Whenever a family thinks of Thanksgiving, they typically think of the incredible feast they expect to have back home. This year, allow your family to create new traditions by vacationing somewhere for the holiday. Specifically, come spend your holiday week with us here in Galveston. The sunny shores of our Texas home provide you with beach views and beautiful weather, things that are not common across the country this time of year. You can still hold onto your family values while enjoying new activities and events in the area. Take a look at why Galveston is the best location for your Thanksgiving holiday this year:
Galveston Island Turkey Trot
If you take a look at most cities, you will find that they offer an annual race each year to help families get their appetite going before the big Thanksgiving feast. Galveston is no different, as we also offer our own Galveston Island Turkey Trot the morning of Thanksgiving each year. This year’s event will be our third annual race that takes place along the Galveston Island Seawall, offering a beautiful flat course for you to run on. Participants are encouraged to either run, jog, or walk as you take in the wonderful views of the Gulf Coast beside you. The Galveston Island Turkey Trot is a 5K that is ran on an out-and-back course. Participants will start and finish at Menard Park, located behind the McGuire Dent Recreation Center. Participants are also encouraged to wear their best turkey outfits to really bring out the fun and spirit of the event.
Early visitors will be given a race shirt should they pick up their materials by November 18th. A medal ceremony will take place the morning of the event to award the 1st place overall along with age group awards at 9:00 AM. Join this year’s Galveston Island Turkey Trot to enjoy an exciting race while supporting HART, a local nonprofit that targets health and fitness. Discounted registration is available until October 15th before entry cost goes up to full price. Like in previous year’s the Galveston Island Turkey Trot will take place on Thanksgiving morning.
Holiday in the Gardens
Everyone knows that when you visit Galveston, one of the top attractions in the area to visit is Moody Gardens. You will easily be able to find Moody Gardens here in the city with the giant pyramids being a part of the city horizon. Moody Gardens is known for the four pyramids that houses its attractions including an aquarium, rainforest habitat, and more. During the winter months you will find Holiday in the Gardens taking over the amusement park. You have never quite seen anything like this as Moody Gardens is completely transformed into a winter wonderland. One of the most popular parts of the event is the Festival of Lights that is a mile-long trail where you will stroll past lit up holiday displays, holiday music being played, delicious seasonal food, and more. That is not the only fun for the family to have though! The Arctic Ice Slide is back so you can slide on down. Check out the 3D holiday films or try out the Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer 4D experience. Get a photo with Santa, catch a train ride, and much more. You will find holiday attractions all across Moody Gardens for this festive event. Holiday in the Gardens kicks off on November 18th this year and will run through January 6th.
Board the Polar Express
This Thanksgiving will also overlap with another popular event that runs exclusively here in Galveston. It is time to board the Polar Express as this popular train ride returns to Galveston from November 8th through December 23rd. The Galveston Railroad Museum is bringing back the popular The Polar Express experience which includes a 60-minute train ride to the North Pole and back again. Make sure you get to the Galveston Railroad Museum an hour in advance to see the train steam into the train depot for its unique presentation. Live entertainment will also be on hand at the museum along with Santa Claus presenting his festive dance. Each of the train cars will be decorated with Christmas décor and riders are able to pick out which seating they prefer from standard, deluxe, or premium class. Tickets are already on sale for this special event so make sure to book in advance for a popular time to ride over Thanksgiving.
Galveston Is Ready for You
There is no time like the present to start planning ahead for your Thanksgiving getaway to Galveston. Our vacation rentals will offer the best home away from home just in time for the holidays. Book now and come see why Galveston is the best place to spend your Thanksgiving.
