Signature Attractions
More Holiday Activities
Hotel & Dining Packages
FAQ
More

Holiday in The Gardens at Moody Gardens

Celebrate the holiday season at Moody Gardens during Holiday in the Gardens, one of Galveston Island’s biggest Christmas traditions.

Experience Holiday in the Gardens at Moody Gardens, where dazzling Christmas lights, ICE LAND, and festive family traditions bring holiday magic to Galveston, Texas!

Each year, Moody Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland filled with exciting holiday events and attractions for all ages. Stroll through the dazzling Festival of Lights, explore the incredible ice sculptures at ICE LAND, lace up your skates at the outdoor ice rink, and enjoy seasonal entertainment along the Gulf Coast. Whether you're searching for Christmas lights in Galveston, Texas, or planning a festive family getaway, discover Holiday in the Gardens dates, explore ticket options, and make unforgettable holiday memories at Moody Gardens.

Dates: Nov 21, 2026 - January 2, 2027

Theme: Caribbean Christmas

Location: Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Boulevard, Galveston, TX

Learn More
Holiday in the Gardens Festivities

ICE LAND: Caribbean Christmas

Step into a frozen Caribbean adventure carved from two million pounds of ice. The 2026 ICE LAND experience takes visitors beneath the surface of the Gulf, where colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, eagle rays, sharks and other marine life are transformed into towering ice sculptures. The adventure includes an ice slide inspired by the Flower Garden Banks and concludes at Shiver’s Ice Bar, where adults can warm up with a festive cocktail.

Get ICE LAND Tickets

Holiday in the Gardens Festivities

Festival of Lights

Follow a mile-long trail illuminated by more than two million lights as holiday scenes, tunnels and displays sparkle to seasonal music. Along the way, visitors can take in views of Galveston Bay, grab hot chocolate and holiday treats and make an evening of one of Moody Gardens’ signature Christmas traditions.

Explore Holiday Lights

Pictured: Holiday in The Gardens at Moody Gardens
Holiday in the Gardens Festivities
Ice Skating Rink

Lace up and take a spin around Moody Gardens’ outdoor ice skating rink surrounded by the sights and sounds of the season. Ice skating is included with select Holiday in the Gardens passes, making it an easy addition to an evening exploring the lights

Get Tickets
Holiday in the Gardens Festivities
Holiday Train Rides

Young visitors can climb aboard the Kiddie Train for a festive ride through a portion of the Holiday Lights Trail. Holiday music and illuminated displays make the train another family-friendly way to experience the celebration.

Riders must be under 48 inches tall.

Get Tickets
Holiday in the Gardens Festivities
Holiday 3D & 4D Films

Take a break from the lights and enjoy seasonal entertainment inside Moody Gardens’ theaters. Holiday programming includes festive 3D and 4D experiences that add another indoor activity to a day or evening at Holiday in the Gardens

Get Tickets
Holiday in the Gardens Festivities
Arctic Slide

Enjoy the fun with a festive glide down the Arctic Slide.

The Arctic Slide is included in the Holiday Pass!

Must be over 36" to ride.

Get Tickets

When is Holiday in the Gardens 2026?

Holiday in the Gardens runs November 21, 2026, through January 2, 2027, at Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas.

What is ICE LAND at Moody Gardens?

ICE LAND is Moody Gardens’ annual holiday attraction featuring elaborate sculptures carved from two million pounds of ice. The 2026 theme is Caribbean Christmas, featuring an underwater Gulf-inspired world filled with tropical marine life and an ice slide.

How many lights are at Holiday in the Gardens?

The Holiday Lights Trail features more than two million lights along approximately one mile of Moody Gardens’ property.

Can you stay overnight at Moody Gardens during Holiday in the Gardens?

Yes. Moody Gardens Hotel offers holiday packages that combine overnight accommodations with select Holiday in the Gardens attractions and other benefits.

Is Holiday in the Gardens good for kids?

Yes. Family-friendly experiences include Holiday Lights, ICE LAND, ice skating, train rides, holiday films, Breakfast with Santa and the new A Very Electric Christmas live show.

Explore More

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride in Galveston, Texas
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is a magical family holiday event at the Galveston Railroad Museum in Galveston, Texas, held annually…
Learn More
Dickens on The Strand
Victorian traditions come alive during Galveston Island’s Dickens on The Strand, a holiday festival filled with music, costumes, and spirited celebrations…
Learn More
Holiday With The Cranes
Every winter, Galveston Island welcomes some impressive seasonal visitors as sandhill cranes return to the island. Holiday with the Cranes celebrates…
Learn More