Mark your calendars for these special events and festivities taking place in Galveston this holiday season.
Whether you’re looking for warm weather and sunny skies, a unique coastal holiday experience, or simply to enjoy time with your family, Galveston Island has all that plus a good dose of the Christmas spirit.
pictured: Holiday in The Gardens at Moody Gardens
Date(s): November 8 – December 23, 2024
All aboard! Galveston Railroad Museum will offer a magical one-hour journey to the North Pole onboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. While being whisked away on a trip to meet Santa, The Polar Express will be theatrically recreated to immerse passengers in this classic children's tale's sights, sounds and intrigue.
Date(s): Nov 23, 2024 – Jan 1, 2025
ICE LAND is back! Celebrate the season with these amazing ice sculptures with a holiday rainforest theme with many other delightful holiday attractions at one venue: Stroll through Festival of Lights, a mile-long trail of illuminated holiday displays, music, festive food and more. Enjoy an Arctic Ice Slide, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4D experience, Holiday 3D films, train rides, photos with Santa, Cirque Joyeux Holiday and New Year's Palooza family celebration.
When: December 6-8, 2024
Travel back in time as downtown Galveston's Strand Street is transformed into the Victorian London of Charles Dickens with this beloved festival.
Dickens on The Strand, an annual holiday street festival based on 19th-century Victorian London, features parades, non-stop entertainment on multiple stages, strolling carolers, roving musicians, bagpipers, jugglers, and a host of other entertainers. Costumed vendors peddle their wares from street stalls and rolling carts laden with holiday food and drink, Victorian-inspired crafts, clothing, jewelry, holiday decorations, and gift items.
For holiday entertainment, Galveston certainly won’t disappoint. The Grand 1894 Opera House, which is a gem in the island’s historic downtown district, offers no seat further than 70 feet from the stage for its exciting lineup of live holiday shows.
For a schedule, visit www.thegrand.com.
Miracle is a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar that serves holiday cocktails in a festive setting. With kitschy holiday décor and professionally-developed cocktails, Miracle will surely get the grouchiest grinch in the holiday spirit.
Date: Dec 22, 2024
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!
Date(s): Dec 6, 2024
Feel nostalgic as you listen to carolers and tour through several Victorian-era homes decked in beautiful holiday décor. You may even catch a glimpse of Santa Claus if you're lucky.
Date(s): Dec 14-15, 2024
Celebrate the magnificent 4-foot-tall Sandhill Cranes that arrive just in time for the holidays with special events from sunrise to sunset.
Date(s): November 30, 2024
Time: 6 PM
Location: Saengerfest Park
Downtown Galveston's Tree Lighting Ceremony will feature a special guest appearance from the famous man in red, Santa Claus. Enjoy live entertainment by the Galveston Ballet and meet the Queen of Dickens on The Strand. The tree lighting coincides with Galveston's ArtWalk, where downtown businesses remain open later into the evening for shopping and holiday cheer.
Where the Texas Coast begins.
Author
Visit Galveston
Visit Galveston is the official destination marketing organization for Galveston Island, Texas.
