Christmas on the Coast
Visitors can take to the ice at the City of Portland's real ice-skating rink as part of the annual Christmas on the Coast celebration. The rink provides a family-friendly skating experience hosted at the Fifth and Elm venue.
What to Expect
Portland's holiday celebration featuring a real ice-skating rink.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Old Town
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
City of Portland
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday-season skating fans
Vibe
Festive and active
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $10 per skater, per session.
- Pets: The Holiday Farmers Market on December 5 is pet friendly, and dogs get their own photos with Santa at Pooch-A-Palooza on December 10.
Tips & Advice
- Skate session times haven't been announced yet, and skating is paid per session, so plan around the posted sessions once they're out.
- Bring a new, unwrapped toy to Christmas in Portland and the Parade of Lights, because both collect toys to fill a city truck for Christmas for Kids Year Round.
- Parents should bring a camera to Christmas in Portland, since Santa poses for pictures alongside the crafts, games and snow.
- Take a bag of dog food or a blanket to Pooch-A-Palooza & Santa, because donations go to Portland Animal Control and Last Chance Rescue.
- To enter a tree in the Christmas Tree Forest, pick up a form at the Portland Community Center before the November 13 deadline.
Special Events & Promotions
- Tree Lighting Ceremony and Christmas in Portland on Saturday, December 5. There are pictures with Santa, crafts, games, snow, Rudolph and Frosty, and everyone is asked to bring a new unwrapped toy.
- Parade of Lights on Monday, December 7, with Santa riding the illuminated route. Toy donations are collected that night.
- Pooch-A-Palooza & Santa at Kaiah Dog Park on Thursday, December 10, where pets get photos with Santa. Bring dog food or blankets to donate.
- Illuminated Tinsel Trot on Saturday, December 12. The route has a new location in Old Town and finishes at Fifth & Elm, and registration is separate.
- Christmas on the Coast Concert at Fifth & Elm on Friday, December 18, with separate tickets.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the rink real ice?
Yes. The City of Portland puts in a real ice-skating rink at Fifth and Elm for Christmas on the Coast.
What else is going on during Christmas on the Coast?
The month includes a Christmas Tree Forest, a Toy Drive, the Holiday Farmers Market, the Tree Lighting and Christmas in Portland, the Parade of Lights, Pooch-A-Palooza & Santa, the Illuminated Tinsel Trot and the Christmas on the Coast Concert.
How do I enter a tree in the Christmas Tree Forest?
Pick up a registration form at the Portland Community Center. The deadline is November 13, 2026. Visitors vote on the trees, the winners get trophies, and every tree is donated to local families in need through the San Patricio County Child Welfare Board.
Where can I drop off toys for the Toy Drive?
Bring a new, unwrapped toy to the Portland Community Center, Portland Aquatics Center, Fire Station #2, the Police Department, City Annex or the Bell Whittington Public Library. The toys go to Christmas for Kids Year Round.
How can I be in the Parade of Lights?
Get a registration form at the Portland Community Center, or email Kristin.Connor@PortlandTX.gov to register.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.