Published 3:02 pm Friday, July 17, 2026
The Port Arthur Public Library is located at 4615 9th Avenue. (Monique Batson/The News)
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The Port Arthur Public Library invites cultural groups to revive a Port Arthur tradition.Christmas Around the World will feature decorated trees (live Christmas trees will be provided),crafts, Nativity scenes, recipes and music from groups invited to share their traditions. This is your group’s invitation to set up a display in December, with an opening reception set for 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5.
This port town, now deemed the official Cajun Capital of Texas, is home to many cultures. Our area has welcomed Dutch, Creole, Italian, Vietnamese, Mexican, <a href="https://absafricatv.com/lets-liberate-african-politics-from-the-tyranny-of-money-dr-ibn-chambas/” title=”Let’s liberate African politics from the tyranny of money – Dr Ibn Chambas”>African-American, Palestinian, Pakistani and many other groups who have thrived in Southeast Texas. Their stories of history, foods, music and art deserve to be shared.
Port Arthur’s Quasquicentennial in 2023 brought the popular Cultural Heritage Showcase to PortArthur. Let’s celebrate again. The Port Arthur Public Library, with support from the Port ArthurConvention & Visitors Bureau, is encouraging this community unity for another gathering. This is America’s 250th birthday year and a great time to share traditions.
Years ago, Christmas Around the World welcomed cultural groups to set up a Christmas tree orsimilar display in the library’s Lucy Stiefel Gallery throughout December. Trees were adorned with ornaments reflecting the culture, such as wooden shoes, pickles, crawfish, etc. Nativity scenes, Kwanzaa and Hanukkah items were also on display.
This 2026 revival is expected to create a memorable and educational event at little cost for eachgroup.Displays will be open to the public from dates Dec. 5, 2026 to Jan. 8, 2027. Set up timesare Nov. 30 to Dec. 4 and dismantling times will be Jan. 9 to Jan. 15.
Let organizers know if your group would like to participate with displays that could include dolls, fabrics, printed music or recipes, phrases in different languages, craft instructions and/or supplies.
To display your heritage at Christmas Around the World, contact Steven Williams, library director, at 409-985-8838 or email swilliams@paplibrary.org. Learn about this year’s free library programs at https://www.facebook.com/PALibrary/.
For some of the area’s history, great views and things to do, visit the Port Arthur Convention & Visitors Bureau site:www.visitportarthurtx.com
Please confirm by Nov. 6 so the library can have the correct number of trees available.
Please feel free to forward this letter to any individual or group that may want to partake.
In the spirit of giving, Christmas Around the World participants and viewers are invited to bring pantry food and canned goods to support the United Board of Missions and Southeast Texas Food Bank. Collection boxes will be out during the month. Requested items include canned beans, meat and fruit; boxed foods; and bags of rice and/or beans.
