Plan your festive fun in Galveston with our detailed event guide. For Galveston natives and travelers, this guide reveals the city's holiday treasures.
Popular Events: Experience the charm of Dickens on The Strand, where Victorian characters come to life amidst festive market stalls and delightful entertainment. With breathtaking light displays, the Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens offers a spectacular experience for visitors of all ages. And the THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride is something you definitely don't want to miss, as it transports families on a magical journey to the North Pole. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Galveston
- Dickens on The Strand
- THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
- ICE LAND: Rainforest Holiday
- Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens
- Grand 1894 Opera House Holiday Season
- Galveston's East End Historical District's Victorian Christmas Tour
- Grand Galvez Christmas Lighting Celebration
- Miracle Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar
- Christmas Train at Victory Camp (Alvin)
- Holiday in the Park - League City (League City)
See these and even more events listed below!
Galveston Holiday Light Displays
Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday light display with themed music.
Description:
Moody Gardens' Festival of Lights features a mile-long trail illuminated by two million lights, themed to holiday music, offering a spectacular display of seasonal beauty.
Where: Galveston | More Info: Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens
ICE LAND: Rainforest Holiday
What to Expect:
Immersive ice sculpture experience with giant ice slide.
Description:
ICE LAND: Rainforest Holiday features giant ice sculptures, polar animals, and an immersive glacial journey through an enormous, insulated tent structure. Guests can explore individually crafted ice sculptures of polar bears, penguins, humpback whales, snowy owls, walruses, and reindeer. The attraction includes a giant ice slide and Shiver’s Ice Bar, offering ultra-cool holiday spirits in an igloo setting.
Where: Galveston | More Info: ICE LAND: Rainforest Holiday
Grand Galvez Christmas Lighting Celebration
What to Expect:
Special appearance by Santa Claus and live performances by local entertainers.
Description:
Grand Galvez invites guests to celebrate the start of the holidays with the Galveston Holiday Lighting Celebration. The event features a special appearance by Santa Claus, live holiday entertainment by the Galveston Ballet and the Galveston Symphony Brass Ensemble, and the lighting of the hotel’s 35-foot Christmas Tree.
Where: Galveston | More Info: Grand Galvez Christmas Lighting Celebration
Christmas Train at Victory Camp
What to Expect:
Unique holiday train ride through extensive Christmas lights and displays.
Description:
The Christmas Train at Victory Camp in Alvin offers a unique holiday experience with an old-fashioned train ride through hundreds of thousands of lights and Christmas displays. Enjoy the scenic views, decorated walking trail, and various food options like handmade pizza and hot cocoa. The event is hosted by LS Church and features additional activities such as a go-kart track and an elf show.
Where: Alvin | More Info: Christmas Train at Victory Camp
Dasher's Light Show
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show with iconic holiday symbols.
Description:
Dasher's Light Show features over a million lights synchronized to holiday music, creating a vibrant and dynamic display of seasonal symbols and decorations.
Where: Houston | More Info: Dasher's Light Show
Christmas Illuminated - Family Life Church
What to Expect:
Vibrant light displays and festive decorations.
Description:
Family Life Church presents Christmas Illuminated, a spectacular display of lights and festive decorations that bring the holiday spirit to life. The event features beautifully designed light displays, engaging activities, and a joyful atmosphere perfect for the whole family.
Where: Houston | More Info: Christmas Illuminated - Family Life Church
Holidays at Moody Gardens
What to Expect:
Immersive ice sculpture attraction with a giant ice slide.
Description:
Moody Gardens transforms into a holiday destination with ICE LAND, Festival of Lights, ice skating, and various dining options, offering a diverse range of attractions for all ages.
Where: Galveston | More Info: Holidays at Moody Gardens
Galveston Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday in the Park - League City
What to Expect:
Largest holiday parade in Galveston County.
Description:
Holiday in the Park is a three-day, family-friendly holiday event featuring holiday shopping, food vendors, entertainment, and three parades, including the Grand Night Parade, which is the largest holiday parade in Galveston County.
Where: League City | More Info: Holiday in the Park - League City
Galveston Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Dickens on The Strand
What to Expect:
Victorian-era themed holiday celebration with parades and live entertainment.
Description:
Dickens on The Strand is a Victorian-era themed holiday festival in Galveston, featuring parades, live entertainment, and costumed vendors selling holiday food, crafts, and gifts.
Where: Galveston | More Info: Dickens on The Strand
THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday experience with live entertainment and Santa's visit.
Description:
The Polar Express Train Ride is a theatrical re-creation of the classic children's story on board a real train, featuring live performances, hot chocolate, and a special appearance by Santa Claus.
Where: Galveston | More Info: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
Grand 1894 Opera House Holiday Season
What to Expect:
Christmas-themed concert with Garrison Keillor.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season with Garrison Keillor and Company at the Grand 1894 Opera House, featuring songs, stories, and sketches.
Where: Galveston | More Info: Grand 1894 Opera House Holiday Season
Galveston Other Holiday Activities
Galveston's East End Historical District's Victorian Christmas Tour
What to Expect:
Historic homes decorated for the holiday season.
Description:
Explore the elegantly decorated Victorian-era homes in Galveston's East End Historical District, showcasing architectural styles from skilled European immigrants.
Where: Galveston | More Info: Galveston's East End Historical District's Victorian Christmas Tour
Miracle Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar
What to Expect:
Unique holiday cocktails served in festive settings.
Description:
Miracle is a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar featuring holiday cocktails in festive settings with over-the-top Christmas decorations. Each location offers a unique experience with multiple bars, cheerful social experiences, and a variety of Christmas-themed drinks.
Where: Galveston | More Info: Miracle Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar
Candlelight Tours - Fort Bend Museum
What to Expect:
Guided tours in a serene, candlelit setting.
Description:
Explore the Fort Bend Museum's grounds under the soft glow of candlelight, immersing yourself in the rich history and natural beauty of the area.
Where: Richmond | More Info: Candlelight Tours - Fort Bend Museum
Candlelight Christmas at Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historic Site
What to Expect:
Historic site candlelight Christmas event.
Description:
Step into the historic Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historic Site for a festive Candlelight Christmas celebration, where the past and present blend in a serene and memorable atmosphere.
Where: West Columbia | More Info: Candlelight Christmas at Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historic Site
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Texas City (9 miles)
- League City (23 miles)
- Alvin (28 miles)
- La Porte (28 miles)
- Friendswood (29 miles)
- Baytown (32 miles)
- Deer Park (34 miles)
- Pearland (35 miles)
- Pasadena (37 miles)
- Channelview (38 miles)
- Cloverleaf (40 miles)
- Lake Jackson (43 miles)