The winter season is in full swing, and with it comes the nonstop scheduling of holidays. This year take a different approach to your holiday season. Instead of spending it back home doing what you always do come make the trip to Galveston. Our Texas home has plenty of exciting events and attractions to enjoy especially if you visit for the New Year’s holiday. Here is what you can plan for taking place in Galveston for New Year’s:
New Year’s Palooza at Moody Gardens
Whenever you visit Galveston you will easily spot The Moody Gardens among the cityscape. The Moody Gardens is perhaps the most popular attraction here in Galveston and is easily recognizable with its dual pyramids. Each year The Moody Gardens throws massive celebrations for most of the big holidays. One of those holidays is New Year’s Eve where The Moody Gardens throws their New Year’s Palooza just in time to celebrate. The Moody Gardens will have two different ways for you to celebrate New Year’s Eve this year at their Palooza. The first is their New Year’s Eve Party with the Mambo Jazz Kings. This adults-only affair is the perfect way to bring in the new year with a little live music. The Mambo Jazz Kings will be on hand all night long performing their jazz hits. Dance the night away with an array of hors d’oeuvres along with two complimentary drink tickets. A cash bar will also be on hand should you need anything else. There will be a balloon drop where you can countdown to the stroke of midnight to celebrate the coming of 2025. The New Year’s Eve Party with the Mambo Kings will take place over in the Frances Anne Moody Ballroom.
The second New Year’s Eve event as part of the Palooza is the New Year’s Eve Cruise on the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat. This is the perfect option for those with kids in stow who want to bring in the new year together. The Colonel Paddlewheel Boat is a spacious boat that is always a popular attraction at The Moody Gardens. For the cruise families will be seated in a European or family style where you will be sharing a large table with others. General admission tickets will provide this experience while you can also add on a private window upgrade for our own personal table. Guests will board between 6:30 to 7:00 PM with dinner available from 7:00 to 8:00 PM. Enjoy a delicious meal with iced tea and lemonade included. Adults are also able to purchase beer, wine, cocktails, soft drinks, and bottled water as well for the family. Families will set sail on the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat from 7:00 to 9:00 PM as you the boat explores the local waters. This is a great experience for all ages and will have you back on land before bedtime for the little ones. Large groups of 20 and more can also be accommodated.
Last Chance to Experience Holiday in the Gardens
During your visit you will also be able to take advantage of the final days of the holiday season. January 1st will be the last day you can experience Holiday in the Gardens at The Moody Gardens. This season long event wraps up on New Year’s so you can see the incredible attractions one last time. Guests will take a step into ICE LAND where they will find all kinds of holiday exhibits. The Festival of Lights is a one mile long trail that is covered in over 2 million holiday lights. You will get to explore parts of The Moody Gardens that overlook the Galveston Bay along the way. During the trail you will make stops at the Dancing Tree of Lights and different concession areas where you can purchase hot chocolate and s’mores. Visitors will also be able to enjoy the massive ice sculptures found in Pole to Pole. You will encounter sculptures of reindeer, owls, polar bears, penguins, and many more. Over 2 million pounds of ice are used for these massive sculptures! Let the little ones hop on the Kiddie Train Rides. This will take them through holiday light exhibits and enjoy music along the way. Don’t forget about the ice skating rink and so much more during the last days of Holiday in the Gardens.
Book Today in Time for New Year’s in Galveston
New Year’s Eve is just around the corner so make sure you do not miss out on making it to Galveston this year. These are just a few of the many different ways you can celebrate here in town with the family Reserve one of our vacation rentals nearby to find the most comfortable stay in town. Galveston is waiting.
