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Christmas on the Coast 2023
Celebrate the holiday season in Portland, Texas, at the 5th annual Christmas on the Coast!
About Christmas on the Coast
Christmas on the Coast is a month-long celebration of the Christmas holiday. The City of Portland decorates facilities with lights, garland, picture-worth decorations and Christmas tree. The City also hosts several family-friendly events for residents and visitors to enjoy. We are excited to announce the REAL Ice-Skating Rink is back! Check out the sections below to start planning your Christmas on the Coast. Don't forget to check out the GLOW & Trail of Lights tab!
Tree Lighting & Ice-Skating Rink Opening
The City of Portland's annual Tree Lighting Ceremony kicks off the holiday season! After we illuminate the City Complex,
the REAL ice-skating rink will open!
When: Opens on Saturday, December 2, 2023.
Dates: Dec. 2nd & 3rd, Dec. 7th - 10th, Dec. 14th - 17th & Dec. 20th - Jan 1st, 2024.
Time: Tree Lighting begins at 6:00 PM
Ice-Skating Rink opens after the Ceremony concludes (approximately 7:00 p.m.)
Where: Portland Community Center parking lot (2000 Billy G Webb Dr. Portland, Tx 78374)
Cost of Skating
- The daily admission fee is $10 per person / per session. Session 1: 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Session 2: 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Includes your skate rental!
- Please Note: Ice rink will close between session 1 and session 2 for maintenance (7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.)
Location
- The Ice-Skating Rink is located under the Joe Burke Pavilion
- Address: 2003 Billy G Webb Dr. Portland, Texas 78374
Ice-Skating Rink Schedule
Trail of Lights 2023 will be available on Google Maps in December
Please note: This is not a comprehensive map - the places marked are those who entered the GLOW Portland competition
2023 GLOW Portland Categories
GLOW Portland is a friendly competition that encourages residents and businesses to share their Christmas spirit with decorations and lights. Everyone who enters their home, office, fence, etc. is also placed on a digital map so people can view the "Trail of Lights" through Portland.
2023 Parade of Lights - Monday, December 4th at 6pm!
Santa Claus is coming to…PORTLAND! Welcome Santa to town as he travels the illuminated parade route through the community. The 2023 Christmas in Portland Parade of Lights will begin at 6:00 PM on Monday, December 6th. Individuals and companies who are interested in participating in the parade may complete a registration form available at the Portland Community Center. Don’t forget about our Toy Drive benefitting Christmas for Kids Year-Round. Drop off a new, unwrapped toy at the Portland Community Center! We will have a City of Portland truck on site and our goal is to fill that truck bed with toys for kids.
When: Monday, December 4, 2023
Time: 6:00 PM
Cost: Unwrapped Toy (donations will be collected the night of the parade.)
Register: Parade floats must register by Tuesday, November 28, 2023. Email Kristin.Connor@portlandtx.gov to register.
Printable map: Parade of Lights Route Map (PDF)
Christmas on the Coast 2023 Continues! Mark Your Calendar for these upcoming events!
Christmas Tree Forest
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. Individuals, organizations, and businesses who would like to participate in the Christmas Tree Forest can pick up a registration form at the Portland Community Center. Deadline is November 10, 2023.
When: November 27 – December 9, 2023
Time: During Community Center Hours of Operation
Where: Portland Community Center (2000 Billy G Webb Dr.)
Cost: Free
Registration: www.portlandtx.gov or at the Portland Community Center
Toy Drive
The Portland Parks and Recreation Department will host a Toy Drive to benefit Christmas for Kids Year Round. Drop off a new, unwrapped toy at the Portland Community Center November 27 to December 9, 2023. Make a difference in our community by making Christmas just a little brighter for children in Portland!
Parade of Lights
Santa Claus is coming to…PORTLAND! Welcome Santa to town as he travels the illuminated parade route through the community. The 2023 Christmas in Portland Parade of Lights will begin at 6:00 PM on Monday, December 4th. Individuals and companies who are interested in participating in the parade may complete a registration form available at the Portland Community Center. Don’t forget about our Toy Drive benefitting Christmas for Kids Year Round. Drop off a new, unwrapped toy at the Portland Community Center! We will have a City of Portland truck on site and our goal is to fill that truck bed with toys for kids.
When: Monday, December 4, 2023
Time: 6:00 PM
Where: Map coming soon!
Cost: Unwrapped Toy (donations will be collected the night of the parade.)
Register: Parade floats must register by Tuesday, November 28, 2023. Email Kristin.Connor@portlandtx.gov to register.
Parade of Lights Winners 2023 - CONGRATULATIONS!
Best Youth Organization: GP Band
Best Use of Theme: WC Andrews Amigos Club
Best Overall: Gomez Family
Best Illuminated: Public Works Department
WC Andrews Choir at the Rink
Your favorite Christmas carols sung by the WC Andrews Elementary School Choir
When: Thursday, December 7, 2023
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Where: Portland Community Center Parking Lot (2002 Billy G Webb Dr.)
Cost: FREE
First Baptist Academy Choir at the Rink
Your favorite Christmas carols sung by the First Baptist Academy Choir
When: Friday, December 8, 2023
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Where: Portland Community Center Parking Lot (2002 Billy G Webb Dr.)
Cost: FREE
Christmas in Portland
Join us for our annual Christmas in Portland. Festivities will include pictures with Santa, Christmas crafts, games, snow and fun! Rudolph and Frosty will be there too! Parents be sure to bring your camera to take a picture with Santa. All participants are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to this FREE event. All toys will be donated to Christmas for Kids Year Round. We will have a City of Portland truck on site and our goal is to fill that truck bed with toys for kids. Make a difference in the life of a child in your community!
When: Saturday, December 9, 2023
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Portland Community Center (2000 Billy G Webb Dr.)
Cost: Unwrapped Toy (donations will be accepted at the Christmas in Portland event.)
Scarecrow People Live in Concert
When: Saturday, December 9, 2023
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Portland Community Center (2000 Billy G Webb Dr)
Hockey Night with the IceRays
The Corpus Christi IceRays skate into Portland for a night of games, hockey and fun!
When: Tuesday, December 12, 2023
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Where: Joe Burke Pavilion (2003 Billy G Webb)
Cost: Price of Ice Rink admission ($10 per skater, per session)
TM Clark Choir at the Rink
Your favorite Christmas carols sung by the TM Clark Elementary School Choir
When: Thursday, December 14, 2023
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Where: Portland Community Center Parking Lot (2002 Billy G Webb Dr.)
Cost: FREE
Illuminated Tinsel Trot + Concert
The 2023 Illuminated Tinsel Trot + Concert will feature Kevin Fowler!
The Illuminated Tinsel Trot is a 10k, 5k & 1-mile fun run race for all ages. Following the Trot, enjoy food trucks, ice-skating & a Kevin Fowler concert. More information to come!
Race Day Schedule:
Saturday, December 16
6:15 p.m. Kids 1-Mile Fun Run
6:15 p.m. 10k Race
6:30 p.m. 5k Race
Where: Portland Community Center (2000 Billy G Webb)
Registration: CLICK HERE (link) to register with AthleteGuild.com.
Concert Tickets: CLICK HERE (link) to purchase concert tickets
Please Note: Friday, December 15, runner's packet pickup is from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Portland Community Center (2000 Billy G Webb)
Premier Wrestling at the Rink
When: Sunday, December 17, 2023
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Where: Portland Community Center Parking Lot (2002 Billy G Webb Dr.)
Cost: FREE
Candy Crane Drop & Inflatable Frenzy at the Rink
Hundreds of pounds of candy drop from the sky and inflatable obstacle courses fill our parking lot.
When: Wednesday, December 20, 2023
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Where: Portland Community Center Parking Lot (2002 Billy G Webb Dr.)
Cost: FREE
Christmas Inflatable Party at the Rink
A night of games, fun and inflatables!
When: Thursday, December 21, 2023
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Where: Portland Community Center Parking Lot (2002 Billy G Webb Dr.)
Cost: FREE
Christmas Movie at the Rink
Watch the holiday classic "Elf" starring Will Ferrell.
When: Friday, December 22, 2023
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Where: Portland Community Center Parking Lot (2002 Billy G Webb Dr.)
Cost: FREE
Additional events & activities will be announced in the coming months! Stay tuned.
Portland Senior Center Christmas Events & Activities
The Portland Senior Center hosts numerous events for those 60 and greater! See below for the senior-specific events coming in December.
Senior Center Ladies Tea Party
Dress your best as we serve up holiday cheer!
When: Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Time: 4:30 PM
Where: Portland Senior Center (601 Wildcat Dr. Portland, Tx 78374)
Cost: FREE
Senior Center Cookie Exchange
Join us for cookies, games, music and fun!
When: Thursday, December 7, 2023
Time: 1:30 PM
Where: Portland Senior Center (601 Wildcat Dr. Portland, Tx 78374)
Cost: Bring 4-dozen cookies
Senior Center Tour of Lights
Join us at the Portland Senior Center for cookies, hot chocolate, and a tour around the area to view Christmas lights. The first bus will leave at 6:15 PM, additional tours will be added as necessary. Space is limited so sign up early.
When: Tuesday, December 12, 2023
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Time: 6:00 PM
Where: Portland Senior Center (601 Wildcat Dr. Portland, Tx 78374)
Cost: FREE
Registration: Sign up at the Portland Senior Center or call. 361-643-9431
Senior Center Ornament Exchange
Join us for cookies, punch, music, door prizes and fun!
When: Monday, December 18, 2023
Time: 11:00 AM
Where: Portland Senior Center (601 Wildcat Dr. Portland, Tx 78374)
Cost: Bring one (1) ornament to exchange
Senior Center Christmas Party
Join us for cookies, punch, music, door prizes and fun!
When: Tuesday, December 20, 2023
Time: 12:00 - 2:00 PM
Where: Portland Senior Center (601 Wildcat Dr. Portland, Tx 78374)
Cost: FREE
Senior Center Noon Year’s Eve Party
Do you want to ring in 2024 but don’t want to stay up all night? Join the fun at the 10th Annual Noon Year’s Eve Party. We will count down to noon with music, light refreshments, and then toast the New Year with sparkling cider as the clock strikes 12. Dress in your best and come join the fun.
When: Friday, December 29, 2023
Time: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Where: Portland Community Center (2000 Billy G Webb Dr. Portland, Tx 78374)
Cost: FREE
Christmas on the Coast Concluded Events
Breakfast with Santa
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!
When: Saturday, December 2, 2023
Where: Portland Community Center (2000 Billy G Webb Dr.)
Time: 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM | Two Sessions available, choose the best time for you. Session 1 begins at 8:30 a.m. and the second session begins at 10:30 a.m. Both sessions will feature the same food items and entertainment.
Cost: $15.00 per child
$5.00 per adult
Registration: To register online with ActiveNet: CLICK HERE (link) or register in person at the Portland Community Center (2000 Billy G Webb).
Pooch-A-Palooza & Santa
Calling all dogs! Do you want to tell Santa what you want for Christmas? Well, head on over to the Farmers Market in December Straight from the North Pole, Santa and his elves will be taking photos with your pooch. Don’t miss this FREE event! We encourage the community to give back and bring a donation of dog food or blankets. All donations will be distributed between Portland Animal Control and Last Chance Rescue.
When: Saturday, December 2, 2023
Where: Portland Farmers Market (810 Houston St. Portland, Tx 78374)
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Cost: Donation (dog food, blankets or other dog related items.)
Register: No registration required
Christmas on the Coast, Tree Lighting
Join us as the mayor flips the switch to light our giant City Christmas Tree. The City Complex will be illuminated, and the ice rink will open too. You do not want to miss the kickoff of our Christmas on the Coast in Portland!
When: Saturday, December 2, 2023
Time: 6:00 PM
Where: Portland Community Center (2000 Billy G Webb Dr.)
Live Stream: Click Here to watch our Facebook live stream
Real Ice-Skating Rink Opens!
When: Saturday, December 2, 2023
Time: Ice rink opens after the Tree Lighting Ceremony
Where: Joe Burke Pavilion (2003 Billy G Webb)
Cost: $10 per skater, per session
Session 1: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Session 2: 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Clarissa Serna Live in Concert
When: Saturday, December 2, 2023
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Where: Community Center Parking Lot (2002 Billy G Webb)