Get ready for another magical holiday season by making your way to the shores of Galveston. There is no better place to take the family for a memorable experience where you can escape the snow back home. Of course, a holiday visit means you will still want to participate in a variety of holiday activities. Luckily, Galveston offers plenty of holiday events throughout the season to make sure your family has an absolute blast. Here is how you can add magic to your holidays in Galveston with these special events:
Ice Land at The Moody Gardens
Whenever you visit Galveston, you will have quite an array of unique attractions right here in the area. Just look out at the city landscape and you are sure to catch a glimpse of some pyramids that stand apart from everything else. This is where you can find Moody Gardens, a truly one of a kind attraction that offers quite a few different venues to explore, including an aquarium. Each holiday season, Moody Gardens puts on a magical holiday event, Ice Land. This is a season-long event that brings out all of the holiday cheer for you and your family to enjoy.
Perhaps the most popular activity during Ice Land is the Festival of Lights that is once again returning for the 2024 season. This is a holiday festivity that brings in thousands of visitors each year. The Festival of Lights is a one-mile stroll that will take you past incredible holiday displays of Christmas lights; in fact, you will pass by over two million Christmas lights that will shine bright in the night sky. Holiday music is synced up perfectly with the lights to create a one of a kind experience as you walk by each exhibit. Part of the fun is also seeing Star the Dancing Tree of Light as part of the exhibit. You will find plenty of photo opportunities along the trail and even some mistletoe for the lovebirds. Grab a cup of hot chocolate in the concessions area to keep you warm! Kiddie train rides will be available for the little ones to ride, taking them throughout the Festival of Lights for a unique experience.
Additional fun at Ice Land is Pole to Pole, an ice sculpture exhibit that features over two million pounds of ice that are sculpted into works of art. You will find polar bears, walruses, penguins, whales, reindeer, and so much more on display. Stop by the Shivers Ice Bar for your favorite holiday themed cocktail. Or check out the open ice skating rink, where you can enjoy a classic holiday themed activity. The arctic slide is a newer addition to Ice Land and features four slides that will take you down. Don’t forget to check out the aquarium and jungle exhibits that are open year round and catch some of the holiday films being screened in the 3D and 4D theaters. Ice Land truly has something for everyone. Ice Land will be open for the 2024 season from November 23rd through January 1st just in time for the holidays and more.
Dickens on the Strand
One of the longest standing traditions here in Galveston is the Dickens on the Strand. This annual festival returns once again this year for its 51st outing. This incredible event is based on 19th century Victorian London and includes a variety of holiday activities. You will find holiday themed parades marching just along the Strand. Live entertainment will constantly be provided across four different stages and Victorian characters will be roaming the festival. The little children will love to spend some time over in Tiny Tim’s Play Land. Grab gifts to go from costumed vendors or enjoy some holiday beverages and treats. You will find unique gifts such as jewelry, clothing, and decorations perfect for holiday gift giving. Dickens on the Strand will take place this year on December 6th through the 8th.
Santa Hustle
During the Thanksgiving season, you will find a Turkey Trot of some kind in most places, including Galveston. These are usually 5K races that benefit a local nonprofit and help get your body moving before enjoying a tasty meal. During the holiday season, come join us for the Santa Hustle, a Santa Claus themed race taking place on December 22nd. You can enter a variety of races, including the half marathon, 5K, or Kids Dash for the little ones. Registration is now open, so reserve your spot and pick out your best Santa outfit for the race!
Galveston for the Holidays
Now that is quite the selection of holiday fun taking place right here in Galveston. Reserve one of our vacation rentals today and get ready for a holiday season by the coast.
