10 Magical Experiences to Enjoy in Galveston, Texas this Holiday Season

Mark your calendar for unforgettable holiday events in Galveston, where festive traditions shine against a backdrop of coastal charm.

Celebrate the season island-style. Enjoy sunny skies, shimmering palms, and a coastal holiday experience that blends family traditions with seaside magic. With parades, lights, music, and more, Galveston captures the spirit of Christmas in ways you won't find anywhere else.

Pictured: Holiday in The Gardens at Moody Gardens
FREE Holiday Events

Ongoing Holiday Events

Holiday Events
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride

Date(s): Nov. 14 – Dec. 23, 2025

All aboard! Galveston Railroad Museum will offer a magical one-hour journey to the North Pole onboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. While being whisked away on a trip to meet Santa, The Polar Express will be theatrically recreated to immerse passengers in this classic children's tale's sights, sounds and intrigue.

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Holiday Events
Holiday in the Gardens at Moody Gardens

Date(s): Nov. 22, 2025 – Jan. 3, 2026

Celebrate the season with these amazing ice sculptures with a holiday rainforest theme with many other delightful holiday attractions at one venue: Stroll through Festival of Lights, a mile-long trail of illuminated holiday displays, music, festive food and more.

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Holiday Events
Carriage Christmas Light Tours

Dates: Nov. 29-Dec. 31, 2025

Carriage Haus Rentals offers private Christmas Light Tours aboard their charming replica Model T carts. These one-of-a-kind experiences will run nightly at 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM, each lasting approximately 1.5 hours.

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Holiday Events
A Christmas Carol at the Grand

Dates: Dec. 5-6, 2025

A joyful pairing of Dickens Weekend with a Dickens story.

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Holiday Events
Dickens on the Strand

Date(s): Dec. 5-7, 2025

Victorian traditions come alive during Galveston Island’s Dickens on The Strand, a holiday festival filled with music, costumes, and spirited celebrations.

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Holiday Events
East End Historical District’s Holiday Homes Tour

Date(s): Dec. 5, 2025

Feel nostalgic as you listen to carolers and tour through several Victorian-era homes decked in beautiful holiday décor. You may even catch a glimpse of Santa Claus if you're lucky.

Holiday Events
The Bryan Museum Holiday Delights

Dates: Dec. 7, 2025

Holiday Events
A Prairie Home Companion Christmas

Date(s): Dec. 9, 2025

Join GK, Heather Masse, Maria Jette, the Radio Acting Company, Fred Newman, Richard Dworsky and the Guy’s Shoe Band for the Adventures of Guy Noir, Duane & His Mom, the News from Lake Wobegon, A Christmas Carolette, and the audience singing of five beloved carols.

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Holiday Events
Holiday with the Cranes

Date(s): Dec. 13-14, 2025

Celebrate the magnificent 4-foot-tall Sandhill Cranes that arrive just in time for the holidays with special events from sunrise to sunset.

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Holiday Events
Santa Hustle Half Marathon and 5K

Date: Dec. 21, 2025

Run with thousands of Santas through the streets of Galveston and along the Gulf waters. With festive music, outrageous holiday decorations and awesome swag, this isn't just a race – it's a magical experience!

Holidays at The Grand 1894 Opera House

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Author

Melody Smith, CTA

Director of Marketing

A Galveston Island expert and local enthusiast, Melody has over 20 years of experience in the tourism industry and thoroughly enjoys being a marketing professional in today's technology driven environment. If there is a good thing to know or a great place to go, she knows the answer.