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Galveston, TX Christmas Events 2024
Galveston probably isn't the first destination you think of for a Christmas vacation -- but maybe it should be! With the beach crowds gone but temperatures still pleasant, December is a great time to visit, and Galveston features a slate of Christmas events to rival almost any city its size. From Christmas at Moody Gardens to holiday shows and a Christmas parade, there are plenty of things to do for all ages during the holiday season. Here are The Merry Best things to do for Christmas in Galveston this year.
Holidays at the Gardens
Moody Gardens is a Galveston highlight at any time of year, but Christmas may be the finest season on the Moody Gardens calendar. From November 18th to January 6th, Moody Gardens offers a full slate of things to do for the holidays. Ice Land is a winter wonderland of incredible ice carvings, this year featuring a rainforest theme, while the Festival of Lights features a mile walking trail of the best Christmas light display in Galveston, and one of the best places to see Christmas lights in the whole Lonestar State! With two million Christmas lights, Christmas music, a kids train ride and holiday-themed stops along the way -- hot cocoa, anybody? -- the Festival of Lights is enough to put anyone in the spirit of the season. In addition to these marquee attractions, Moody Gardens also boasts an ice skating rink, Christmas movie showings and plenty of family fun.
November 18th - January 6th
Moody Gardens isn't cheap, especially for a larger family, but it is worth it. Tickets for Ice Land are $20-30 per person per event. The Merry Best bet in our opinion is the Holiday Pass, which allows entry after 4 p.m. and for $65 for adults and $45 for kids will allow you to see Ice Land and the Festival of Lights as well as numerous other attractions at the park.
Dickens on The Strand
2023 marks the 50th anniversary of Galveston's annual Dickens on The Strand event. Take a trip back in time to Victorian England with this unique event, featuring period costumes and activities, Christmas parades, a play land and four stages with live music and entertainment. Dickens on the Strand is also a great place to do some holiday shopping, with myriad vendors dressed in Victorian garb.
December 1-3, 2023
Free
Polar Express
Based on the classic holiday movie, The Polar Express, this Christmas train will take you from the historic Galveston Railroad Museum all the way to the "North Pole". Meet Santa Claus and other characters from the movie during this entertaining theatrical train ride.
November 10 - December 22, primarily on weekends, Thursdays and Fridays, with multiple departures between 2:30 and 8 p.m. depending on the day.
Tickets range from $30 to $100 per person. Tickets for 2023 are now on sale and often sell out quickly for certain dates. Ticket prices depend on the class of service as well as peak vs. non-peak dates and times.
Galveston Christmas Parade
Everyone loves a parade, and the Galveston Christmas Parade is a real crowd pleaser! This free evening event features floats and family fun and begins at 25th and Postoffice, making two loops before ending around 8 p.m.
December 9, 2023, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Free
Catch a Christmas Show at The Grand
The Grand 1894 Opera House in Galveston, TX with host performances of Charles Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol. What better way to kick off the holiday season than with this inspiring tale of the Christmas Spirit!
A Christmas Carol - December 1st at 8:30 p.m. and 2nd at 6:30 p.m.
$30-60
A Christmas Wish Holiday Spectacular
In addition to the exciting slate of Christmas events we mentioned above, Moody Gardens will also be hosting A Christmas Wish Holiday Spectacular, a mesmerizing musical theater production that will be fun for the whole family.
December 22-30
Tickets start at $43 for adults and $29 for children for a matinee, with prices increasing for other shows. The ticket does include admission to the Festival of Lights, as well. Dinner buffet and hotel stay packages at Moody Gardens are also available.
Christmas Tree Lighting and Music at the Grand Galvez
Kick off the season with the Christmas tree lighting at the Grand Galvez the Friday after Thanksgiving. Santa Claus will be there, as will the Galveston Ballet and Galveston Symphony Brass Ensemble. The ballet company will perform a Nutcracker medley, and the ensemble will entertain and delight with classic holiday tunes. Of course the star of the show is the 35-foot Christmas tree, which will light up the night with thousands of Christmas lights!
November 24, 2023
Free
Holiday Delights at the Bryan Museum
Holiday Delights 2023 at Galveston's Bryan Museum with feature historical vignettes and characters from Texas history, as well as fun, free family Christmas activities such as pictures with and letters to Santa, a petting zoo, pictures with Elsa, an elf hunt, food trucks, crafts, music, and storybook readings.
December 3rd, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Free
More Holiday Things to Do in Galveston, Texas
Looking for even more things to do for Christmas in Galveston, TX? We've got you covered with these fun holiday events!
Moody Mansion
Pleasure Pier
Holiday with the Cranes - December 9-10
Santa Hustle
Take a Christmas Cruise
Moody Mansion
Pleasure Pier
Holiday with the Cranes - December 9-10
Santa Hustle
Take a Christmas Cruise
Where to See Christmas Lights in Galveston
The Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens is the best place to see Christmas lights in Galveston, but for a free option check out the Downtown Galveston tree decorating contest.