The Gaff business owner invites locals and visitors to celebrate Christmas with festive traditions.

PORT ARANSAS, Texas — A Port Aransas business owner is keeping their doors open on Christmas Day, offering locals and holiday visitors a place to gather and celebrate while most businesses across the area remain closed.

Snow machine, Christmas lights, and good company—it’s Christmas on the beach at the Gaff.

But for owner Kipp Shannon, keeping the doors open during the holidays means much more than business. 

“When I first got the place 20 years ago, a lot of people didn’t have anywhere to go for Christmas and so by me opening it up, it’s just saying, hey, you know, we’re all family, come on out,” Kipp said.

What started as a simple gesture has turned into an annual tradition.

“We do a potluck every Christmas from 4 to 6, and you know, come get some food, meet your friends, and, you know, hang out,” Kipp said.

Regulars Jimmy and Clayton said it’s something they look forward to every year.

“I mean we’re isolated out here on an island whether it’s only just right there or not that far away, everybody says oh it’s not that far away, but really we are still, you know, dependent on everybody pulling together and pitching in man that’s what we do,” Jimmy said.

And it’s not just locals who take part.

Traveling from Rockport, the Berdzar family has made visiting the Gaff a holiday tradition.

“We come over usually to the gaff. Just a lot going on. There’s the belt sander races and all the fun stuff and that the kids can enjoy too, and there’s chicken bingo, and we have a really good time coming over and the beach is close,” Nicky Berdzar said.

This year, the Gaff and another local restaurant, Bernie’s are teaming up to add even more holiday spirit.

“We are in a competition with another bar for the Christmas Cup, which is our local little challenge to see who can decorate for Christmas the most and the most outlandish, and we’ve put money up in the winter we’ll get to take that money and put it toward the charity of their choice,” Kipp said

Kipp said it all comes down to community. 

“We’re hoping to start a new tradition here on the island of really celebrating Christmas and just making it a fun, festive place for everybody,” Kipp said. 

The winner of the Christmas Cup competition will be announced at the 19th Annual Black-Eyed Pea Off on New Year’s Day at The Gaff.Â