Shop Local for the Holidays

girls dancing with red pom poms at a christmas parade in downtown port arthur texas

Deck the Halls with Port Arthur’s Holiday Spirit

The Cajun Capital of Texas gets into Christmas in a big way! As long as we have family and friends, and a big pot of gumbo simmering, we consider the halls decked.

But, we like shopping! Here’s what some of Port Arthur’s holiday season fans may like on their list, where to shop and how to use these gifts.

Stockings.. and BOOTS!

Cavender’s Boot City in Port Arthur. Photo courtesy of Callie Summerlin.

Wouldn’t you have a very merry Christmas sporting a new pair of boots and a big o’l cowboy hat?

Cavender’s racks and racks of looks just right for your Lone Star look. Turn your cowboy boots into your “boogie shoes” and catch some live music. Wear them right into the Museum of the Gulf Coast where the Music Hall of Fame honors locals Tracy Byrd and Mark Chesnutt.

Super fan of Boot Barn? We also have one of those. Shop here.

central mall at christmas in port arthur texas

Something NEW at the NEW James Avery

james avery jewelry store in port arthur texas

James Avery has arrived just in time for the holidays. Find your special someone something sweet. Bows are big these year at this boutique just outside Central Mall at 8450 on HWY 69. Tell them we sent you!

Area Shopping Districts

We have THREE historic downtown shopping districts in our area. Boutiques, coffee shops, creative spaces, oven pizza, local beer and much more! Shop local at any one of our shopping districts!

State Park Pass

girl kayaking on an ornament in Port Arthur
Sea Rim State Park Gift Shop. Photo courtesy of Texas State Parks.

We love Sea Rim State Park’s gulf shore and marsh unit soooo much. But there are are more than 80 parks covering more than 1.5 million acres from pine forests and coastlines to rivers and mountains.

Get a State Park Pass and hit them all. But Start with Sea Rim.

Museum of the Gulf Coast Gift Shop

woodstock cards for purchase at the museum of the gulf coast gift shop in port arthur texas
Museum of the Gulf Coast Gift Shop. Photo courtesy of Callie Summerlin.

Who needs a Janis Joplin T-shirt? Pecans to top those Christmas cookies, or eat by the handful? After touring this top Port Arthur attraction, visit Becky in the gift shop. She’ll be more than happy outfit your whole gang with Port Arthur Proud shirts. Wear them with festive pride. Make sure to see the music, sports, maritime and other exhibits at Museum of the Gulf Coast.

Need a Break? Or a Hostess Gift?

A woman holding her daughter while ordering a sweet treat at rao's bakery in port arthur texas
Rao’s Bakery. Photo courtesy of Callie Summerlin.

Refresh with coffee and pastry at area coffee shops. Rao’s Bakery has been tempting us since 1941. Their new stand-alone shop in Port Arthur includes breakfast sandwiches and wraps. A frozen coffee could hit the holiday spot. Milano, Doughlicious and Nothing Bundt Cake are more sweet stops.

Pick up a little something for the host and hostess of the many parties the season brings.

Did Someone Say Gift Card?

Kevin Rico Seafood Oyster Bar in Port Arthur TX firecracker shrimp
Kevin Rico Seafood and Oyster Bar. Photo by Morgan Talbot.

Yes, thank you. We’d love a gift card to any one of our #flavorsofpatx restaurants. Cajun, Italian, Vietnamese, Seafood and Tex-Mex menus are just right for meeting family and friends for the season.

Sleigh Bells Ring

girls dancing with red pom poms at a christmas parade in downtown port arthur texas
Dancers at the Port Arthur Christmas Parade in 2023.

Check our events section for updates on area parades, such as the 1:30 p.m. Dec. 6 one in downtown Port Arthur. We hear Allie Gator will be out and about. Museum of the Gulf Coast will host a free family fun day beginning at 10 a.m. that day.

Come share the holiday spirit with us in Port Arthur!

Pickleball Fans? YMCA Memberships!

girl kneeling on the pickleball courts at YMCA in Port Arthur Texas
Pickleball Courts at the YMCA. Photo courtesy of Callie Summerlin.

Port Arthur’s YMCA has a court for this trending activity. Why not create some pickleball fans with a family membership to the Y? Getting fit as a family is a gift that keeps on giving.

Pour Neches also has courts. Some people in your group can play while others simply enjoy a burger and waterside view.

Let’s Go Fishing (and birding)

scarlett tananger at sabine woods in port arthur, texas
Scarlett Tanager at Sabine Woods. Photo courtesy of Dania Sanchez.

Plan a Sabine Lake fishing trip for the family. Check our our list of charter fishermen who can guide you to your best catch. At various times of the year Sabine Lake is luring anglers with trout, redfish and flounder. Catch this link on area fishing, here. An Academy run can get you to the gear.

Oh, grab some binoculars for the birder in you. Look for shore and wading birds this time of year and come back for our famous spring and fall migrations. That’s the season to hit Sabine Woods. 

Local and Extra Special

Here are three staff favorites for local gift buying. We frequent these establishments and HIGHLY encourage you to drop in, too! Get something special for yourself while you’re there!

Lamps Decor Home Display

Fred Millers

2808 Nederland Avenue, Nederland, TX
(409) 724-1208

Founded in 1919, Fred Miller Company is a Southeast Texas tradition. Although the...

Clothing in Boutique

Two & Co. Boutique

2665 Aero Drive, Port Arthur, TX
(409) 721-5040

two + company is a family-owned fashion and lifestyle store located in Port...

Antique Bedroom Vignette

Snooper’s Paradise

5509 East Drive, Groves, TX
(409) 962-8247

Established in 1952, Snooper’s Paradise is a local icon with one of the largest...

classic finds groves antique store antique stoe

Classic Finds Groves

6111 39th Street, Groves, TX
(409) 433-5002

Antique Mall in Groves Antique and Vintage shop with consignment stalls in Groves...

Vignette of antiques in port Arthur Texas

A lot of This N That Resale Shop

3700 Main Avenue, Groves, TX
(409) 548-4577

This funky, retro resale shop hails from Houston, Texas. From rare books to hobby...

Book and gift display

FlagShip Mailroom & Emporium

4700 Hwy 365, Port Arthur, TX
(409) 724-0474

The FlagShip Mailroom & Emporium has unique gifts, furniture, books, holiday...

End with a Warm Drink and Sweet Treat

A woman holding her daughter while ordering a sweet treat at rao's bakery in port arthur texas

Rao’s Bakery & Deli Mid County

3504 Hwy 365, Nederland, Texas 77627
(409) 729-7267

Rao’s Bakery, established in 1941, has been a cherished part of the...

Doxie Coffee in Groves TX seating area

Doxie Coffee

4233 Lincoln Avenue, Groves, TX 77619
(409) 213-7444

Doxie Coffee, located in Groves, Texas, is a charming coffee shop founded by...

dozens of flavored syrups to select from

Sundara’s Coffee House

4000a Lincoln Ave, Groves, Texas 77619
(409) 548-0074

Locally owned coffee house, serving gourmet coffee, tea and dessert. Supporting...

three popsicles

La Michoacana Tradicional: Paleteria Neveria

4749 Gulfway Dr, Port Arthur, TX 77642
(409) 985-2210

La Michoacana has a large variety of fresh waters, desserts, ice cream, cakes,...

Milan Bakery & Coffee

7217 9th Avenue, Port Arthur, TX
(409) 344-9043

Milan Bakery & Coffee Named for the family’s son, this new site...

Legendairy Gelato Cafe in Nederland Texas neon branded sign balloon arch

Legendairy

1166 Boston Ave, Nederland, TX 77627
(409)344-9225

Legendairy is a local, veteran, and teacher-owned gelato cafe. It offers rotating...

Farmhouse Frozen Yogurt in Nederland TX custom bowl with yummy toppings

Farmhouse Frozen Yogurt

202 N 27th St, Nederland, TX 77627
(409) 237-5025

Farmhouse Frozen Yogurt in Nederland, Texas, offers a delightful selection of...

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