Christmas is around the corner! And there is no better place to celebrate than on a Winter Wonder Island! Providing a range of holiday events and activities, Galveston Island is a seasonal experience unlike any other. Enjoy a winter by the coast, all while attending special festivities you’ll find nowhere else! On the island, there is no lack of Christmas Spirit!
Come join the celebration!
Discover Texas’
Winter Wonder Island
Here’s a few of the best winter wonder island events for 2023:
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Seeing is believing! The Galveston Railroad Museum welcomes you aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ train ride for a magical one-hour journey to the North Pole. This theatrical recreation immerses passengers in the sights, sounds, and characters of the timeless animated tale. Whisk away on a trip featuring singing chefs, dancing elves, and Santa Claus, all the while in your comfiest pajamas! Get tickets here!
| Through Jan. 6
Perfect for families, Moody Gardens offers a collection of holiday attractions! ICE LAND takes you on a journey through the world’s rainforests, crafted entirely out of ice. Or stroll the Festival of Lights as it shines brighter than ever before, with a mile-long trail packed with over two million lights. Plus, take part in A Christmas Wish Holiday Spectacular, ice skating, an arctic slide, 3D holiday films, and a 4D experience of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer!
The Grand 1894 Opera House Holiday Season
Nothing brings you more into the season than live holiday entertainment! The Grand 1894 Opera House offers festive spectacle with their ballet presentation of The Nutcracker and 100th anniversary celebration of The Duke Ellington Orchestra. In the Downtown Cultural Arts District and recognized as the state’s official Opera House, this historic theater celebrates its 128th birthday on January 3rd. For a schedule of upcoming holiday and new year performances, visit here!
Miracle Pop Up Bar at Daiquiri
Time Out
Holiday cocktails and merry sights! Miracle is a Christmas-themed pop-up bar, packed with festive drinks, over the top decorations, and holiday cheer. These imaginative, professionally developed cocktails are all crafted with fresh-squeezed juice and house-made spirits. Grab your ugliest Christmas sweater and favorite group of friends to start the holiday season with a guaranteed bang!
Santa Hustle Half Marathon and 5K
Why settle for one Santa Claus when you can see thousands? The Santa Hustle race is all about festive tunes, holiday decorations, sweet-filled fuel-up stations, and over 5,000 runners dressed as Father Christmas. Whether the half marathon, 5K, or kid’s dash, each participant is provided holiday swag, including a Santa hat and beard! Don’t miss this wacky, magical experience! Register now!
‘Tis Island Time!
Whether with family, a friend group, or someone special, Galveston provides a little something for everyone. Plan an island getaway, make it an exciting afternoon or event-packed trip, and celebrate the holiday season unlike ever before! Galveston is an island rich with history, hauntings, shopping, and shores! Even those familiar will find new festive decorations at Moody Mansion, Bryan Museum, Bishop’s Palace, and more throughout the city! With so much to discover and explore, you’re guaranteed to find something to come back for. For a more comprehensive list of holiday events, visit here!
|Through Dec. 23
Holiday in the Gardens at Moody Gardens
| Through Jan. 27
| Through Dec. 28
| Dec. 17
SPONSORED BY Visit Galveston
