Discover 7 things you can only do in Galveston this holiday season
Step back in time to Victorian-era London, explore a spectacular rainforest made of ice and celebrate the holidays at the “official opera house of Texas.” This is just a taste of all the things visitors can do over the holidays in Galveston.
November through January, Galveston is transformed from a vibrant beachside getaway into the “Winter Wonder Island” of Texas. With more than 50 days of special holiday events, the island is filled with the kind of festive fun that visitors won’t find anywhere else. Here are just seven of these unique things to see and do.
Dickens on the Strand, Dec. 1-3
Visitors can don their finest frock coat or hoop skirt and join the festivities at the 44th annual Dickens on the Strand, when downtown Galveston is transformed into the Victorian-era London of Charles Dickens.
They can take in the Strand Historic District’s gorgeous architecture as they listen to roaming carolers, bagpipers and musicians. There will be non-stop entertainment on the six stages, food and drinks, whimsical parades and unique shopping for Victorian-inspired clothing, crafts and holiday decorations. Visitors are encouraged to attend any of the fun and family friendly events like the Holiday Handbell Concert (Dec. 1) and the crowdpleasing Victorian Bed Races (Dec. 3).
Ice Land at Moody Gardens, Nov. 11 – Jan. 7
Guest can admire larger-than-life statues of birds, butterflies, monkeys and more as they explore Ice Land at MoodyGardens, a wintery wonderland carved from two million pounds of ice. Crafted by a team of 25 master ice carvers from Harbin, China, this year’s version of Ice Land features a rainforest theme inspired by Moody Gardens’ own Rainforest Pyramid. Along with admiring all the intricate sculptures of plants and animals, guests will soar down the 36-foot-tall Giant Ruins Ice Slide and stop for a drink at Shivers Ice Bar. Covering 28,000 square feet and kept at a chilly nine degrees, Ice Land is one of the coolest attractions on the Texas Gulf Coast.
Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens, Nov. 11 – Jan. 7
There’s nothing that better represents the festive nature of the holidays than vibrant Christmas lights brightening the dark of night. MoodyGardens delivers the largest holiday lighting event on the Gulf Coast. Nowin its 16th year, Festival of Lights features a one-mile-long trail with more than 100 sound-enhanced animated light displays and one million lights. In addition to taking in all the lights, visitors can show off their balance on the outdoor ice-skating rink or get some thrills snow tubing down the Arctic Ice Slide.
Brewmasters Craft Beer Festival, Nov. 24-26
If the thought of a hoppy IPA or a creamy stout gets your mouthwatering, fill your pint glass at the Brewmasters Craft Beer Festival. Aplayground for craft beer fans, the festival showcases dozens of brewers from Texas and across the country. There will be newreleases and specialty brews made just for the festival; guests can pair their beer of choice with food from such restaurants as Yard House and local BLVD. Seafood.
Santa Hustle Half Marathon and 5K, Dec. 16–17
We all knowit’s exciting to meet one Santa Claus, but to see thousands at once? Visitors are welcome to one of the most unique running events in Texas, the Santa Hustle Half Marathon and 5K. Guests can wear their special Dri-FIT shirt made to look like St. Nick’s trademark coat, candy cane socks, Santa hat and they can jog along to the tunes of holiday music while they’re tempted with cookies and candy.
Holiday-themed shows at The Grand 1894 Opera House, Nov. 12 – Jan. 13
What do Willie Nelson, STOMPandA Christmas Carol have in common? They’re all part of the holiday lineup at The Grand 1894 Opera House. This historic venue, knownas the “official opera house of Texas,” boasts a full stocking’s worth of holiday shows beyond those mentioned above. The audience can watch Santa and his merry helpers treat them to all the festive cheer they can handle in Christmas Wonderland Holiday Spectacular and catch performances of timeless classics like AChristmas Carol and The Nutcracker. For some live music, visitors can get their tickets for The Texas Tenors or Country music icons Jerry Jeff Walker and Lyle Lovett.
Downtown Lanterns & Lights, Nov. 25–Jan. 2
Abrand-newevent for this year, Downtown Lanterns & Lights brings all the magic of the holidays to Saengerfest Park. Visitors can stroll among the illuminated Christmas trees and artisan pieces andwander inside the giant snowglobe for a one-of-a-kind photo. The snowglobe will only be available Nov. 25–26 andDec. 9, 16 and23.
These events aren’t the only ways to enjoy Galveston this holiday season. Visitors can browse for unique gifts in the Historic Downtown District’s boutiques, tour the island’s magnificent Victorian homes bedecked in festive decorations and treat themselves to delicious dining at local restaurants.
Insider tip: those who visit Galveston mid-week can save up to 50 percent on their hotel stay and receive discounts at several attractions.
For a complete list of events, visit www.galveston.com/holidaymagic or call 888-425-4753.