This year take a break from your regular family tradition of spending the holidays back home and instead spend it somewhere amazing. Of course, we are talking about spending your holidays with us here in Galveston. There is no place better in Texas to spend the holidays where you can find a nearby beautiful beach along with plenty of holiday activities and events taking place in the area. Document your holiday journey by getting family holiday photos during your visit. Here are the best spots to snap festive Galveston pics with the family:
The Polar Express Train Ride
Galveston is home to many different holiday events throughout the season that will win over your entire family. One of them is the annual Polar Express Train Ride taking place over at Galveston Railroad Museum. Your experience riding aboard The Polar Express is theatrically created making it seem like you are actually on the infamous vessel. You will also get to explore real train carts seeing how a voyage would actually feel. Santa Claus will be on hand to jump into your family pic. Getting a family holiday photo with Santa in front of The Polar Express is a dream come true from some children. The Polar Express Train Ride will be available November 8th through December 23rd here in Galveston.
ICE LAND at Holiday in the Gardens
Whenever someone comes to visit Galveston for the first time one of the first attractions to go visit is Moody Gardens. It is difficult to miss as the Moody Gardens stands tall as impressive pyramids in the cityscape. Inside each pyramid you will find a sprawling attraction such as the aquarium pyramid or the jungle pyramid each with impressive habitats for exotic animals. The attraction also features a variety of other activities that will take you all day to explore. During the holiday season The Moody Gardens transforms into ICE LAND, their holiday transformation that is a one of a kind experience. Giant ice sculptures are brought out and the rainforest pyramid features a wonderful holiday theme. Experience one of the 4D and 3D films that hits all of the senses or take a ride on the Arctic Ice Slide. Perhaps the most popular part of ICE LAND is the Festival of Lights. This is a one mile long trail that is illuminated by millions of holiday lights. Holiday music is synced to many light displays creating a thematic journey like no other. Santa Claus will be on hand to help with the fun. Taking a holiday family picture in front of the light tunnel is a unique experience that will make for the perfect holiday card. Come join ICE LAND for holiday fun and a family picture running from November 23rd through January 1st this year.
Dickens on the Strand
Take your holiday family picture back to the Victorian era when you visit Galveston while Dickens on the Strand is taking place. Dickens on the Strand is the annual celebration where Strand Street in Downtown Galveston is transformed into Victorian London. This beloved festival has become a yearly tradition that takes you back in time to see the holiday season through a new lens. You will find plenty of photo booths around Strand along with being able to get family pictures with those dressed up in their Victorian garb. This is unique way to get a family photo and spend the holiday season together. This year’s Dickens on the Strand will take place December 6th through the 8th.
Santa Hustle Half Marathon and 5K
For something a little lighthearted for your holiday family pic consider getting it taken during the Santa Hustle Half Marathon and 5K. This is Galveston’s yearly 5K race taking place just before Christmas. Thousands of participants dressed up as Santa will be in the crowd giving it a lively feel. The magical experience of the race is further complimented by outrageous holiday decorations and live festive music so everyone even those not running can enjoy the event. Get a family picture before or after the race (depending how sweaty you want to look!) in your best Santa attire. Registration for either race is required beforehand to ensure you a spot on race day. This year’s Santa Hustle Half Marathon and 5K will take place on December 22nd and is a great spot for the lighthearted holiday family photo.
More Holiday Fun in Galveston
As you can see, these are a few of the different spots where you can get unique and exciting holiday family pics. Don’t forget to get pictures at the beach or along the seawall for the true Galveston experience. Book a stay at one of our vacation rentals and see how your holiday season can be the best it can be.
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.
Many people love a Christmas holiday spent at home, staying warm as the snow starts to fall. While this romantic idea for the holidays is always a fun one, you sure cannot beat an enjoyable vacation by the Gulf spent here in Galveston. You can form new family memories while still enjoying many activities you love. This can include enjoying a Christmas dinner in Galveston with everyone. There are a few ways to do this, including finding a restaurant open to dine in at, ordering take-out from a local restaurant, or simply making a meal at your vacation rental. Here are the best ways to do just that:
Dining In for Christmas Dinner
It can be difficult to find a restaurant open on Christmas Day if you do not know where to look. Many business owners choose to close for the day to spend time with families. Luckily, we know a few restaurants that will remain open, making it easy to enjoy your holiday meal. One such location is Millers Seawall Grill that has been open since 1976. The restaurant offers a casual ambience perfect for families who want a no frills kind of experience. However, do not mistake casual for low quality, as the entire menu is absolutely delicious.
Millers is known specifically for their seafood, but the menu offers several options. Try out the appetizers such as hush puppies and corn chowder that are local favorites. Whenever you order your entrees, you can always order a few of the platters to share amongst the family. The Millers Platter is massive with fresh seafood, fried shrimp and fish, gumbo, chowder, and crab balls. Additional favorites on the menu include tacos, shrimp and grits, steak, grilled seafood, burgers, salads, sandwiches, and much more. There is always dessert on the menu to indulge a sweet tooth in the party. You can order a variety of adult beverages for the adults to pair with their meal. If you want to enjoy your meal in the morning, they also offer a breakfast menu. Make sure to arrive early for your meal as Millers Seawall Grill is always popular, especially on a day when other restaurants are closed.
Additional restaurants that are typically open on Christmas Day include Hearsay on the Strand, Landry’s Prime Seafood & Steaks, and more. Make sure to place a reservation if available prior to you heading out to ensure you have a table!
Ordering Take-Out Here in Galveston
If you want to have the delicious food from local restaurants but the comfort of your vacation rental simply order take-out to go. Several restaurants in the area offer take-out services that make it easy to place your order and pick it up when its ready. One local favorite that is known for a variety of seafood and Italian dishes that offers takeout is Mario’s Seawall Italian & Pizzeria. This local joint serves up freshly prepare seafood along with fried seafood. The Italian dishes are the big winner with baked lasagna, deep dish pizza, and an assortment of other pasta dishes. Galveston is also known for having a great creole market for our restaurants. Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar offers creole along with American and Cajun cuisine. Order a takeout meal with beignets, fried shrimp, and even prime rib gumbo; yum! For some cuisine south of the border you can order from Taquilo’s Tex Mex Cantina. Their take-out services will include a variety of Southwestern and Mexican cuisine including their fan favorite tuna ceviche. Of course, there is no more noticeable restaurant here in Galveston than Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. They continue to offer take-out services for Christmas to enjoy their world famous shrimp and cocktail sauce.
Prepare a Meal in Your Vacation Rental
Stay at “home” for Christmas by kicking back in your vacation rental and preparing a meal all on your own. Our rentals offer spacious kitchens that will make it easy to prepare a meal for the holidays. Extended countertops and full-size appliances make it easy to prepare each of the entrees and sides all at once. Most of our homes also feature spacious dining rooms so everyone can sit down together for the meal too. All you need are ingredients found at the nearest grocer or market! We make you feel right at home for Christmas dinner.
Get Ready for More Holiday Fun
Christmas dinner is just one of the many ways to spend your holiday vacation here in Galveston. Simply find your favorite property in our selection so you can see just how great Galveston really is during the holidays.
The holiday season is finally almost here and with it comes some exciting ways to spend that time here in Galveston. Take your family on a memorable excursion to Galveston that will be cherished for years to come. You will find that Galveston brings out the holiday vibes while keeping the temperatures nice and comfortable. One of the best ways to spend your time here in Galveston during the holidays is by checking out the local Christmas lights and displays. Many local events feature all kinds of light along with the local neighborhoods. Take a look at the best spots where you can check out displays and Christmas lights in Galveston TX:
Festival of Lights
Each year, Moody Gardens puts on their much anticipated holiday event, the Holiday in the Gardens. This event is a month and a half long celebration that starts just before Thanksgiving and runs through the new year. You will be able to see all kinds of incredible holiday themed attractions that are transformed for the season.
One of the many attractions taking place this winter at Holiday in the Gardens is the Festival of Lights. This holiday event has become a staple for locals in the community to check out each year. The Festival of Lights returns once again to light up your holiday season. It is a one-mile journey that will take you through displays of holiday fun for a beautiful experience. Over two million Christmas lights are used for the Festival of Lights, making it one of the biggest holiday attractions in the entire Southwest. Holiday music is played in the background and synced up with the many Christmas lights and lighted scenes.
During your experience, you will be able to enjoy Star the Dancing Tree along with a concessions area that features hot chocolate, festival food, and the fireside S’mores experience. You will find there to be plenty of photo opportunities to snap a pic along the way. Visitors will need to purchase a Holiday Pass to allow entry into the Festival of Lights trail. The pass also entails guests into other winter areas such as Ice Land: Pole to Pole, trips down the artic slide, opportunities for little children to ride the kiddie train through the Festival of Lights, and the infamous aquarium and jungle pyramids. Don’t miss out on the Festival of Lights taking place November 23rd through January 1st here at Moody Gardens.
Downtown Galveston Tree Lighting
Each holiday season officially begins when the local Christmas Tree is lit up for the season. Galveston features our own tree lighting with the Downtown Galveston Tree Lighting that takes place the Saturday after Thanksgiving each year. You will be able to watch members of the local fire and police departments escort Santa Claus himself over to Saengerfest Park for the ceremony. Galveston’s mayor will also be there to provide a helping hand for this absolutely free event. Marvel at the giant tree and its abundance of Christmas lights on display here for the holiday season. While you are in the area make sure to explore Galveston Art Center’s ArtWalk nearby. This local event takes place every 8 weeks and times up with the local tree lighting ceremony. Enjoy the walk where you will find local businesses decked out in Christmas lights for the season. You will find incredible local artwork on display making it an enjoyable experience for everyone in the family.
Miracle Pop UP Bar at DTO
The adults in the group will want to enjoy an evening without the kids while experiencing holiday lights. Head on over to Daiquiri Time Out in Downtown Galveston for their Miracle pop up bar. This is a holiday themed pop up bar that features creative holiday cocktails made by hand. The setting includes unique holiday décor along with tons of Christmas lights on display. You will find that Miracle is able to make everyone a Christmas fan, even the Grinches in your family.
Galveston Holiday Lighting Celebration at Grand Galvez
Another great holiday tree lighting ceremony to experience can be found over on the front lawn of the Grand Galvez. This ceremony takes place the Friday after Thanksgiving for an evening full of festivities. Starting at 6:00 PM you will find Santa Claus to help out along with the Galveston Ballet and Galveston Symphony Brass Ensemble. The 35 foot tall Christmas tree will light up with hundreds of incredible lights. Don’t miss out on this free event that is open to the public!
More Holiday Fun in Galveston
As you can see, we do not skip out on the fun for the holidays here in Galveston. Make sure to reserve one of our vacation rentals in the area to experience Galveston the best way possible.
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.
The fall season is a great time of year to get out and explore somewhere new. The cooler weather lets you stay outdoors for longer and get to take in the sights. A great place to visit any fall season is right here in Galveston. Our Texas home features beautiful sandy beaches and plenty of local activities to keep you busy with. Traveling around Halloween can be tricky when your kids most likely want to enjoy some trick-or-treating. Luckily, there are plenty of spots right here in Galveston you can take them to for a safe and friendly trick-or-treating experience. Here are the best places to trick-or-treat and celebrate Halloween in Galveston:
Menard House
Galveston has an incredibly rich history here in Texas with many neighborhoods and buildings being 200 years old! Exploring the historic side of Galveston is always recommended during your stay. Many visitors will make their way to Menard House during their visit to take a tour of the oldest building in Galveston. This building was built in 1829 by one of the founders of Galveston and features a Greek revival style. Most of the furniture and the rest of the furnishings inside the home are all original dating back to the early 1800s. Eventually, the home was sold to other families and came into disrepair. Now, the home has been repaired and reconstructed to look just the way it did when it was first built.
The Galveston Historical Foundation offers tours and private events here at Menard House, allowing it to be a museum of Galveston’s earliest days. Each Halloween, the Menard House opens its front gates to trick-or-treaters. While the home will not be open for tours that evening, families will be allowed onto the property, allowing you to see this incredible building up close. Individual bags of candy will be handed out to the costumed children, making sure they get what they came for. The Menard House will have its gates open for trick-or-treaters on October 31st from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM and is free to enter.
Halloween Spooktacular
Galveston is also home to The Bryan Museum, a local museum that houses one of the largest collections in the world featuring American West and Texas artifacts, artwork, and historical documents. The Bryan Museum is located inside the historic Galveston Orphans Home and continues to be a local tradition to this day 10 years after opening to the public. Visitors can stop by The Bryan Museum Wednesday through Sunday and browse their incredible collections in person.
The Bryan Museum also hosts a variety of exciting events throughout the year that are each more exciting than the last. Each fall season, The Bryan Museum hosts the Halloween Spooktacular that is a treat for both adults and children alike. Come experience the Halloween Spooktacular this year on Sunday October 27th where children ages 12 and younger will be able to get into the museum for absolutely free. The whole family will be able to enjoy a variety of Halloween themed activities including a scavenger hunt, fall arts and crafts, a ghost hunt out in the garden, special photo places to snap a photo, a walking costume parade, outdoor games, and more. Listen to spooky stories out over in the gazebo.
Of course, you came here to learn all about trick-or-treating here in Galveston, and the Halloween Spooktacular will feature that as well. Decorate candy stations will be set up around the museum grounds where the little ones will be able to get all the candy they could want. If you end up being hungry for more than just candy, you can always stop by the Space Craft BBQ food truck for some tasty grub.
The museum is open during normal Sunday hours for the event so you can stop by whenever. The Halloween Spooktacular event itself will run from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM for all the ghoulish games, candy, and fantastical fun that you and your family could want!
Trick-or-Treat Around Your Vacation Rental
The best part of any stay here in Galveston is the chance to reserve one of our vacation rentals in the area. We offer a variety of homes found all across Galveston. You will find many of our homes to be in the most desirable neighborhoods of Galveston. Many of these neighborhoods are very safe and will provide a great opportunity for you and your loved ones to enjoy some trick-or-treating. Simply find your favorite vacation rental here in the area and get to planning. If you ever have any questions about where to spend your trick-or-treating at you can always reach out to our team to show you the way!
We are slowly approaching the end of summer, and with it comes cooler temps across the country. Now is the perfect time to start planning for your next fall getaway. If you are looking for the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation, head on over to the coast of Galveston. Our Texas home brings out all of the fun no matter what time of year you visit. You will find that the lineup of events taking place in Galveston this fall is second to none as well. Take a look at the fall events in Galveston this year:
Galveston Island Wine Festival
Each year, the local attraction center of Moody Gardens hosts a variety of events perfect for individuals of all ages. This includes festivals focused on family friendly activities. This also includes adults-only events such as this year’s Galveston Island Wine Festival that is quickly approaching. This annual event brings out some of Texas’s most renowned chefs and sommeliers for an incredible festival. The Galveston Island Wine Festival is a three-day event that kicks off on August 30th to celebrate a fun time with incredible wine, live music, and delicious food.
The event kicks off with the Seven on Seven Seafood Extravaganza, where you can easily pair your wine with sensational dishes. Saturday continues the fun with Penguins & Pinot: Grand Tasting located over in the Aquarium Pyramid. If you have visited Moody Gardens before, you know it encompasses different attractions located in beautiful pyramid structures. The aquarium pyramid holds some truly special animals in spacious habitats. Take a look at all of the wonderful creatures, including jellyfish, sharks, tropical fish, and of course, penguins.
Finish off the event with the Wine’d Down After Hours special located at Palm Beach with a dazzling fireworks show. You are in for a treat as the fireworks light up the sky and reflect off the Offatts Bayou. Tickets are now available for the Galveston Island Wine Festival taking place August 30th through September 1st here at Moody Gardens!
Galveston Island Shrimp Festival
The biggest event taking place in Galveston each year is the annual Galveston Island Shrimp Festival that focuses on all things shrimp and plenty more. This multiday event has something for everyone so the whole family can come enjoy the fun. The event kicks off with the Friday Kick Off Party, where 800 guests can enjoy a fried shrimp dinner, live music, and an open bar. This adults-only event is for those 21 years of age and older and will sell out. The next morning will be the annual Shrimp Scamper 5K Fun Run that invites everyone to join the fun. Participants will receive a performance t-shirt, participation medals, free beers after the event for the adults, and a costume contest.
Add on the Gumbo Stroll or Shrimp Dinner Plate option to your ticket to receive a delicious meal to refuel you for the day. The meals will be prepared by award winning chefs. You can even vote on your favorite shrimp gumbo for a fun cook off action. The Lil’ Shrimps parade lets the kids join in on the fun with their own costumed play. Live music will be on hand all day long for the event and include local vendors, a kids play area, and the Strand Merchant Walk About. Tickets are currently on sale for the Galveston Island Shrimp Festival that will take place on September 27th and 28th here in Downtown Galveston!
ARToberFEST
Join the local arts community and celebrate this year’s ARToberFEST taking place October 19th and 20th. This premier arts festival will showcase works of art from over 120 different US artists. The work will be presented by The Grand 1894 Opera House. You will be able to see each brush stroke of the paints or feel the smooth movements needed to create beautiful ceramic vases. You can even meet the artists and see their demonstrations up close. Don’t miss out on ARToberFEST this year!
Island Oktoberfest
Of course, you cannot feature fall events without featuring the area’s Oktoberfest. Galveston hosts the Island Oktoberfest each year for a family friendly event. You will be able to dress up in your finest German attire while enjoying live music, a live auction, authentic German food and drink, and plenty of children’s activities. The Island Oktoberfest takes place this October 25th and 26th for the whole family to enjoy!
More Fall Fun in Galveston
As you can see, there is plenty of fun waiting for you and the family right here in Galveston. Simply book your favorite rental with us and prepare for the perfect fall getaway.
Get ready for one last summer adventure by preparing for a Labor Day getaway. Everyone knows that Labor Day typically signals the end of the summer season, as the kids are back in or getting ready to go back to school. Labor Day also offers an extended weekend allowing parents to take time away from work. This means it is a no brainer to plan for an exciting adventure getaway. When looking for your Labor Day destination look no further than Galveston. Our coastal Texas town is an exciting summer destination and will still be providing all of the fun when you visit for Labor Day. Take a look at what the 2024 Labor Day Weekend in Galveston will look like.
Galveston Island Wine Festival
Galveston is a destination that features many exciting events throughout the year to make your stay even more memorable. This includes Labor Day Weekend, as the fan favorite Galveston Island Wine Festival returns to the shores of Galveston. This annual festival is scheduled to take place August 30th through September 1st for a weekend of wine and festivities. The Galveston Island Wine Festival takes place at the Moody Gardens once again so you know that the location will match the excitement of the event. The Galveston Island Wine Festival kicks off that Friday with a Welcome Reception and Seven on Seven Seafood Extravaganza. This is a unique experience where top tier chefs will be on hand to create seasonal dishes that are paired with wines from all over the world.
Return the next evening to enjoy the Penguins & Pinot: Grand Tasting at the Aquarium. As the name suggests, you will be having a wine tasting at the aquarium where you tour the Oceans of the World and enjoy a variety of wine, spirits, and food bites. There will even be marine animal encounters that are sure to take you to new depths! Wrap up your evening with the Wine’d Down After Hours at Palm Beach where live entertainment, dancing, and a dazzling fireworks display will close up the evening.
The Galveston Island Wine Festival will officially come to an end that Sunday with the Bourbon Dinner that provides a sampling of exclusive bourbons and of course delicious food. This is the perfect event for the adults in your group who want to enjoy the finer things of life such as exclusive wine and spirits. Tickets are now available for purchase!
Free Sandcastle Building Lessons
One of the many reasons why Galveston is a popular summer destination is our beautiful beaches. You will find that the numerous beaches give you plenty of room to stretch out under the sun and relax. Galveston is home to many different professional sandcastle builders who you can book to show you how to create your own works of art. Over Labor Day Weekend, however, you can enjoy free sandcastle building lessons over at East Beach. On Saturday August 31st at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM you will find these lessons to be absolutely free. The professionals will be bringing a limited amount of equipment so make sure to bring your own in case the event gets popular. No registration is required in advance, so you can simply show up and learn all about this popular beach activity!
Bucket Brigade Interpretive Tours
Exploring the beaches of Galveston is always a popular pastime so make sure to join the Bucket Brigade as they bring back their Interpretive Tours. These educational tours and a fun way to see the marine creatures and different parts of Galveston beaches. Participants will get hands on activities as you explore the turbid water of Galveston, seaweed, marine debris, and much more. These tours also take place at East Beach and will be available on Saturday August 31st and Sunday September 1st. Each tour last for approximately 45 minutes in length.
Pride at East Beach
Labor Day Weekend is also when Galveston will be celebrating our Pride weekend. Specifically, the festivities will take place on Each Beach along with Robert’s Lafitte bar. The celebration of Pride is a celebration of love and equality that will be complete with pageantry, exciting parties, and much more. The Pride Pageant will crown a Mr. and Miss Pride along with several other exciting highlights. Don’t miss out on the Beach Bash with live DJs and snacks or the Neon Party. There will be endless fun over this three day event taking place over Labor Day Weekend!
Now Is the Time to Book!
Labor Day will be here before you know it, so make sure to book ahead. Our vacation rentals will keep you close to these Labor Day activities while keeping you comfortable. Simply find your favorite rental and get ready for Labor Day Weekend.
The summer is finally in full swing and with it comes the opportunity for you and your family to get out and explore. If you need the perfect reason to come and check out Galveston, consider visiting over the Fourth of July holiday. This summer the Fourth of July will land on a Thursday allowing you to enjoy a long weekend away from home. Galveston has tons of summer activities to enjoy along with special events to bring in the holiday with. Take a look at how your Fourth of July can best be spent here with us in Galveston:
Galveston Island Independence Day Parade & Fireworks
Most places in the country offer a standing tradition of a Fourth of July celebration that ends with a dazzling display of fireworks in the night sky. Galveston understands this important tradition and keeps it going with our annual Galveston Island Independence Day Parade & Fireworks celebration. You will not find a bigger celebration in all of Galveston than this special event.
Galveston Island Independence Day Parade & Fireworks really brings out the summer fun with both activities that complete the event. You can kick start your Fourth of July holiday with the parade starting at 6:00 p.m. here in the city. You will find a parade filled with decorated vehicles, live performers, and patriotic floats from start to finish. Galveston Island Independence Day Parade will take place along Seawall Blvd starting at 22nd St and extending out to 45th St. The parade will last approximately half an hour giving you plenty of time to grab some food before the fireworks close out the event.
Speaking of fireworks, they will begin at 9:15 p.m. with the launch point found at 37th St. and Seawall Jetty. The Gulf of Mexico will be the backdrop as the fireworks are shot over the gulf allowing the bright fireworks display reflect off the water. You will not find a bigger or brighter Fourth of July fireworks along the Texas coast! Any spot along the Seawall will provide a great vantage point for the fireworks show. Make sure to show up early so you can grab a spot as close to the water as possible! Galveston Island Independence Day Parade & Fireworks is the best way to celebrate the Fourth of July here in Galveston!
Patriot Pass
One of the most exciting attractions found in Galveston when you visit, is the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. When you visit this local attraction you will find a combination of rides, food, and fun for the whole family. In fact, the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is one of the few locations in the world that features so many rides that will take you over the water. When you visit you will find a variety of coasters and rides including the popular Texas Star Flyer, Iron Shark Rollercoaster, Galaxy Wheel, and much more.
There are even rides perfect for young children so they can still have high-flying fun. Take a ride aboard the 5D Theater Ride that offers an elevated experience into the Mysterious Underworld. The Midway games section features plenty of fun and exciting games where you can win tickets for prizes. Local restaurants on the pier include Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. so you will never go hungry.
There is so much fun to experience at the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier that you may not be able to see it all in just one day. This is where the Fourth of July holiday fun kicks in with the Patriot Pass being available for a limited time. This year, purchase the Patriot Pass to enjoy four days of unlimited access to the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier’s rides. One simple pass will gain you access from July 4th through the 7th for unlimited fun.
The Patriot Pass does not stop there either. If you want to spend a day over in Houston, you will be thrilled to learn that the Patriot Pass will also get you entry into the Downtown Aquarium. This sprawling aquarium features several different habitats and exhibits including their Texas Bayou, Sunken Temple, Shipwreck, and much more. You will see incredible animals from a variety of fish to beautiful tigers. The Patriot Pass will also get you access into the Kemah Boardwalk if you find yourself in that area as well. With so much fun available in one pass you can see why it is easy to purchase a Patriot Pass during your stay!
Get Ready for Galveston
These are just a few of the many ways to spend your time here with us in Galveston this Fourth of July. Book your stay today and come see why the shores of Galveston continue to be a top Texas summer destination.
The summer heat is closing in quick, so it is time to cool off for a little summer getaway. Make the most of your upcoming summer season by planning for a summer vacation to the cool shores of Galveston. Our coastal Texas home offers you the perfect Southwest beach destination that also features many activities and attractions in the area. One of the best reasons to visit Galveston during the summer is access to some of the best events of the year. Galveston knows how to keep the fun going throughout your stay. Take a look at the top Galveston events happening this year in June.
Bucket Brigade Interpretive Beach Tours
Getting to know the area is always help when staying somewhere new such as Galveston. The Bucket Brigade offers weekend tours over at East Beach to help you learn all about our Galveston Beaches. There Bucket Brigade Interpretive Beach Tours all welcome for all ages and explores the different little critters and features that make up the beaches. Guests will find out there is more in turbid water and Sargassum than they know and plenty of little things can be found washed up all over the beach. Each tour is a fun and educational experience as you get hands on with marine debris and Sargassum landings. Each tour is offered every weekend on Saturdays and Sundays starting at 9:00 AM for approximately 45 minutes each.
Broadway Beauties Walking Tour
Galveston is home to some truly stunning and elegant mansions that are found all over town. You can have the chance to stroll by 20 different mansions and learn all about their families and contributions to the city when you join a Broadway Beauties Walking Tour here in Galveston. This tour starts over at the famous Moody Mansion before you head west to Bishop’s Palace and make little detours along the way to see all of these incredible homes up close. The Galveston Historical Foundation will lead the tour, and your guide will be able to answer all of your questions. Admission for the Broadway Beauties Walking Tour are $25 per person and need to be purchased in advanced. The tour is offered on six different dates in June, including June 1st, June 2nd, June 15th, June 16th, June 29th, and June 30th. Don’t miss this educational yet exciting walking tour of the area!
Professional Sandcastle Building Lessons at Sandcastle Days
Whenever you visit Galveston, you will immediately notice the incredible sandcastles on display at the local beaches. There is a reason for the sheer number of sandcastles as the area has several professional sandcastle builders who provide lessons during certain parts of the year. You too can learn how to build these stunning constructs when you join one of the free lessons taking place over at East Beach. Sandcastle Days takes place every Saturday from Memorial Day up to Labor Day meaning that every Saturday in June is open for you to enjoy. The lessons will take place at the water’s edge making sure you have the perfect conditions for your sand. The professionals will be on hand to show you certain techniques and what kind of structures are best to build. This event is welcome to all ages so everyone in the family can join and have fun. Professional Sandcastle Building Lessons at Sandcastle Days will take place every Saturday at East Beach from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM and are absolutely free!
Bar 43 Summer Music Series
One of the best things to do when visiting somewhere is checking out the local music scene. You can experience performances from local bands when you stop by Bar 43’s Summer Music Series this June. This summer event series invites local artists or bands from the area to take up the stage each Wednesday night and select Friday nights. You will find some amazing local talent on display as their play their hearts out. Entry into Bar 43 is always free during the Summer Music Series, so you can enjoy the show for absolutely free. You will be able to order up any of your favorite adult beverages to enjoy during the show. Bar Bites will also be available along with some non-alcoholic options such as cold brew coffee and more. Bar 43 is one of the liviest bars in the area so you know their Summer Music Series is sure to be a hit! Music starts at 7:00 PM on their event nights.
Get Ready for Galveston
These are just a few of the many events taking place around Galveston this June. Book your vacation rental today and get ready for an unbelievable time. Galveston always looks best when you have the comfort of a luxury vacation rental.