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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:

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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.

Hoilday Events in Galveston

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.

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.

Now is the perfect time to get ready for an incredible summer getaway. Make sure you make the most of your summer getaway by spending it here in Galveston. You will find that our coastal Texas home features some incredible summer activities to keep you busy throughout your stay. Galveston also features tons of exciting summer events that are exclusive to the season. Each event has something for everyone to ensure your group or family has the best time here. Take a look at the top summer events in Galveston:

 

Galveston Island Wine Festival

Whenever you travel somewhere new you want to take the edge off a little and relax. One great way to do that is by enjoying a glass of your favorite wine. During the late summer season Galveston hosts the annual Galveston Island Wine Festival where you can indulge yourself in incredible wine all event long. The Galveston Island Wine Festival is a two-day event where a lineup of wine-themed activities will await. The festival takes place at the Moody Gardens convention center ensuring each activity has plenty of room for everyone to enjoy. Events in the past have featured a variety of exciting events such as a sommelier seminar, luxury wine tasting with wines from all over the world, champagne social hours, seafood extravaganzas hosted by world class chefs. Enjoy some of the finest seafood expertly paired with luxury wine.

Additional activities include live music each day and access to the rest of Moody Gardens. This includes their Aquarium Pyramid where you can view incredible aquatic life in spacious exhibits. Their habitats include jellyfish, sharks, tropical fish, seals, sea lions, and much more. Specific details for this year’s Galveston Island Wine Festival has yet to be posted but will be available soon. Save the date for the Galveston Island Wine Festival taking place this year on August 31 to September 1st at Moody Gardens. Purchase your tickets today and get ready for one of the hottest summer events here in Galveston!

 

Texas Story Summer Camp

During the summer season you may wish for your kids to enjoy some educational activities while they are off from school. If so, visit Galveston around the Fourth of July week to sign your kids up for the Texas Story Summer Camp taking place at The Bryan Museum. From Monday July 1st through Wednesday July 3rd your kids can enjoy a three-day summer camp with activities during the day. The Bryan Museum is a local museum that is known for its incredible educational activities. The Texas Story Summer Camp will have a focus on history, art, writing, drama, and much more. Your kids will be able to enact out popular stories and be a little creative on their own. The camp is geared for children ages 8-12 making it perfect for any elementary school aged kiddos in the family. The activities will include tours of the museum and take place each day from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Tickets are on sale now and priced at $175 per child. For additional information feel free to email education@thebryanmuseum.org.

 

Summer Theatre Camp

Another great camp for your children to attend is the Summer Theatre Camp put on by The Grand Opera House right here in Galveston. Each summer, The Grand puts on a summer camp where the group of children learn a new stage production. This year’s event will be an exciting production of the timeless tale of Hercules. The camp is a five-day experience for the children that begins on Monday July 15th and finishes up Friday July 19th. The children will attend daily classes that run from 12:30 PM to 5:30 PM before putting on the final show on Friday at 6:00 PM for friends and family to see. This is a great way for children who wish to get into theatre and need something to do during an extended stay in Galveston. Tickets are on sale now with registration for the camp costing $245 per child. Sign up early to save $10 on registration fees with an early bird discount. Your kids will love these camps held exclusively in Galveston.

 

Book Your Summer Stay in Galveston Today

These summer events are just one of the many different ways you can spend your summer here in Galveston. Before your trip make sure you reserve one of our trusted properties here in the area. You can experience full size homes with luxury amenities that will make your stay as comfortable as ever. You can beat the heat with central A/C, spacious living areas, and comfortable bedrooms to ensure you feel great all trip long. Simply find your favorite property in our listing today and get ready for summer here in Galveston!

It has been a whirlwind of a summer season this year with record-breaking heat here in Galveston. Of course, the summer is always the most popular time of year to visit Galveston to enjoy a summer break from school and work. However, the best time to visit will always be the fall season. This time of year sees cooler temps take hold along with the same exciting fall things to do in Texas. Take a look at why your vacation getaway to Galveston is always best enjoyed in the fall:

 
 

Feels Like Fall

Texas is right here in the southwest so we get to experience a warmer climate than most parts of the country. This means our summer can get toasty but it also means our fall and winter seasons are much more mild. When you visit in the fall you will find enjoyable weather for the entire duration of your stay. The fall season in Galveston often features temps in the 70s making for an enjoyable experience especially if home is already getting chilly. This makes for an incredible vacation getaway where you can spend all of the time outdoors having a blast with your family.

 

Island Oktoberfest

The fall season brings about a variety of exciting events that will make for a vacation getaway to remember. One such event is Oktoberfest which celebrates the fall season and German heritage all over the world. Oktoberfest can also be found here in Galveston on Friday, October 27th, and Saturday, October 28th put on by the First Lutheran Church of Galveston. The event is always free to attend and will be an absolute blast for the whole family. Dressing up in your best German attire is always highly encouraged but never required. While at Oktoberfest make sure to try out the Wurstabenddessen, the sausage dinner that is complete with wurst and a variety of German sides. The event will take place in Downtown Galveston where you will also find incredible live music and dancing happening all around. Beer tents will be serving all of your favorite German beers by the mug or pint. Since you will be in Downtown Galveston you can easily shop around the local stores in between your event festivities. Don’t miss out on this highly popular fall event right here in Galveston!

 

Galveston Island Shrimp Festival

Come start off the fall season with a visit to Galveston while the Galveston Island Shrimp Festival is on. This is the ultimate foodie event where you can enjoy delicious shrimp, gumbo, and much more. The Galveston Island Shrimp Festival will be taking place September 22nd through the 23rd right at the onset of the fall season in the Historic Strand District. It features a variety of activities each more fun than the last. Stop by the gumbo cook-off where amateur and professional chefs prepare the best gumbo. Purchase a Gumbo Sampling Cup to try out a little bit from everyone! The Shrimp Scamper 5K Fun Run is a great way to burn off some calories while dressed in your best shrimp attire before digging into the food. The Ron Hoover Boat Show showcases some beautiful boats up close. Live music will be on hand along with the Lil’ Shrimps Parade perfect for kids. The Galveston Island Shrimp Festival cannot be missed!

 

Baywatch Dolphin Tours

With Galveston being located right on the Texas coast you would be remiss to not find some time out on the ocean! Check out Baywatch Dolphin Tours for the best dolphin watch tours here in the city. The tours are a great combination of dolphin sightings and learning about the Galveston harbor history. You will be taken three miles through the harbor as you learn all about the common and local Atlantic bottlenose dolphins that find the area to be their home. each voyage lasts for approximately 45 minutes and practically guarantees you will see these loveable critters in the water. Four vessels are available for the tours making sure you always have a spot to book. Baywatch Dolphin Tours also offers party boats where you can have a party out on the water to celebrate a momentous occasion. Book a tour now and see just how incredible dolphins are out in the wild!

 

The Fall Season Has It Best

As you can see the fall season really is a great time of year to come and see how incredible Galveston is. You will be able to enjoy all of the outdoor activities and events to their fullest. Make sure to book one of our vacation rentals, which are also more readily available in the fall, for your stay. You will find the best vacation possible here in Galveston with our fall and seasonal properties.

There is no time for an exciting vacation getaway than the summer and we have the ideal destination for you. Galveston is the premier beachside destination here in the state of Texas and we could not be any more excited for you to visit. The summer season is a great time to visit as you can find a variety of Galveston summer events perfect for your adventure. Take a look at the top summer events we have coming up here in Galveston this year:

 

On the Sidewalk: Summer Concert Series

There is just something about the warm weather of summer that brings out the need for live music and Galveston makes sure to deliver. Our home offers the annual On the Sidewalk, a summer concert series like no other. Maceo’s Spice & Import Co. brings out their summer concert series every Thursday right outside their location. Maceo has been a Galveston staple since its opening in 1944 and can be found in one of the historical buildings in the city. You will take a step back into American history the second you enter the building to find a variety of specialty import foods and spices. Their café offers some delicious eats such as sandwiches, soups, and much more. Maceo’s On the Sidewalk: Summer Concert Series will have a local artist play outside the building for those who wish to hear some free live music. Bring your own chair to hang out in comfort and enjoy some of the tasty food that Maceo has to offer. On the Sidewalk: Summer Concert Series takes place every Thursday from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM until early September.

 

Galveston Island Shrimp Festival

The summer season may have just started but one of the best summer events in Galveston takes place on the last official day of summer. The Galveston Island Shrimp Festival will be here before you know it offering one of the top events of the year. The Galveston Island Shrimp Festival is a two-day event that features all things shrimp. The party officially starts on Friday, September 22nd for the official Friday kick-off party at Saengerfest Park. This year’s festival will be the 14th annual event and the kick-off party is expected to be 800 people strong at least. This shrimptastic party will feature some live music, a fried shrimp dinner, and an open bar. Show up for some tasty food and drinks! The actual festival event will take place Saturday, September 23rd where you will find several different activities to enjoy. Start your day with the 5K so you can earn your future shrimp-themed food of the day. The event lets you enjoy a race with the first 400 participants also getting a participation medal, an exclusive t-shirt event, and 3 free beers. After your race enjoy the food with the famous gumbo stroll. Gumbo is a delicious entrée enjoyed by many in Galveston and it’s even better with shrimp.  The stroll starts at noon through the Galveston Historic Strand District where award-winning cooks will create some absolutely incredible gumbo. If you want to skip the stroll and instead go grab some food head over to the event for a shrimp dinner plate. You can always register a cook team to participate in the event yourself too. End your summer season with the best shrimp ever here at the Galveston Island Shrimp Festival.

 

Lego Camp – Summer Camp at Galveston’s Children’s Museum

There is nothing that kids love more than Legos so let them have their brick-building fun during a Lego summer camp put on by the Galveston Children’s Museum. This summer camp will allow your kids to have the tools and processes to feel like an artist or engineer with Lego fun. This three-day camp is perfect for children ages 4 to 10 with days filled with fun. The Lego summer camp will take place August 7th through the 9th just in time for the summer season before the kids go back to school. Each day will be held from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM where something yummy is provided for the kids along with unique activities. Registration is required with the Galveston Children’s Museum in advance. Additional camps available this summer also include a Maker Camp, Sewing Summer Camp, Water and Wind Camp, Robotics Camp, and Cardboard Creations Camp. Make sure to book as soon as possible before the Lego camp is fully booked!

 

Summer Fun in Galveston

Summer events are a great reason to come and visit Galveston. You will find the best stay in town when you book one of our exclusive vacation rentals in the city. Enjoy private homes that offer exclusive amenities and will keep you close to each of these events. Reach out today and come see Galveston this summer!