December Events & Attractions |
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Tropical Christmas Festival
December 4, 2021
Tropical Christmas is a free, day-long extravaganza kicking off the holiday season with fun, festivities, fireworks and more in the Rockport Cultural Arts District.
The event beings at 10 am on Saturday, December 4 at the Rockport Festival Grounds, adjacent to the Rockport Harbor.
https://cityofrockport.com/515/Tropical-Christmas
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Christmas on the Beach
December 5-31, 2021
A.R.C.H.Jeepers, Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce, and the Aransas County Navigation District, along with local non-profit organizations and businesses are teaming up once again to bring a second annual “lighted” holiday experience to the circle area of the Rockport Beach.
https://www.rockport-fulton.org/ChristmasontheBeach
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Christmas in the District
December 11, 2021
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Come enjoy this festive family fun event with lots of holiday cheer and special activities in the Rockport Cultural Arts District. Stroll the streets of downtown Rockport and shop until 8 pm!
https://rockportculturalartsdistrict.com/event/christmas-in-the-district-2021/
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Caroling at the Mansion
December 11, 2021
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Join us this holiday season and have your picture taken with Mr. and Mrs. Claus in the Mansion’s parlor from 4 pm – 6 pm. Caroling led by Rockport Fulton Middle School choir students will begin at 6:30 pm. Following carols, the first floor of the Mansion will be open for viewing. Light refreshments available. Bring your lawn chair and holiday spirits! This event is FREE and FAMILY FRIENDLY!
https://www.facebook.com/visitfultonmansion
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Lighted Boat Parade
December 11, 2021
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Time to stroll down our avenues and admire the decorations. Time to attend parties and exchange presents. But most of all, because we live in a boating community, it’s time to participate in the annual boat parade. Rockport Yacht Club hosts a parade of decorated vessels that are judged in several classes including powerboats and sailboats. Parade starts after dark.
http://www.rockportyachtclub.org/Community_Events.php
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Symphony By the Sea
December 12, 2021
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Get in the Christmas spirit as the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra and the Rockport-Fulton High School Choir led by Maestro Hector Guzman, showcase their tremendous musical talents!
Tickets may be purchased the day of the show at the Auditorium Box Office or at
https://stubwire.com/event/symphonybythesea/marthaluigiauditorium/rockport/24682
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From Seafood to Texas BBQ. from Mexican to Vietnamese, we have everything in between!
Many local restaurants will
even cook your catch of the day!
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The Whooping Cranes are back!
From November to March over 500 Whooping Cranes call Aransas National Wildlife Refuge their winter home!
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There's still time to get those Christmas gifts under the tree!
Support local and shop Rockport-Fulton this holiday season!
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Around Town Community Events |
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Local Markets
Rockport Downtown Farmers Market, Dec. 11, 9 am - 12 pm, A great place to buy locally grown produce as well as jams, jellies, & pickled produce. There will often be fresh-baked bread, local honey, eggs, and locally raised beef. Located in the parking lot at 105 S. Austin St., Rockport, Texas every 2nd Saturday of the month. The contact email for anyone interested in being a vendor is rockportdowntownfarmersmarket@gmail.com
Rockport Downtown Makers Market, Dec. 11, 9 am - 5 pm, A local outdoor market featuring locally made items such as art, pottery, photography, handcrafted items, and more! Located in the Daily Grind Courtyard at 302 S. Austin St., Rockport, Texas. If you are interested in selling at this event please contact, Michell Mock-McMahon by emailing her at rockportdailygrind@yahoo.com. FMI: https://fb.me/e/1HfICaMp5
Rockport-Fulton Market Days, Dec. 17-19, 9 am - 4 pm, Over 150 booths filled with art, crafts, resale vendors, food vendors, live music, a full-service bar, and as always, a pet-friendly environment! Every third weekend of the month. Come Join The Fun! FMI, go to ACMTexas.com & follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/rockportmarket | 361-463-0125.
In the Spirit of Giving
Children's Coalition of Aransas County
Dec. 13-18, 9 am - 3 pm, Santa's Workshop, Families will sign up for a time to select and wrap gifts for their children while children will have an opportunity to make gifts for their families! There will be refreshments and fun for all! https://www.childrenscoalitionac.org/
Angel Tree Gift Ornaments
Help sponsor a Foster Childs Christmas in Aransas County. Pick up an Angel Tree Gift Tag at District Merchant shops and bring your wrapped gifts by December 13 to one of three locations listed. Additionally, handmade ornaments painted by local artists and children at First Learning Tree are available in the District at various locations. Proceeds from the sale of these ornaments also support Aransas County’s Foster Children’s Christmas. Handmade ornaments are available which support an Aransas County’s Foster Childs Christmas. 361-729-3189
Local Events & Attractions
Aransas County Airport Fly-in (KRKP)
Dec. 11-12, 9 am - 5 pm, Fly-in Event, Join the fun at the Aransas County Airport! Donation based hot dog lunch benefitting the Aransas County 4H Club. Mike's Ocean Nuggets Seafood Truck will also be on site! Donations accepted benefitting the Aransas County 4H Club! https://www.aransascountyairport.com/
Rockport Yacht Club
Dec. 11, starting after dark, Lighted Boat Parade, (featured above).
Rockport Railroad Depot
Dec 4, Dec 11, and Dec 18, (Saturdays) 1 pm to 4 pm, with vintage decorations, Christmas music, historic instruments and the many stories they tell of a time past. The San Antonio Ragtime Society is playing Dec 4, and Dr. Bill Ricketts is playing Dec 11.
Lamar GumboPalooza
December 5, 10 am begins judging through 12:30 pm, $15 entry for drinks, $20 entry for food, silent and live auction, cook-off awards, 1st-3rd place awards for each category and entries for sale after judging. There will also be a Cornhole Tournament beginning at 10 am, $50 entry fee per team of 2, register at Pop's Tavern and Café. Come join the fun with all proceeds benefitting students of Aransas County! Pick up entry forms at Pop's Tavern and Café, Park Road 13, Lamar Texas or visit www.lamargumbopalooza.org
Texas Maritime Museum & Education Center
Dec. 3, 7 pm - 11 pm, The Maritime Gala "A Nautical Night Before Christmas," an evening of cocktails, dinner, dancing, and big board auction. Tickets for open seating and reserved seating available, semi formal/holiday attire, valet parking, seating is limited, be sure to reserve your seat soon.
Dec. 4, 10 am - 12 pm, Tropical Christmas (kids crafts)
Dec. 11, 10 am - 4pm, Christmas in the District, (kids crafts in the Education Center)
Dec. 18, 6 pm - 8 pm, Christmas in the Park (Goose Island) (kids crafts)
Located at (1202 Navigation Circle, Rockport, TX 78382. For membership, volunteer information, and other activities: call 361-729-1271 or visit texasmaritimemuseum.org
Rockport Cultural Arts District
RCAD's four murals are an Instagrammer’s dream, celebrating the community’s wildlife and heritage as an Art Colony since 1948. A safe and fun way to remember Rockport! One of 48 Cultural Districts in Texas, the Rockport District is restoring the historic San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railroad Depot. Discover more about the galleries, shops, restaurants, food trucks, and cultural institutions at https://rockportculturalartsdistrict.com/
Rialto Theater
Dec. 3-19, Friday and Saturday 7:30 pm, Sunday 2 pm, "ALL IS CALM, The Christmas Truce of 1914" A remarkable true story, told in the words and songs of the men who lived it.
Tuesdays, 6:30 pm to 9 pm Open Mic Acoustic Jam, happy hour prices all night.
Goose Island State Park
December 8, 2021, Bird Walks begin, Shorebird Walk: Wednesdays & Saturdays 8:30-11 am. Woodland Bird Walk: Thursdays 8:30-11 am. Big Tree Natural Area Bird Walk: Fridays 8:30-11 am.
Dec. 18, 6 pm - 8 pm, Christmas in the Park, See the park in lights, enjoy holiday activities, and camp for free when you decorate your campsite! Visitors are invited to enjoy a FREE drive through the Live Oak forest to see campsites decorated in lights and stop by “Santa’s Village” for holiday crafts, games, hot cocoa around the campfire, and more. Campers who agree to decorate their campsite will camp for free on Dec. 17-18. Reservations for participating sites are available only by contacting the park via email at GooseIslandSP@tpwd.texas.gov. Community groups are encouraged to decorate a “dark spot.”
Open 7 days a week from 8 AM-10 PM. Park Headquarters is staffed 7 days a week from 8:30 AM-4:30 PM. Tent and RV camping available; reservations recommended. Hurricane Harvey repairs are complete and all areas of the park are open, including the 1,620 ft. fishing pier, bayfront campsites, boat ramp, birding areas, hiking trail, and picnic area. While at Goose Island, be sure to visit one of the most famous live oaks in the world, the "Big Tree," estimated to be centuries old. For more information, visit https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/goose-island, https://www.facebook.com/GooseIslandSP/, or call 361-729-2858.
Fulton Mansion State Historic Site
Dec. 11, 4 pm - 6 pm, photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus in the Parlor, 6:30 pm Caroling at the Mansion, (featured above). Hours of operation for Fulton Mansion: Tuesday through Saturday 10 am - 4 pm; Sunday 1 pm – 4 pm. Adult admission $7.00, Seniors $6.00, Military Veterans $6.00, children $4.00, children under 5 are free. The Fulton Mansion is located at 317 S. Fulton Beach Rd. Rockport, TX. Call ahead for the most up-to-date information: 361.729.0386 or visit our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/visitfultonmansion
Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service
Dec. 16, 7 pm, “Whales in the Gulf” is the topic of the next presentation, in the Aquarium at Rockport Harbor Thursday lecture series. Dr. Larry McKinney, former Senior Executive Director for the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is the featured speaker. Location is the Aquarium Education building (adjacent to the former Aquarium), 706 Navigation Circle, Rockport. Location: AgriLife Extension Office, 892 Airport Road, Rockport. Master Gardeners is a non-profit program of TX A&M Agrilife Extension Service. FMI https://txmg.org/aransas/ or call (361) 790-0103.
The History Center for Aransas County
Holidays Past in the Present at the History Center, travel back in time when you visit the exhibit of themed trees, Santas and sparkling lights. Holidays Past will bring back memories of this happy season. The trees will delight you with their special decorations. View a tree loaded with seashells; a special Santa display; and Tex-Mex decorations that cover the branches of one tree. Artifacts will remind you of your grand-parent’s holiday decorations. Select unique gifts from the shop at the History Center or online. Books on local history abound. Watercolor paintings of historic landmarks and original note cards are there for you to choose. Hours of Operation for the History Center: Monday and Friday 10 am - 2 pm; Saturday and Sunday 1 pm - 4 pm. 801 E. Cedar St. Rockport | A Pathways Venue | For membership, volunteer information, and other activities: call 361-727-9214 or visit http://www.hcfriends.net/
Rockport Little Theatre
Rockport Center for the Arts
Visit Rockport Center for the Arts' new location at 401 South Austin St in Rockport (1st Floor of Baker Law). Hours of operation, Tuesday -Thursday 10 am - 4 pm, Friday-Saturday 10 am - 5 pm. 361-729-5519 or visit rockportartcenter.com
Fulton Music in the Park
Every Friday 7 pm - 10 pm (weather permitting) at The Pavilion at Fulton Harbor Park. Free and open to the public to enjoy!
Aransas Pathways
Discover your Pathway! Hiking-Biking-Kayaking-History and Birding. Attractions and Nature trails throughout Aransas County. Are you looking to get out in nature while lending a helping hand? Aransas Pathways has volunteer opportunities! If you want to give back to a good cause, call 210-639-2340 to sign up! FMI on Aransas Pathways, visit www.aransaspathways.com | 361-729-6445.
Bay Education Center
The Estuary Exhibit Hall is now open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am - 4 pm with “Science on a Sphere” presentations on the hour. https://www.facebook.com/BayEducationCenter/
The Woman's Club of Aransas County
Open Monday and Friday 12:30 pm - 4 pm. No food or drinks. Masks are required. Tables 6ft apart. Temperatures will be taken before entering and hand sanitizer used. 50% occupancy rules apply. Play canasta, mah-jongg, and party bridge. | 1104 E. Concho, Rockport. (Across from the Chamber of Commerce near the Rockport Harbor) Members $4 | Non-members $5. FMI: 361-557-1150 or visit https://www.wcofaransas.org
Lighted Night Kayaking
Trips leave at 8 pm and 10 pm. More info can be obtained by contacting the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce at 361-729-6445.
Rockport Beach
Texas' first Blue Wave Beach! Located at 210 Seabreeze Drive, Rockport, TX 78382. Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 6 am - 11 pm and Friday-Saturday, 6 am - 11 pm. Beach passes for Rockport Beach are $10/Daily and $40/Yearly. No charge for walk-ins.
Birding and Dolphin Tours/Boat & Kayak Excursions
Boat Tours are available. Information on Dolphin and birding adventures can be obtained by contacting the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce at 361-729-6445.
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge
Open daily from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. The Visitor Contact Station is currently closed. Come hike a trail, fish off the pier or from your kayak, or drive the 16-mile auto tour. FMI, call 361-349-1181 or visit www.facebook.com/AransasNWR or www.fws.gov/refuge/aransas/.
(Voted the #1 birding spot and # 5 National Wildlife Refuge in the USA for USA TODAY Readers' Choice)
Community Aquatic Park
Admission is $5. Classes include Water Aerobics, Water Walking, and Lap Swim. Located at 2001 Stadium Dr. The park houses an 8 lane, 25-yard pool (heated to 86 degrees) and diving area, a bathhouse, towel warmer, and swimsuit dryer. The park also has a playground, picnic area, and a ¼ mile nature trail. FMI: pool2@cityofrockport.com | 361-727-9989 | www.cityofrockport.com
Memorial Park
The City of Rockport now has its skate park relocated on the Memorial Park grounds. Check out the Disc golf course intertwining among the oak trees. Memorial Park is located at 1601 FM 2165 (Pearl St.) in Rockport. The park includes a 6000 sq. ft. modular skate park. Consisting of more than 100 acres, the Park includes 1.65 miles of Hike and Bike trails and a 3/4-mile nature trail with interpretive signs, and rest benches. Soccer fields, basketball courts, baseball/softball fields, off-leash dog parks, playscapes and fitness stations, birding sites, and picnic facilities serve a wide variety of interests throughout the year. FMI: parks3@cityofrockport.com or www.cityofrockport.com 361-727-2158.
Rockport Country Club
Located at 101 Champions Dr. Rockport Country Club is poised to offer its members a lifestyle not found anywhere in the Coastal Bend area. Member's offers include golf, dining, fitness, pool, and tennis. Private events are available for non-members. For membership questions please call Chris DeLoach (361) 450-4393 or visit our website at www.rockportcc.com
Aransas Pass Aquatic Center
In neighboring Aransas Pass: 3 pools, 3 slides. Free Parking. Happy Hour every day (except closed day - Tuesday) is only $2 - 4:30 to close. Monday family night 7 pm - 9 pm - $3. FMI: 361-758-7770400 E Johnson Ave, Aransas Pass TX.
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Rockport Beach was selected by USA Today 10 Best Reader's Choice Award as the Best Beach in Texas, rating #1 in the state!
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Aransas County is known for eco-tourism, so social distancing is not a problem. The fishing is phenomenal. This area is known among anglers for its hearty speckled trout and redfish.
Professional fishing guides, public piers, and marinas are readily available. An activity that is popular in the area is Kayak fishing. With an array of kayak sites, everyone from fishermen to birders can enjoy and take part in the use of these. With miles of seascape, there is ample opportunity to enjoy the beauty along with a bit of meditation.
Our phenomenal birding environment boasts over 400 different species that can be spotted in the marshes, wooded inland areas, and along the sandy beaches.
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