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Are you in the mood for something a little different this year for your holiday plans? Each year countless families spend their holiday season together at home enjoying time with one another. Timeless traditions are hard to beat but once you see the kind of fun you can have on South Padre Island you will be easily moved. Come spend Christmas right here on South Padre Island for a beach side getaway. While home may be covered in snow on Christmas Day you will find the weather to be nice and sunny here on South Padre Island. Take a look at all of the incredible reasons why Christmas on South Padre Island is best spent with us this year.

Lighted Boat Parade

Each year South Padre Island looks forward to one event that is cherished by everyone in the community: the Lighted Boat Parade. Just as the name suggests the Lighted Boat Parade is a parade of marine vessels out on the water decorated from front to back in Christmas lights. There are boats in all sizes that cruise up and down the coast to put on the best show on the water. One of the best parts of the show is having awards given to the top 3 boats in commercial, medium/large, and small/medium boat sizes.

If you are renting or own a boat during your stay in South Padre Island, you can get in on the fun by entering the contest. Entry into the Lighted Boat Parade is free. Judging will be based upon a first impression, theme, special effects, and number of lights. Regardless of if you participate in the event or just come to watch, it is free for everyone. The Lighted Boat Parade will take place on December 2nd starting at 6:00 p.m. The event will end at Jim’s Pier where you can enjoy a holiday beverage or meal with your family.

Visit the Holiday Light Show

The lighted Boat Parade is not the only Christmas light event taking place here on South Padre Island. Come visit the Holiday Light Show located inside the South Padre Island Entertainment District. This drive-through activity will take you to a mesmerizing light show. Tall trees are covered in Christmas lights that are synchronized with cheerful holiday music along with the decorations. The Holiday Light Show is not a single event but is instead open all holiday seasons, so make sure to drive through with your family during your Christmas stay.

Head to the Holiday Sandcastle Village

Everyone is full of holiday cheer here on South Padre Island. Another great reason to spend your Christmas with us is the chance to enjoy the Holiday Sandcastle Village. Throughout the year incredible sandcastle artists create sculptures for the season with the holidays being included. The Holiday Sandcastle Village is an incredibly popular spot during the winter where you will find life-size sculptures of some of the most popular holiday items such as ornaments and more. These sculptures will not be up for long and just through the holiday season so make sure to visit before they transition over to spring!

Plenty of Spots to Eat on Christmas

When you travel somewhere for the holidays you may not be in the mood to be stuck in the kitchen for hours preparing a feast for the family. If that is the case this Christmas, you are in luck as a variety of restaurants will be open on Christmas Day. These restaurants include local favorites such as Café on the Beach, Coral Reef Lounge, Lobo Del Mar, and LongBoard Bar and Grill. These spots are perfect for a casual meal with friends and family. Even more restaurants will be open on Christmas Eve for a pre-holiday meal too.

The Original Dolphin Watch Tours

There are countless reasons to visit South Padre Island any time of the year but catching a tour with The Original Dolphin Watch is always a highlight for many. The Original Dolphin Watch is the number one dolphin watching tour company here on the island. The warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico allow the loveable dolphins to spend their time here with us year-round. The Original Dolphin Watch will take you out to spots where the dolphins frequently roam. Enjoy a dolphin watch eco tour in the morning or afternoon. The sunset watch is always popular and adds a little romance to the ambiance. You can always bring an adult beverage with you on board as long as it is not glass.

Spread the Holiday Cheer on South Padre Island

Book today to see what Christmas on South Padre Island is like for yourself. Our vacation rentals are sure to keep the fun going all stay long.