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December Events & Attractions

Rockport Tropical Christmas Festival

December 2, 2023


Tropical Christmas is a free, day long extravaganza kicking off the holiday season with fun, festivities, fireworks and more.

The event beings at 10:00am on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at the Rockport Festival Grounds, adjacent to the Rockport Harbor, and offers children's programs, live entertainment, specialty vendors, food trucks and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and The Grinch, the festival will winds down at 5:30pm in preparation of the lighting of the Christmas tree, LED Night Kite display be the Surfside Flyers Kite Club, and illuminated night parade. And, for the grand finale, a spectacular, fireworks display over the harbor.

FMI: 361-727-2158 or the website

https://www.rockporttx.gov/844/Rockport-Tropical-Christmas-Festival

Christmas on the Beach

December 3, 2023


Grand Opening

Sunday, December 3rd - 6pm -9pm.

From Candy Land to a Tribute to Our First Responders and in between, the 4th Annual Christmas on the Beach Light Display at Rockport Beach is a Celebration of the season for our community and make memories.

https://www.facebook.com/christmasonthebeachrockport

A Victorian Christmas

December 7, 2023


Looking to get in the holiday spirit? The Fulton Mansion is hosting an evening of activities for the whole family, and we'd love for you to join us! Come by Thursday, December 7th from 5:30pm - 7:30pm to see Fulton Mansion lit up in all of her Christmas glory! We'll have activities in the multi-purpose room, the basement and first floor open, photos with a Victorian Santa, and reading from "A Christmas Carol" and "Twas the Night Before Christmas". We're also excited to be joined by our community partners at the Bay Education and Rockport Center for the Arts with other to follow!

https://www.facebook.com/visitfultonmansion



Christmas in the District

December 9, 2023



Come enjoy this festive family fun event with lots of holiday cheer. Train Rides, Dance performances, kids activities, caroling, Letters to Santa.

December 9 at 10am - 7pm

Lighted Boat Parade

December 16, 2023


Time to stroll down our avenues and admire the decoration. Time to attend parties and exchange presents. Most of all, because we live in a boating community, it's time to participate in the annual Boat Parade. Rockport Yacht Club host a parade of decorated vessels. Parade starts after dark.

www.rockportyachtculb.org

Tis The Season

December 10, 2023


Please join us for some holiday magic as the acclaimed Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra collaborates with the Rockport-Fulton High School Pirate Chorale for an afternoon filled with music, merriment, and a touch of philanthropy for the RFISD Education Foundation. Showcasing a selection of seasonal favorites performed by the 65-piece orchestra, talented vocalists, and a harmonious chorus, this cherished event is sure to put you in the holiday spirit.

Sunday, December 10, 2023

2:00pm to 4:00pm

Martha Luigi Auditorium

FMI: 361-215-1575


Christmas in Fulton

December 14th, 2023


Christmas in Fulton fun for the whole family! 5:30pm - 8:00pm at 402 N Fulton Beach Road. Entrainment, Special appearance by Santa, Onre the Elf, Kinetic Dancers, & Fulton Learning Center Choir. Christmas cookies/popcorn/Hot Cocoa, FMI 361-729-5533, Town of Fulton Event.

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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!

The Whooping Cranes are back!

Form November to March over 500 Whooping Cranes call Aransas National Wildlife Refuge their home!

From Seafood to BBQ, from Mexican to Vietnamese, we have everything in between! Many local restaurants will even cook you of the day.

Around Town Community Events

Local Markets and More...




Children's Coalition of Aransas County

December 1, 6pm, Blazing Trails for the Kids. Children's of Aransas County Annual fundraising event featuring dinner and dancing with Justin Trevino, live and silent auction at the Fulton Convention Center.

FMI: https://childrenscoalitionac.org/


Lamar Gumbo Palooza

December 3, 2023 - 11am, Gumbo Cook-Off, live and silent, cornhole tournament, raffles, a golf cart poker run, and lots of fun! Come join us and support a great cause. Pops Tavern and Cafe in Lamar.

FMI: https://lamargumbopalooza.org/


Rockport Downtown Farmers Market, December 9th, 9am -5pm, 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 [email protected]



Rockport Downtown Makers Market, December 9th 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 [email protected]. FMI: https://fb.me/e/1HfICaMp5  


Rockport-Fulton Market Days, December 15th-17th, 9 am - 4 pm, COME JOIN THE FUN at Rockport-Fulton Market Days, the best market in SOUTH TEXAS! We offer over 150 amazing Vendors, awesome food trucks & alcohol, a 1600 square foot tent with LIVE MUSIC, seating, pet friendly environment & free face painting for the kids! Located on the Festival Grounds at Rockport Harbor, 100 Seabreeze, Rockport, Texas. Friday, Saturday, Sunday - 9 am - 4 pm, no fee - open to the public! Every third weekend of the month! FMI, go to ACMTexas.com & follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/rockportmarket | 361-463-0125. 


Austin Street Art Walk, Every second Saturday of each month Austin Street Walk is a collective effort of the Rockport Center for the Arts and Moon Over Water Gallery in partnership with Rockport galleries, restaurants, and businesses located along Austin Street in the Rockport Cultural Arts District. Art Walk is free, alfresco, walkable art experience featuring an ever-changing mix of participants and art mediums such as painting, pottery, jewelry, photography, textiles, as well as live music demonstrations, food and more. FMI: https://www.rockportartcenter.com/austin-street-art-walk and www.facebook.com/austinstreetartwalk or call (361)729-5519.


Second Saturday in the District

The Rockport District is host Second Saturday every month with live music and special themes to enjoy along with Artwalk, Farmers Market, Makers Market. RCAD is an arts and humanities organization that sponsors historic restoration, museum creation, public artwork, including sculptures and murals, musical and transportation history events. FMI Jennifer Day, email - [email protected] or rockportculturalartsdistricts.com


Shopping in the District

December 7th, 14th, 21st, Late Night Shopping - Thursdays till 7pm Downtown Rockport, Shop participating District Merchants. Enjoy all the unique gifts in Rockport's one of a kind stores! Always remember to SHOP LOCAL! FMI AND LIST OF MERCHANTS go to https://rockportculturalartsdistrict.com/event/late-night-shopping-in-the-district


Merry Campmas Community Crawl

Join us for a jolly week of festive fun during the Merry Campmas Community Crawl! Get ready to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit starting on Saturday, December 16, 2023. We'll kick off the festivities at 10am! This in - person event promises an unforgettable experience for the everyone in the community that will be filled with laughter, joy, and a dash of holiday magic. Throughout the week we'll embark on a delightful journey, visiting various local attraction, shops, and eateries, all in the spirit of the holidays and community. Savor delicious seasonal treats, sip on some holiday drink, enjoy the company of others and soak up the enchanting atmosphere that only the holiday season can bring. Don't forget to wear your Merry Campmas holiday complimentary T-shirt, sorry no ugly Christmas sweaters provided. Let's spread the festive r as we stroll through the community.

The Merry Campmas Community Crawl is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays season whether you are a Winter Texan, RVer, member of the community, or just passing through this week. Mark your calendars, gather your family and friends, and get ready to make this year's Merry Campmas truly unforgettable! FMI visit rove-life.com/merry-campmas.


Fulton Christmas Market

December 16, 10am - Fulton Christmas Marker- Get your last minute shopping done with our many great vendors! Fulton Harbor Park. Vendor spots still available, Contact: Charleyne at [email protected]


National Wreaths Across America Day

December 16, 11am - National Wreaths Across America Day. Join us December 16, 2023 at 11am where we will be placing fresh wreaths on the monuments at Veterans Memorial Park. Rain or shine!


International Crane Foundation

November 29 - February 28, 8:30am - "Whooper Walk", Free weekly guided bird walk, starting at the Big Tree. Limited space. FMI Paityn Bower @ [email protected]


Local Events and Attractions


Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service

AgriLife Extension Office, 892 Airport Road, Rockport, TX. 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

December 2, 1:00pm - 4:00pm -"Historical Holiday: A Vintage Christmas Display" Step back in time and experience the magic of a bygone era this holiday season and relive the enchantment of yesteryears. Don't miss out on this nostalgic celebration of Christmas past and making cherished memories with your loved ones. Pop Up Christmas Display and shop.

Hours of operation for the History Center: Monday and Friday 10 am - 2 pm; Saturday and Sunday

1 pm - 4pm. 801 E. Cedar St. Rockport, TX.  | A Pathways Venue | For membership, volunteer information, and other activities: call 361-727-9214 or visit www.theachistorycenter.com


Rockport Center for the Arts

Classes & Workshops:

November 14 - December 12, (Tuesday) 12:30pm - 3:30pm - Stained Glass for Beginners with Susan Fest

November 15 - December 13, (Wednesday) 5:30pm - 8:30pm - Make your own Stained glass Gifts for Christmas with Susan Fest

December 2 - 10am - 12:30pm - Copper Christmas Tree Ornament with Diana Casabar

December 7-9, 10am - 4:30pm (3-Day Workshop) - Creative Photography Retreat with Kath Adams Clark

December 7-9, Thurs and Fri 10am - 5pm and Saturday 10am -3pm (3 day workshop) Impressionist Watercolor Workshop with Viadislav Yeliseyev

Rockport Center for the Arts (RCA) 204 South Austin Street. (361)729-5519

Rockport Conference Center (ROCC) 106 South Austin Street. (361)729-5519

https://www.rockportartcenter.com

Contact: Vanessa Ormsby at 361-729-5519 for more information


Rockport - Fulton Tour of Homes

December 2-3, 12pm - 3pm - Rockport-Fulton Tour of Historic Homes. There are three home and The Fulton School House. Each year homes are featured on the tour to provide new experience for the guest. Docents in vintage dress appropriate to the house will greet visitors and provide a commentary historical tour about the home and their owners. FMI visit https://rockport-fulton-historichometour.org/


Rockport Country Club

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


Fulton Mansion State History

December 7, 5:30pm - 7:30pm - A Victorian Christmas. Ornament making, paper crafts, Photos with Santa.

Tuesday through Saturday 10am - 4pm; Sunday 1pm - 4pm. 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 Maritime Museum & Education Center

December 2, TMM education director at Tropical Christmas

December 8, 7pm - 10pm - Christmas at the Lighthouse Gala, FMI 361-729-1271

December 9, 5:30pm - TMM Education director at Christmas in the Park

December 16, December Family Craft Day - Gingerbread Houses

Texas Maritime Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday 10am - 4pm,

TMM Administration Office (white bldg., blue roof) - 361-729-1271

The Texas Maritime Museum is located at 1202 Navigation Circle, Rockport, TX 78382. For membership, volunteer information, and other activities: call 361-729-1271 or visit texasmaritimemuseum.org


Bay Education Center

December 2, 11:00am - 12:00pm, Christmas Ornaments Craft.

December 7, 5:30pm - 7:30pm - A Victorian Christmas at the Fulton Mansion.

December 7, 5:30 pm - 8:30pm - The Third Annual Christmas in the Park at Goose Island State Park

December 12, 2:00pm - Texas Water Resources Institute Public Meeting

Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am - 4 pm with “Science on a Sphere” presentations every day at 2 pm. 361-774-1785, 121 Seabreeze Drive, Rockport, TX 78382

https://www.facebook.com/BayEducationCenter/


Rockport Little Theatre

December 1,2,3,8,9,10,15,16,17, 7pm and 3pm - One Christmas Eve at Evergreen Mall

Acoustic Open Mic Night Thursdays at 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm, Plug and Play, no Amp needed.

For tickets, show dates, or more information please call 361-230-2660. Located at 99 N. Austin St. Rockport, TX 78382. To purchase tickets or buy a brick as a fundraiser for the performing arts of Rockport Little Theatre: https://www.rockportlittletheatre.com


Rialto Theater

Open Mic every Tuesday 6:30pm - 10pm

Fridays: Karaoke - 7pm-10pm

Every Sunday - Open Blues Jam and Steve & Lulu's food truck will be serving fried catfish, fries, hush puppies and crepes.

Rialto Market Days (indoors) 10am - 3pm, 4th Saturday of every month

rialtotheater.org


Rockport Cultural Arts District

December 7,14, 21, 5pm - 7pm - Late Night Shopping downtown Rockport on Austin Street.

December 9, 10am - 7pm Christmas in the District, (featured above)

RCAD's six murals are an Instagrammer’s dream, celebrating the community’s wildlife and heritage as an Art Colony since 1948. One of 52 Cultural Districts in Texas, the Rockport District is host Second Saturday every month through December with live music and special themes to enjoy along with Artwalk. Farmers Market, and Market. RCAD is an arts and humanities organization that sponsors historic restoration, museum creation, public artwork, including sculptures and murals, musical and transportation history events, and literary publications about Regional Texas History, including book-signings, artists.  https://rockportculturalartsdistrict.com/


Rockport Railroad Depot Museum

The Rockport Cultural Arts District has restored and repurposed the historic Rockport San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railroad Depot to a unique Railroad Museum. Come and enjoy the newly renovated Railroad Depot and ride the Passenger Train. The Museum is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 1pm - 4pm. The Passenger Train is available every Second Saturday in the District. https://www.facebook.com/RockportRailroadDepot/


Passport to the Past

Rockport Cultural Arts District has a new program called Passport to Aransas County's Rich and Vibrant History. Your adventure begins with 4 exciting venues to explore.

Visit The Fulton Mansion, Texas Maritime Museum, Rockport Railroad Depot, and the History Center for Aransas County. At each venue scan the QR Code and fill out your passport digitally and complete the challenge. Each of the participating venues offers a unique learning and exploring experience. After completing the challenge digitally at all 4 venue, you earn a prize! It is a fun and educational way to check out our community. https://passport2thepast.com/aransas-county-passport/


Aransas Pathway

December 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 8:30am - 11:00am - Aransas Pathways Birding Birding Field Trips - "Birding with Bob" Celebrate the birds of the Rockport area! Join volunteer Bob Showler to look for birds of Aransas Pathways site and other points of interest. Be prepared to drive your own car up to 20 miles round-trip and bring water, sun & insect protection, and binoculars. We may be walking up to 1/4 miles at certain stops. Beginning birders welcome! FMI: contact Jennifer Heard, 361-556-5308 or email [email protected]

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 361-790-9496 to sign up! FMI on Aransas Pathways, visit www.aransaspathways.com


Fulton Schoolhouse Museum

Open every Saturday from 1 pm - 4 pm, with free tours! Come see what a one-room schoolhouse looked like! See a perfect replica of the Fulton Mansion and view interesting items that have been donated by Fulton residents. Located at 305 7th Street, Fulton, TX 78358


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.


Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

Open daily from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. The Visitor Center is open 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. 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)


Goose Island State Park

December 9, 5:30pm - 8:30pm - Christmas in the Park - Experience Christmas on the Coast! Visitors are invited to enjoy a *FREE* drive through the Live Oak Forest to see campsites decorated in lights and join us at "Santa's Village" at the CCC Recreation Hall for the holiday crafts, games, hot chocolate around the camp fire, and more.

Open 7 days a week from 8AM-10PM. Park Headquarters is staffed 7 days a week from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. Tent and RV camping available; reservations recommended. There is a 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 - In 1969 it was named the State Champion Coast Live Oak. For private events at Goose Island contact [email protected]. For more information, visit https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/goose-islandhttps://www.facebook.com/GooseIslandSP/, or call 361-729-2858.


The Woman's Club of Aransas County

Open Monday and Friday 12:30 pm - 4 pm. No food or drinks. Play canasta, mah-jongg, and party bridge.

Game Night - First -3rd-4th and 5th Wednesday at 6pm - 9pm. |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


Pickleball

Rockport-Fulton High School tennis courts open to the public. No charge. Each court can have 4 players. *courts are available . First come - first serve basis. Just bring your own equipment. For more information contact Molly Jackson McConville 361- 463 -6328 or email: [email protected]


Rockport - Fulton Community Pool

Pool Hours: Open Swim - Splash Pool, 8am - 7pm, Tuesday - Saturday.

Open Swim - Competition Pool, 11am - 7pm, Tuesday - Saturday

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:  [email protected]  | 361-727-9989 |  www.cityofrockport.com


Rockport Yacht Club

Located at Rockport Yacht Club, 722 Navigation Circle, Rockport, Texas 78382. FMI: (361)729-3115 or http://www.rockportyachtclub.org/Home_Page.php


Memorial Park

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: [email protected] or www.cityofrockport.com,  361-727-2158.


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.


Birding and Dolphin Tours/Boat & Kayak Excursions

Group 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 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: 361-758-777-0400 E Johnson Ave, Aransas Pass TX.


Fulton Convention Center

December 1, 6pm - Blazing Trails for Kids

December 14, 6pm - Christmas in Fulton





Looking for more fun? Check out our list of 100 Things to Do!

Accolades

For six years, Rockport has been named in the top 5 for Best Small Coastal Town by USA Today 10 Best Readers'
Rockport Beach was selected by USA Today 10 Best Reader's Choice Award as the Best Beach in Texas, rating #1 in the state!
Rockport-Fulton ranks among the top of the charts at #6 with Texas Top 40 Travel Destinations.
Aransas County is known for its eco-tourism. The fishing is phenomenal. This area is known among anglers for its hearty speckled trout and redfish, among the wide variety of saltwater catches waiting in the waters.
Fishing guides, public piers, and marinas are readily available. With an array of kayak sites, everyone can enjoy and take part. With miles of seascape, there is ample opportunity to enjoy our beautiful coast!
Our phenomenal birding environment boasts over 400 different species that can be spotted in local marshes, wooded inland areas, and along the sandy beaches. 
361-729-6445 I Rockport-Fulton.org I #VisitRockportFulton