Christmas on the Coast 2023

Celebrate the holiday season in Portland, Texas, at the 5th annual Christmas on the Coast!Christmas on the Coast logo

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!

  1. Events & Activities
  2. Ice-Skating Rink
  3. GLOW & Trail of Lights
  4. Parade of Lights

Christmas on the Coast 2023 Schedule - MORE TO COME!


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 4, 2023 
Time:               During Community Center Hours of Operation 
Where:            Portland Community Center 
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-December 15, 2023.  Make a difference in our community by making Christmas just a little brighter for children in Portland!   

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 
Time:               8:30 AM – 10:30 AM 
Cost:                $15.00 per child 
                          $8.00 per adult 
Registration: www.portlandtx.gov or at the Portland Community Center 

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 Street) 
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 

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 
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.   

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 
Cost:               Unwrapped Toy (donations will be accepted at the Christmas in Portland event.) 

Illuminated Tinsel Trot + Concert

JUST ANNOUNCED! The 2023 Illuminated Tinsel Trot + Concert will feature Kevin Fowler! 
The Illuminated Tinsel Trot is an evening fun run race for a range of ages. Following the Trot, enjoy food trucks, ice-skating & a Kevin Fowler concert. More information to come!

When:             Saturday, December 16

Additional events & activities will be announced in the coming months! Stay tuned. 


Portland Senior Center Christmas Events & Activities

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 
Cost:                FREE 
Registration:   Sign up at the Portland Senior Center or call. 361-643-9431 

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 
Cost:                FREE 

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 
Cost:                FREE