Holiday in the Gardens and Festival of Lights Moody Gardens | Visit Galveston

Holiday in The Gardens

Make magical memories at Moody Gardens for more than a month during the holiday season.

Experience ICE LAND, stroll through the Festival of Lights, and so much more at Moody Gardens' annual Holiday in The Gardens festivities right here in Galveston, TX.

Date(s): TBA

Children walking through Festival of Lights Galveston
Look Back at 2022
Interior of Ice Land at Moody Gardens with giant castle and Christmas decor in Galveston Texas
Holiday in The Gardens
ICE LAND: Caribbean Christmas

The North Pole meets the Caribbean as Moody Gardens brings back ICE LAND: Caribbean Christmas with an underwater theme and exciting guest experiences. Guests will embark on a breathtaking underwater journey of ice sculptures from the shores of Galveston Island through the Gulf of Mexico.

Trees lit up with Christmas lights at Festival of Lights Galveston TX
Holiday in The Gardens
Festival of Lights

Enjoy a festive stroll along this mile-long trail featuring more than two million lights and lighted scenes themed to holiday music that take you around the Moody Gardens property with spectacular views of Galveston Bay. Stops along the way bring you to see:

  • Star, the Dancing Tree of Light
  • Concession areas
  • Hot chocolate
  • Fireside s'mores and other festive foods
  • Mistletoe
  • Plenty of photo and selfie opportunities!
Rudolph Yeti and Elf Holiday in the Gardens Galveston
Holiday in The Gardens
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer 4D

Enjoy the beloved animated television classic as the magic of 4D engages all of your senses. Classic songs and dialogue are brought to life by loveable, iconic characters:

  • The Abominable Snow Monster
  • Hermey the Elf
  • Santa Claus
  • Rudolph “the most famous reindeer of all.”
Family holding hands celebrating the Holiday at the Moody Gardens Galveston TX
Holiday in The Gardens
Star: The Dancing Tree of Light

As you enjoy the Festival of Lights trail, it will be hard to hard for you to miss Star: The Dancing Tree of Light. Measuring in at 4 stories tall, this magnificent digital dancing tree of light shines brighter than any Christmas tree in Texas! Stop by and take a photo or selfie with this beauty and enjoy the music accompanied by each of its displays.

Colonel Paddlewheel Boat lit up with lights reflecting in the water during an evening cruise in Galveston TX
Holiday in The Gardens
Evening Cruise: Colonel Paddlewheel

On our Regular Peak Nights, you can enjoy an evening cruise aboard the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat. See the holiday lights sparkling off Galveston Bay for a whole new perspective of the Festival of Lights.

Cirque Joyeux Holiday Show at the Holiday in the Gardens event at Moody Gardens in Galveston TX
Holiday in The Gardens
Cirque Joyeux Holiday Show

Be sure to check out Moody Gardens’ Cirque Joyeux Holiday Show as a team of acrobats, aerialists, cats and more perform for an enchanting evening of circus, music and comedy with a matinee, evening and dinner shows.

Holiday in The Gardens
New Year's Palooza

Ring in the New Year at the Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center. The evening will begin with light bites followed by dinner with a spectacular Holiday Show, a walk through the Festival of Lights trail and plenty of games and activities. Stay up with us to countdown to the new year and watch our very own take on the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop.

Additional Holiday in The Gardens Attractions

  • Enjoy the fun with a festive glide down the Arctic Slide.
  • See your favorite holiday films in 3D on the largest screen in Texas.
  • Experience the Festival of Lights and music on a train ride.
On The Horizon   |   See All
On The Horizon
Upcoming Events

See what's on the horizon in Galveston this weekend.

Amazing festivals, food- and drink-related celebrations, special events and more - there's always something to do in Galveston, Texas.
This event is currently underway.

2310 Sealy Avenue
Galveston, Texas 77550

This event is currently underway.

1315 21st Street
Galveston, Texas 77550

There are future dates for this event and it is currently underway.

2627 Avenue M
Galveston, Texas 77550

There are future dates for this event.

53rd and Seawall Blvd
Galveston, TX 77550

4302 Ave S
Galveston, Texas 77551

There are future dates for this event.

601 25th St
Galveston, Texas 77550