Weekend events along the coast celebrate the season

Rockport welcomes the holiday season with Tropical Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 4, and Christmas on the Beach on Sunday, Dec. 5.

Join the fun at Tropical Christmas, a free, daylong extravaganza kicking off the holiday season with festivities, fireworks, and more in the Rockport Cultural Arts District.

The action begins at 10 a.m. at the Rockport Festival Grounds, including live entertainment, children’s programs, specialty vendors, food trucks, and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Adjacent businesses in the downtown area will offer unique promotions throughout the day.

The street events close at about 5 p.m. in preparation for the lighting of the Christmas tree and an illuminated night parade. The grand finale is a fireworks display over the harbor with free access to Rockport Beach Park beginning at 4 p.m.

From 6-9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce hosts the opening of the second annual Christmas on the Beach at Rockport Beach. Fifteen nonprofit organizations from the area set up individual displays.

The Little Bay Sea Queens, a quirky, comedic group of women entertainers, will welcome attendees on opening night.

When drivers approach the welcome center at the outdoor pavilion, greeters from the chamber will offer a QR code to be scanned by smartphone that links to a navigation audio describing each of the Christmas displays.

Christmas on the Beach is available for drive-through 6-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 6-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.

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