Special events bring lots of holiday cheer to the island
Year after year, Galveston offers a festive selection of special events for the holidays. Check out the top things to do at the “Winter Wonder Island” this season.
A Tuna Christmas: Runs through Nov. 30 at Island ETC, 2317 Mechanic St. Sunday matinees on Nov. 10 and 17. Laugh out loud as the citizens of Tuna struggle to bring merriment to the world with quick-change zaniness and brilliant one-liners. Tickets are $30 for adults and $25 for students and seniors. For more information, go to islandetc.org or call 409-762-3556.
The Polar Express Train Ride: Begins Friday, Nov. 15, and runs weekends through Sunday, Dec. 29, at 2602 Santa Fe Place. Brought to you by the Galveston Railroad Museum, the event offers a 60-minute train ride to the North Pole onboard The Polar Express. Tickets are $27-75. For times and more information, go to galvestonRRmuseum.org/polarexpress or call 409-765-5700.
Festival of Lights: From Nov. 16 through Jan. 12, Moody Gardens presents a one-mile trail filled with animated displays and two million twinkling lights. This attraction is part of Holiday in the Gardens, which also features Ice Land, Cirque Joyeux, ice skating, arctic slide and holiday 3-D films. For tickets and scheduling information, go to moodygardens.com/ holiday_season or call 409-744-4673.
Vienna Boys Choir: Set for 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, at The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St. Continuing a tradition that dates back to 1296 at Vienna’s Imperial Chapel, the choir will present Christmas in Vienna, with a repertoire that includes a selection of medieval, contemporary and experimental music. Tickets are $25-$75. For more information, go to thegrand.com or call 409-765-1894.
Thanksgiving Brunch at Hotel Galvez & Spa: Slated for Thursday, Nov. 28, at the hotel’s Galvez Bar & Grill, 2024 Seawall Blvd. With traditional Thanksgiving entrees and special features, this holiday brunch is one of the hotel’s most popular events of the year. Reservations are required. Call 409-515-2028 or go to hotelgalvez.com for details.
Dickens on The Strand: Held Friday, Dec. 6, through Sunday, Dec. 8, in historic downtown Galveston, this annual event takes guests back to 19th-century London. Victorian attire is encouraged. Enjoy live entertainment, caroling, parades and guest appearances
from descendants of Charles Dickens. Tickets are $7-15, with free admission on Friday night. For details, go to galvestonhistory.org or call 409-765-7834.
Holiday Sing-along: 7-10 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12, at The Tremont House, 2300 Mechanic St. Accompany the hotel’s Duo du Jour in singing holiday favorites. Guests can also enjoy winter drink specials and complimentary hors d’oeuvres. The event is free. For more information, call 409-763-0300 or go to thetremonthouse.com.
Holiday with the Cranes: Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14-15, in various locations throughout Galveston, the event celebrates the return of the island’s wintering sandhill cranes with indoor and outdoor nature activities. For more information, go to galvestonnaturetourism.org or call 409789-8125. Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer: At 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 28, at The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St., audiences of all ages will enjoy a jolly cast of iconic characters who help Santa save Christmas. Tickets are $25-$65. For more information, go to thegrand.com or call 409-765-1894. New Year’s Eve Dinner and Special Jazz Night: 7 p.m. at The Hotel Galvez, 2024 Seawall Blvd. This four-course dinner at the Galvez Bar & Grill features live jazz with Reg and Cary. Reservations are recommended by calling 409763-0300 or through Open Table. For details, go to hotelgalvez.com.