Galveston hosts eight weeks of holiday events
Galveston is the “Winter Wonder Island” of Texas, and this year it offers visitors a magical experience with eight weeks of holiday events and activities — from shopping, sightseeing, dining and everything in between.
Home for the Holidays Gift Market
Kick off some holiday shopping at the Home for the Holidays Gift Market, Nov. 27-28 at the Moody Gardens Convention Center. The gift market will feature more than 200 of the region’s most unique gift vendors. Details: homefortheholidaysgiftmarket.com.
Santa Train at the Galveston Railroad Museum
Santa is coming to town aboard the Galveston Railroad Museum’s Harborside Express train. The museum’s annual Santa Train event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m Dec. 12. Admission is $10 for those 13 and up. Kids 12 and under are free. Train rides are $5. Details: www.galvestonrrmuseum.com.
Breakfast with the Sandhill Cranes
The Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council presents Breakfast with the Sandhill Cranes. Dec. 12-13, outdoor enthusiasts can await the arrival of these majestic birds, enjoy breakfast and hear educational lectures by expert birders. Details: www.galvestonnaturetourism.org.
Holiday in the Park at Saengerfest Park
Visitors to downtown Galveston can take part in free festivities held at Saengerfest Park this December as part of Holiday in the Park. Santa will make special appearances from noon-5 p.m. on Dec. 12- 13 and will take photos with children in front of the downtown Christmas tree. Details: galvestonholidayinthepark.com.
Santa Hustle Half Marathon and 5K
Runners will have a “jolly good time” Dec. 20 in Galveston at the fourth annual Santa Hustle. This wacky event will feature hundreds of “Santas” running through the streets of downtown Galveston and along the gorgeous Gulf waters for half marathon and 5K races. Details: www.santahustle.com. Other events include:
» Ice Land: Ice Sculptures with SpongeBob SquarePants, Nov. 14 through Jan. 10, 2016 at Moody Gardens. Details: www.moodygardens.org.
» Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens: Open
6-10 p.m. Nov. 14, through Jan. 10, 2016. Details: www. moodygardens.org.
» Hotel Galvez Holiday Lighting Celebration: Begins at 6 p.m. on Nov. 27 with a special appearance by Santa Claus at the historic Hotel Galvez & Spa. Details: www.WyndhamHotelGalvez.com.
» Holiday performances at The Grand: Enjoy holiday favorites such as Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol on Dec. 4 and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical Dec. 19. Details: www.thegrand.com.
» Holiday Splash at Schlitterbahn: Operating days from Nov. 27 through Jan. 3. Details: www.schlitterbahn.com/gal. » 42nd Annual Dickens on the Strand: The festival transforms Galveston historic Strand Street into the Victorian London of Charles Dickens Dec. 4-6. Visit www.dickensonthestrand.org.
» Sunday Brunch with Santa at Hotel Galvez: Served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 6, 13 and 20. Advance reservations are recommended. Details: 409-765-7721.