When planning your holiday adventures, you will not want to miss out on what Galveston Island has in store this season. The island transforms into a “Winter Wonder Island,” and here are some of this year's highlights: When planning your holiday adventures, you will not want to miss out on what Galveston Island has in store this season. The island transforms into a “Winter Wonder Island,” and here are some of this year's highlights:
1) GALVESTON RAILROAD MUSEUM PRESENTS THE POLAR EXPRESS™ TRAIN RIDE
Nov. 15 – Dec. 29
Galveston Railroad Museum will offer a 60-minute round-trip journey to the North Pole onboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. Once onboard, hot chocolate and treats are served as passengers read along with the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. Santa and his helpers greet passengers at the North Pole and then board the train, where each child is given the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell. Chefs aboard each car lead passengers in singing Christmas carols on the ride back to the museum.
2) HOLIDAY IN THE GARDENS
Nov. 16 – Jan. 12
Eight holiday attractions, one venue at Moody Gardens. Enjoy Festival of Lights, ICE LAND, ice skating, holiday 3D/4D films, Cirque Joyeux and more. Save Big with Value Days.
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS AT MOODY GARDENS
Nov. 16 – Jan. 12
Brighten up the holidays with a tradition for families and groups alike. A mile-long trail with more than one million lights and lighted scenes take you around the Moody
Gardens property with spectacular views Galveston Bay. Enjoy the area’s only outdoor skating rink, concession areas with hot chocolate and festive food, holiday buffets, live entertainment and more.
ICE LAND: CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD AT MOODY GARDENS
Nov. 16 – Jan. 12
A skilled team of master ice carvers has taken 2 million pounds of ice to create a holiday journey around the world! Travel from Russia and Egypt to China and beyond to see how other cultures celebrate the season. Glide from the top of the Eiffel Tower on the Giant Ice Slide and chill out with a festive drink inside Shiver’s Ice Bar.
3) THE GRAND 1894 OPERA HOUSE HOLIDAY SEASON
Nov 9 – Jan 12
Celebrate the holidays with Grand entertainment – Vienna Boys Choir, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Bandstand, Once, Jaston Williams’ Blood and Holly, Jerry Jeff Walker, City Ballet of Houston – The Nutcracker, Nutcracker Afternoon Tea, Holiday Arts Market at ArtWalk, The 5 Browns and The Greatest Love of All: The Whitney Houston Show – presented in Galveston’s magnificent, historic theatre.
4) LASERS, LIGHTS AND SHOPPING IN HISTORIC DOWNTOWN
Nov. 24 – Dec. 31
Downtown Galveston has all the charm of a traditional holiday destination while offering the benefits of tropical weather and outdoor shopping. The 36-block district will sparkle with lasers and lights while enjoying boutique shopping, dining, antiques, art galleries and more.
5) HOLIDAY WITH THE CRANES
Dec. 14 – 15
Celebrate the magnificent 4-foot-tall Sandhill Cranes that arrive just in time for the holidays, with special events from sunrise to sunset.
6) 46TH ANNUAL DICKENS ON THE STRAND
Dec. 6 – 8
Travel back in time as downtown Galveston’s Strand street is transformed into the Victorian London of Charles Dickens with this beloved festival.
7) HOLIDAY SPLASH AT SCHLITTERBAHN GALVESTON WATERPARK
Nov. 29 – Jan. 5
Enjoy a sprinkle of holiday cheer while making a splash at the Houston areas only
indoor waterpark. Learn to Surf with Santa, check out the Bahn Borealis light show, meet holiday friends, save with Grill & Thrill packages, and more!
8) SANTA HUSTLE HALF MARATHON AND 5K
Dec. 15
Run with thousands of Santas through the streets of Galveston and along the Gulf waters! With festive music, outrageous holiday decorations and awesome swag, this isn’t just a race - it’s a magical experience! Register with code SANTAHUSTLE5 to save $5 off registration at santahustle.com.
9) HOLIDAY DELIGHTS: A LONE STAR CHRISTMAS AT THE BRYAN MUSEUM
Dec. 15
All trails will lead to The Bryan Museum and converge under the Lone Star for a day of purely Texas festivities, music, holiday foods and of course Santa. And what could be more Texan than Santa’s two lead Longhorns arriving just in time for a few photos before heading back to the Ranch to get ready for the big night?
10) MIRACLE POP-UP BAR AT DTO (DAQUIRI TIME OUT)
Nov. 29 – Dec. 25
Miracle is a Christmas-themed pop-up bar that serves specialty holiday cocktails from locations around the world. With kitschy holiday décor and professionally developed cocktails, Miracle is sure to get even the grouchiest grinch in the holiday spirit.