Mark your calendars for these special events and festivities taking place in Galveston this holiday season.
Whether you’re looking for warm weather and sunny skies, a unique coastal holiday experience, or simply to enjoy time with your family, Galveston Island has all that plus a good dose of the Christmas spirit.
pictured: Holiday in The Gardens at Moody Gardens
When: Dec 1-3, 2023
Travel back in time as downtown Galveston's Strand Street is transformed into the Victorian London of Charles Dickens with this beloved festival.
Dickens on The Strand, an annual holiday street festival based on 19th-century Victorian London, features parades, non-stop entertainment on multiple stages, strolling carolers, roving musicians, bagpipers, jugglers, and a host of other entertainers. Costumed vendors peddle their wares from street stalls and rolling carts laden with holiday food and drink, Victorian-inspired crafts, clothing, jewelry, holiday decorations, and gift items.
Date(s): Nov 18, 2023 – Jan 6, 2024
ICE LAND is back! 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. Enjoy an Arctic Ice Slide, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4D experience, Holiday 3D films, train rides, photos with Santa, Cirque Joyeux Holiday and New Year's Palooza family celebration.
Date(s): Nov 10 - Dec 22
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.
For holiday entertainment, Galveston certainly won’t disappoint. The Grand 1894 Opera House, which is a gem in the island’s historic downtown district, offers no seat further than 70 feet from the stage for its exciting lineup of live holiday shows happening Nov. 19 – Dec. 16. Here you can catch shows like Annie, Jesus Christ Superstar!, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Galveston Symphony Orchestra and An Evening with the Duke Ellington Orchestra.
For a schedule, visit www.thegrand.com.
Date(s): Dec 1, 2023
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.
Date(s): Dec 9-10, 2023
Celebrate the magnificent 4-foot-tall Sandhill Cranes that arrive just in time for the holidays with special events from sunrise to sunset.
Date: Dec 17, 2023
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!
Date(s): Nov 21 - Dec 28, 2023
Miracle is a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar that serves holiday cocktails in a festive setting. With kitschy holiday décor and professionally-developed cocktails, Miracle will surely get the grouchiest grinch in the holiday spirit.
Date(s): Nov 24, 2023
Time: 6PM
Location: Grand Galvez
The Grand Galvez Christmas Lighting Celebration, set against the backdrop of the grand palm tree-lined Centennial Green lawn in front of the hotel at 2024 Seawall Boulevard, Galveston, TX, and inside the hotel, marks the festive arrival of Santa Claus, accompanied by local performers playing holiday music.
Date(s): Nov 25, 2023
Time: 6PM
Location: Saengerfest Park
Downtown Galveston's Tree Lighting Ceremony will feature a special guest appearance from the famous man in red, Santa Claus. Take advantage of live entertainment and shops, boutiques, and galleries remaining open later for Galveston's ArtWalk.
Date: Dec 3, 2023
Holiday Delights 2023 will invite guests to take “A Step Back in Time” with us and chat with a cowboy from 1870 cooking at his chuckwagon and explore the Galveston Orphan’s Home from the last century through an interactive exhibit. In addition to the living history flair, this year’s event will also have the most popular aspects from previous years including pictures with and letters to Santa, a petting zoo, pictures with Elsa, an elf hunt, food trucks, crafts, music, and storybook readings. As always, this event is free to the public and includes the Museum exhibits.
Where the Texas Coast begins.
Author
Visit Galveston
Visit Galveston is the official destination marketing organization for Galveston Island, Texas.
