree? Individuals, organizations and businesses can pick up a registration form at the Portland Community Center. The deadline is Friday, November 13, 2026. Email [email protected] for more information and registration.
Check off your list, locally.
Shop locally grown and handcrafted goods perfect for everyone in your family.
Tour four beautifully decorated homes throughout Portland, hosted by the ChatWork Civic Club.
Ready, set, glow!
Join us as Portland Mayor John Green flips the switch to light our giant City Christmas Tree. The City Complex will be illuminated, and then Christmas in Portland will begin. You do not want to miss the kickoff of our Christmas on the Coast in Portland!
Christmas in Portland is packed with pictures with Santa, Christmas crafts, letters to Santa, games, snow and fun. Parents, be sure to bring your camera!
Santa Claus is coming to town!
Portland, that is! Welcome Santa to town as he travels the illuminated parade route through the community.
Want to be in the parade? Individuals and companies must complete the 2026 Parade of Lights registration form. Participants are encouraged to drop off a new, unwrapped toy at Parade Check-In.
Santa Paws is coming to town!
Calling all good boys and girls! Santa and his elves are coming straight from the North Pole to take photos with your pooch. Tell him what your pup wants for Christmas. We won’t tell him about the chewed-up shoes.
Stacks on stacks with St. Nick.
Come join us for a special pancake breakfast with Santa! Be like an elf and make some special Christmas crafts to take home. Don’t forget to take a merry little picture with our special guest from the North Pole!
Jingle all the way to the finish.
Light yourself up and light up the streets of Portland! The illuminated Tinsel Trot starts and finishes at Fifth & Elm. Run or walk the 5K, or let the kids take on the 1 mile fun run. Dashing through the dark is encouraged.
| Through Nov 1 | Nov 2 to Dec 5 | Dec 6 to 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5K | $25 | $35 | $40 |
| Kids 1 Mile | $10 | $10 | $10 |
Awards for Overall and Masters (40+) male and female, plus top 3 male and female by age group. No age group awards for the Kids Fun Run. Questions? Email [email protected]
Register on Athlete Guild
Yule want to be there.
The City of Portland’s annual Christmas on the Coast Concert presents Randy Rogers Acoustic Performance on Friday, December 18 at Fifth & Elm!
Tickets and VIP tables are on sale now at FifthandElm.com. Don’t get caught sleighing on this one!
Check back regularly as more Christmas on the Coast events will be added. You can also find what’s happening through the City this holiday season at visitportlandtexas.com/events.
Opens November 28, 2026
Real ice, right here on the coast! Snow way, right? This year the rink moves to the City of Portland’s Fifth & Elm. Wobbling is encouraged.
Every session gets 2 hours on the ice!
Tickets are sold on site at Fifth & Elm. All times are pm.
Closed Mondays, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The rink closes for 30 minutes between sessions so the ice can be resurfaced. Tickets are sold on site at Fifth & Elm.
More Fifth & Elm holiday fun is on the way. Check back!
Snapped a pic with Santa? Nailed your first lap on the ice? Tag your photos so we can see your Christmas on the Coast.
Tag us @visitportlandtexas on Instagram and Facebook
Portland sits right across the bay from Corpus Christi. Come for the lights. Stay a while. There’s snow place like the coast for the holidays.
We’ve rounded up a few tips and must-sees to help make your visit the best it can be.
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