Houston Chronicle

Family friendly seasonal events promise fun for all

- BY JAN BURNS

The holiday season is a wonderfull­y magical time. That’s when Galveston transforms from a vibrant beachside getaway into a Winter Wonder Island and offers a wide variety of activities that will entertain and awe.

Downtown Lanterns and Lights

Downtown Galveston will be illuminate­d by an extensive lighting and decor overhaul for its annual Downtown Lanterns and Lights event, Nov. 24 through Jan. 1, featuring a magical display of Christmas trees, festive photo props and other artisanmad­e pieces. The lighting spectacle will encompass the main corridors of the charming historic downtown district from Strand to Postoffice Streets, including the iconic Saengerfes­t Park.

“We are so excited to invite everyone to come and experience our continued transforma­tion of downtown Galveston into a Winter Wonder Island. This year we are adding more lights and a spectacula­r, unique new display in Saengerfes­t Park on The Strand, as well as decoration­s on Postoffice Street,” said Trey Click, executive director, Historic Downtown Galveston Partnershi­p. “When I was a child I remember my family drove around looking at all the decoration­s. We hope this will start a new family tradition in Galveston.”

For more informatio­n, visit www.downtownga­lveston.org.

Santa Hustle Half Marathon & 5K

Runners will have a “jolly good time” Dec. 16 at the annual Santa Hustle. It starts at 7 a.m. at Moody Gardens, and will feature thousands of “Santas” running along the Gulf for half-marathon and 5K races. All event participan­ts will receive a Santa suit long sleeve T-shirt, a free hat and beard to wear while running and can stop at cookie and candy stations along their routes.

“We are thrilled to spread some holiday cheer throughout Galveston at the Santa Hustle 5K and half-marathon this year,” said Aaron Del Mar, founder of Santa Hustle Race Series, LLC. “In addition to providing a fun and healthy activity that creates lasting memories, this event also will benefit the Galveston County Food Bank, which provides vital resources to families in need throughout Galveston County. Please join us for Santa Hustle Galveston.”

For more informatio­n, visit www.santahustl­e.com.

 ??  ?? The annual Downtown Lanterns and Lights event, Nov. 24 through Jan. 1, features a magical display of Christmas trees, festive photo props and other artisan-made pieces.
The annual Downtown Lanterns and Lights event, Nov. 24 through Jan. 1, features a magical display of Christmas trees, festive photo props and other artisan-made pieces.
 ?? Photos courtesy of Galveston Island CVB ??
Photos courtesy of Galveston Island CVB

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