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.
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.
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.
We are all looking forward to a thrilling summer season. This time of year is perfect for family getaways as children are on break from school, and the adults will take any excuse to take a few days off work. Kickstart your summer season with a Memorial Day getaway like no other. Many school districts start their summer break right before Memorial Day, making it a great time for your first summer vacation. When planning for one consider coming to Galveston for the holiday weekend. Galveston offers some exciting summer activities and Memorial Day events that will help make your stay one to remember. Here is how you can celebrate Memorial Day in Galveston, TX this year:
Visit Local Museums
Memorial Day is an annual holiday where we celebrate and commemorate our nation’s armed forces. Galveston offers several local museums in town where you can take a look back into the Navy’s presence here in the area. With Galveston having a port it has served as an important local for naval forces. The Texas Seaport Museum is one local museum that is housed alongside the Elissa, a historic vessel that was originally built in 1877. This fascinating vessel was saved from a scrapyard and still makes outings to sea. The onshore museum will detail the ship’s history along with the Port of Galveston. Visitors can also head over to Seawolf Park here in Galveston for more naval vessels. This park features World War II era submarines and destroyers on display. The park features holiday events throughout the year including Memorial Day. Seeing these incredible vessels up close is an exciting way to spend your Memorial Day holiday this year in Galveston.
Visit the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum
Another great way to take a look into the historical aspect of Galveston is by visiting the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum. The Gulf of Mexico has been a booming oil industry for decades and the local oil rigs and supply vessels show it. The Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum is an actual oil rig that was built in 1969. You will be able to visit many locations in the rig including the pipe deck and interactive displays. This is a fascinating and unique way to explore the oil and energy field here in Texas.
Day at the Beach
Nothing quite says summer like a day at the beach, and Galveston can more than provide that. Galveston is home to miles of beaches along the coast where you can lay back and take in the sunshine. Specifically, Galveston has the Seawall that stretches for over 10 miles that allows for calm turquoise water to splash around in. One of the best beaches in town to stop by over Memorial Day is Stewart Beach. This beach offers a family friendly environment complete with restrooms, showers, beach equipment rentals, concession stands, kids’ playgrounds, and lifeguards on duty. This is the ideal beach experience for laying out on the sand or taking a dip in the water. For a beach experience that takes you further out into nature, head over to Galveston Island State Park. This area offers boardwalks to explore along with bird watching and kayaking as exciting activities. You simply cannot go wrong with a day at the beach in Galveston.
Head Over to Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
Make sure your Memorial Day Weekend is a family affair letting everyone enjoy their time away. There is no better place for family fun than the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. You can find the pier right alongside the Seawall where it was first opened in 2012 after the original pier was destroyed in 1961 by a hurricane. The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier opens for the season on Memorial Day Weekend letting you be one of the first visitors to the attraction. You will find endless fun here on the pier, including dozens of midway rides and rollercoasters, many of which will take you right over the water! In addition to the carnival rides, you can also find a midway arcade, several restaurants, food vendors, and shops to find gifts. Essentially, the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is a giant carnival out on the water. Don’t pass up the opportunity to enjoy this local attraction!
A Better Stay at Our Vacation Rentals
As you can see, there is plenty of fun to be had right here in Galveston for Memorial Day. Book your vacation rental with us today to see why our properties will make for the best vacation yet. Each property features luxury amenities that offer comfort like no other. Simply find your favorite vacation home here in our listing and see what your Memorial Day in Galveston can look like.
Spring is officially in full swing by the time we start getting into the months of March and April. Families have a variety of reasons to get out and explore somewhere new during their spring season. Easter is one such occasion that brings families together to celebrate this holiday together. This year, come spend your Easter in Galveston. You will find some exciting spring activities and Easter related events to make your as memorable as possible. Take a look at how your Easter celebration can look what you spend it here in Galveston:
Easter Egg Hunt at Seawolf Park
Ask any child what their favorite part of Easter is, and you will always hear “Easter egg hunt.” This activity lets a child have an enjoyable activity with other peers. Just because you will be away from home this Easter does not mean you have to skip out on your annual Easter egg hunt. You can join in the fun over at Seawolf Park for their traditional Easter Egg Hunt this year. Each year Seawolf Park hosts the Easter egg hunt the Saturday before Easter. That day will fall on March 30th this year for a momentous occasion. The egg hunt starts at 9:00 AM and lasts all the way up to 1:00 PM. It is a free community event where everyone is welcome to join in on the fun. The age range for the hunt is from 0 to 12 years so all the kids can have a blast.
The activities don’t stop there either! The family will also be able to enjoy face painting, taking pictures with the Easter Bunny, and much more. Seawolf Park is one of the top picnic spots in Galveston, so make sure to bring some snacks and relax in the sunshine. There is a local playground for the kids to play on and the area is home to several different historic ships on display. Seawolf Park is also a top spot for fishing where you just have to pay a single fee to join in the fun. Parking is typically $10 per vehicle, but the parking fee is waived when you pay for fishing. Don’t miss out this Easter!
Easter Brunch
One of the top Easter activities for adults is Easter Brunch. There is no day in the year that offers a more extravagant selection of incredible food than Easter. Keep up this tradition here in Galveston by joining one of the many brunch spots here in town. Sunflower Bakery & Café has a charming Easter brunch that includes a delightful selection of entrees. They offer outdoor seating that is fly repellent to make sure you have a comfortable time with your meal. Hearsay on the Strand also features a great Easter brunch. This cocktail lounge can create your favorite morning cocktails such as a Bloody Mary or mimosa. The menu features a variety of food that both adults and children will love too. Easter morning is always a busy time of year when it comes to brunch so make sure to place a reservation well in advance if possible!
Easter Service
For those who celebrate Easter with Easter service, you will find several local churches in the area. Mood Methodist Church typically offers a sunrise service perfect for an early morning start. Seaside Church is another local church found on the western part of the island. Stick around after the service for a community breakfast and Easter egg hunt that everyone is invited to. You will feel like a local when you continue your service celebrations here for Easter in Galveston.
Check Out Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
Easter Weekend is not just about finding all the Easter events. Make sure to spend some time under the sun with spring activities. Heading over to Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is one great way to do just that. You will be able to enjoy midway style games to try and win prizes. You will also find amusement park rides such as thrilling roller coasters to have a high flying time. The Pleasure Pier is one of the few spots you can enjoy these kinds of rides right over the water. There are plenty of shopping and restaurant stops to so you can easily find a gift to take home or grab a bite to eat. The spring season is one of our favorite times of year!
Join Us for Easter Weekend
Easter is a great time of year for families to spend their time here in Galveston. The city has these exciting activities and much more to keep you engaged with. Find your favorite vacation rental of ours for the best stay in town. Expect fine amenities and close proximities to these Easter activities.
Time seems to be flying by here in Galveston and before you know it Valentine’s Day will be quickly approaching. We might just be getting through the holiday season but planning for a Valentine’s Day adventure will put a smile on your loved one’s face. For this Valentine’s Day come join us here in Galveston for a romantic stay. The area features several romantic activities and events that will make the most of your stay on the Texas coast. Here are the most romantic Galveston Valentine’s Day activities and events:
Explore the Culture of Galveston
Getting to know more about Galveston will help you understand its romantic history. Galveston is a historic city of importance that all comes together in Historic Downtown District. You and your loved one will see the beautiful architecture of famous buildings such as the 1984 Opera House, NIA Cultural Center, and Bryan Museum. When you are not exploring the museum’s detailed exhibits or attending a show at the opera house you can explore the many shops in the area. You will find incredible art galleries with eclectic works on display. Purchase a romantic gift for your partner such as jewelry or clothing for Valentine’s Day. Visitors can also book a tour of Galveston where you will be taken around to many highlights of the city. Tours include options such as red-light tours or even ghost tours. When you explore Downtown Galveston with your loved one, you will not have another thought in the world than their love.
Spend Time on the Beach
Galveston is the top Texas destination when you want to spend a little time on the beach. During your stay, treat your loved one to some time on the beach. You will find miles of white sandy beaches that are a treasure. Take a stroll around sunset to see the sun setting behind the distant horizon as you enjoy time with your loved one. Or set up a picnic with beautiful views of the ocean right next to you. The weather in Galveston in February is always mild so you can easily spend time by the water without freezing. Pack a light sweater or jacket and you will be absolutely comfortable!
Be a Kid Again at Pleasure Pier
Part of a wonderful Valentine’s Day journey is getting to forget about your responsibilities back home and enjoy your time with your loved one. That can include feeling like a kid again by visiting the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. This is your one stop location for all kinds of fun. Enjoy the perfect date day by riding on the dozens of roller coasters and high-flying amusement park rides. Try your hand at winning your date a special trophy by playing in the arcade room. Grab a little dessert by visiting Lolli & Pop’s Candy Shoppe right on the pier that features gourmet chocolate. Explore the many shops exclusive to the pier that overlook the ocean. Enjoy a whimsical adventure together at Pleasure Pier.
Romantic Dining for Two
Valentine’s Day is never complete until you enjoy a romantic dinner for two here in Galveston. Luckily you will have quite a few options to pick from during your stay. This includes heading over to Waterman’s and enjoying their premier views of the bay as you dine on their decadent menu. This restaurant is sprawling in size including their spacious outdoor deck found right next to Waterman’s Marina. Vargas Cut & Catch is the ideal spot for an intimate meal with fine dining seafood. This dinner only restaurant features favorites such as surf n turf, king crab, and more. You simply cannot find a better city to enjoy a romantic meal in. As always, make sure to place reservations for Valentine’s Day evening well in advance as it is a busy restaurant evening.
Hit the Spa
Make you and your loved one feel absolutely rejuvenated by spending a day at the local spa. Galveston features a variety of spas to choose from each with a variety of services. La Moda Salon & Day Spa continues to be a local favorite. They offer your standard services including massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, and more. Get your hair done at the salon and look absolutely refreshed just in time for your Valentine’s Day date. Additional spa options include Wellness Spa Massage Galveston and Total Balance Health & Wellness. Galveston will make sure you feel great when in town for Valentine’s Day.
Get Your Romantic Getaway Today
Our selection of luxury homes here in Galveston will make it easy to find the ideal lodging for your Valentine’s Day stay. Explore our listing of properties and pick out the best option you can find. Valentine’s Day has never been this exciting before Galveston.
The holiday season comes to a close when New Year’s Eve makes its head around the corner. It has been a long year, and we are all excited to see what 2024 has to offer. Make the most of your holiday by joining us here in Galveston for a New Year’s celebration. Our Texas home has beautiful sandy beaches along with plenty of attractions and activities to enjoy. Best of all our vacation rentals are sure to keep you comfortable during every night of your stay. Take a look at how you can kick off 2024 by enjoying a trip to Galveston.
New Year’s Eve Family Fun
There are a variety of special events happening around Galveston that will help you bring in the New Year. One of these events is New Year’s Eve Family Fun taking place at Galveston Island Brewing Company. As the name suggests Galveston Island is a local brewery that produces tasty, handcrafted beers for you to enjoy. Galveston Island will be hosting their New Year’s Eve Family Fun that will allow young children to enjoy some festivities before it is too late. The event starts at 4:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve where you can pick up some New Year’s Eve swag to put on. A variety of food trucks will be on hand to make sure you find something delicious to eat. At 5:45 p.m. the kiddos can grab sparkling cider before the New Year’s Eve “Countdown” begins at 5:59 p.m. just as the balloon drops at 6:00 p.m. The little ones will have a blast feeling included while the adults can enjoy a pint of their favorite Galveston Island beer. Don’t miss out on this free event for all ages!
New Year’s Eve Glow Party
If you are not traveling with kids and prefer to spend your New Year’s Eve celebration at the closest dive bar, Albatross has you covered. They will be putting on their Glow Party for all adults to attend. The black lights will be turned on so everyone in their best neon attire will light up the room. DJ El Rey will be on hand for plenty of dancing and a 2023 music rewind. The party will take place all night long so show up with your best neon and get to dancing!
New Year’s Palooza at Moody Gardens
The big New Year’s Eve celebration here in Galveston will be taking place at the New Year’s Palooza at Moody Gardens. You may be familiar with Moody Gardens’ exciting attractions and stage shows they perform throughout the year. This upcoming New Year’s Eve celebration will commemorate 25 years of bringing in the new year together. Head over to the Moody Gardens Hotel where the Mambo Jazz Kings will be performing live music, enjoy a memorable champagne toast, and watch an eco-friendly ball drop that counts down to the new year. Don’t forget to catch A Christmas Wish Holiday Spectacular on stage with its incredible dance routines and hilarious comedy acts.
Head to the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
During your stay for the New Year’s make sure you get out and see all that Galveston has to offer. This attraction is one of the few places in the world where you can enjoy amusement park rides over the water. You will find rides that include the ever-popular Texas Star Flyer, Iron Shark Rollercoaster, and Cyclone to name a few. Whenever you are not riding the big rollercoasters, you can go check out the midway arcade games of the 5D theatre ride. You will find plenty of places to eat at including Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and local food vendors. The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier will easily provide fun for the whole day!
Check Out the Local Museums
You can always get a little educational during your stay in Galveston by visiting one of the many local museums in the area. The Galveston Railroad Museum will offer an in-depth look into the railroad system here in Galveston. The Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum is always a favorite for all ages to enjoy. The Galveston Naval Museum gives you a look into the naval warships along the Navy’s history here in the city.
Vacation Rentals to Keep You Comfortable
Your New Year’s stay in Galveston will be one to remember when you book one of our desirable vacation rentals here in the area. Each property is individually owned and can offer luxury features such as gourmet kitchens, hot tubs, swimming pools, and en suite bathrooms with soaking tubs. You will find most attractions to be within a short drive away making them easy to get to. Let Galveston be your destination as you bring in 2024 together.
It’s been a year of wild weather across the globe so we can all expect a holiday season filled with plenty of snow. If you are looking to escape the blistering cold for Christmas this year consider making your way down to Galveston. The Texas Coast offers the perfect hideaway where you can still enjoy holiday-themed events and activities along with still having the beach nearby for a leisurely stroll. Before you know it you will have a new family tradition of spending your holiday each year with us here in Galveston. Take a look at the top reasons why you should spend Christmas in Galveston this year:
Beautiful Winter Weather
While some of us look forward to a white Christmas with the ground covered in snow others prefer to stick to the warmer climate. If you are part of the latter you will have an absolute blast when you visit Galveston for Christmas. The December temps stay in the low 60s for a high during the day and dip into the low 50s at night. This means you can easily go out and explore the attractions of the city and remain comfortable with just a jacket on. Leave your parka at home when you visit Galveston for Christmas this year!
50th Annual Dickens on The Strand
When you visit Galveston you will find that Strand Street is the top destination for downtown businesses here in the city. Each year Strand Street turns back in time to transform the street into Victorian Lond that Charles Dickens experienced. Dickens on the Strand is a lovely holiday festival taking place on Strand Street this year with 2023 being the 50th annual celebration of the festival. There will be nonstop entertainment taking place on multiple stages along with parades, strolling carolers, bagpipers, roving musicians, and much more. Vendors will also be in their best Victorian attire where you can purchase holiday-themed drinks and food. Additional wares also include gifts such as holiday decorations, jewelry, and clothing. The 50th Annual Dickens on the Strand will take place December 1st through the 3rd on Strand Street.
Holiday in the Gardens at Moody Gardens
Each year Moody Gardens transforms into the Holiday in the Gardens, a holiday tradition right here in Galveston that continues to delight families from all over. Moody Gardens is a local entertainment venue that is also a wildlife conservation agency. Holiday in the Gardens continues the rainforest aesthetic in ICE LAND where you can find beautiful ice sculptures that are designed as monkeys, birds, orchids, butterflies, and much more. You will be guided through the world’s rainforests as you make your way to the huge ice slide that will take you from the forest canopy all the way down to the floor. Adults will have an opportunity to find a holiday beverage with a bar made entirely of ice. Another attraction found at Holiday in the Gardens is the Festival of Lights. This festive walkway features a mile-long trail filled with over two million holiday lights and scenes. All of the lights are synchronized with holiday tunes to set the scene. There are even direct views of Galveston Bay where you can sip on your hot chocolate or indulge in some fireside s’mores. If stop by between December 22nd to the 30th you can book a reservation at A Christmas Wish Holiday Spectacular. This is a mesmerizing dinner show that features Broadway-style song and dance, acrobatics, and plenty of holiday spirit. The stunning visuals and incredible performances will have your very own holiday joy reinvigorated. You can find all of this and so much more at this year’s Holiday in the Gardens taking place November 18th through January 6th.
The Polar Express
You need to see to believe when you hop aboard The Polar Express here in Galveston this holiday season. This is a decorated train ride with the theme of The Polar Express on full display. Head over to the Galveston Railroad Museum Train Depot for your departure. The train ride is approximately two hours in length and will take you to the North Pole and back. Live entertainment and a visit with Santa will happen on the train so make sure to be ready for some holiday fun and excitement. Visitors are encouraged to arrive at the museum one hour before their departure to avoid any traffic and get the chance to see the train steam into the museum. The Polar Express train ride is available from November 10th through December 23rd.
More Holiday Spirit in Galveston
Get ready to enjoy all of these Christmas events and activities with your family when you choose Galveston for your Christmas adventure. Our vacation rentals are sure to keep you comfortable and keep you close to all of the local fun.
The fall season is finally in full swing so now is the time to start planning for your next family holiday getaway. If you are looking for a holiday time where you can find exciting activities and events look no further than Thanksgiving. It is always best spent being thankful around friends and family but having a great location to do that in is important too. That is why you should come join us for all the holiday fun here in Galveston. Visitors can expect exciting things to do in Galveston on Thanksgiving. Take a look at what you and your family can expect with a Thanksgiving spent in Galveston in 2023.
Galveston Island Turkey Trot
The Thanksgiving holiday is best known for enjoying a delicious feast with friends and family along with celebrating everything you have to be thankful for. Family traditions can look like a variety of things from baking your perfect entrée to putting up your Christmas tree early. One tradition that is common across the States is participating in your local Turkey Trot, usually a 5K race that takes place the morning of Thanksgiving.
Turkey Trots are a great way to engage in some physical activity to help your body prepare for the delicious food coming later in the day. During your time in Galveston make sure you participate in our Galveston Island Turkey Trot. The 2023 race will be the second year making it a more recent addition to activities here in the area. This 5K race is perfect for runners and walkers alike who get to enjoy the incredible views of the Gulf Coast as they enjoy the race.
The Galveston Island Turkey Trot supports HART, a local non-profit that helps organize and support health and fitness here on Galveston. The race will begin at 7:30 a.m. and starts at the McGuire-Dent Recreation Center. Dressing up in your favorite turkey costume is always highly encouraged and is an all-ages event! Registration is required to participate in this year’s Galveston Island Turkey Trot.
Beach Time
While most places in the country will be dealing with the frigid cold weather by Thanksgiving you will find Galveston to still be very mild in terms of temps. Galveston is a beach side destination and you can still expect to enjoy some time at the beach during your Thanksgiving stay. Galveston features 32 miles of beaches so you will have plenty of room to find a spot to relax at. Head over to East Beach for one of the most popular beaches in the area. This is also the location of the boardwalk and pavilion and is home to a variety of entertainment throughout the year. It is also one of the few beaches that permits alcohol so you can enjoy an adult beverage, so you kick back on the sand. Stewart Beach is a great family-friendly beach with amenities including outdoor showers, lifeguards, playgrounds, and more.
Galveston ArtWalk
Throughout the year the Galveston ArtWalk will take place in the city every six to eight weeks. Historic downtown Galveston will transform into a sprawling art walk and Thanksgiving Weekend is always the biggest one of the year. Walk along the Strand Historic District along with Postoffice Street District to see all kinds of holiday lights strung and lit up on the street. You will find yourself in the holiday spirit in no time. Best of all, you can purchase incredible art found nowhere else and support local artists here in Galveston.
Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving
Not every family wants to spend their time on vacation for hours in a kitchen preparing a Thanksgiving feast. If you are in this mood this year, fret not as Galveston has many restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving for you to dine out at. Treat yourself to an upscale meal at a local steakhouse such as Landry’s Prime Seafood and Steaks. Enjoy a special Thanksgiving menu that features all your favorite entrees and sides.
Gaido’s is one of the most premium seafood restaurants here in Galveston and does not disappoint. For Thanksgiving they offer a special Thanksgiving buffet so you can enjoy all you can eat. Expect special turkey dishes but also incredible seafood, a specialty for Gaido. Another popular seafood restaurant in town that offers a Thanksgiving meal is Miller’s Seawall Grill. The place fills up quick so make sure to show up early whenever you go. Reservations are always highly encouraged when dining out on Thanksgiving Day.
Book Today for Galveston
There is no better time to explore your own option for a Thanksgiving getaway to Galveston. Our vacation rentals will keep you close by all these exciting activities and more. Explore our luxury properties for the best stay in town.