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Holiday in the Gardens 2026

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

Moody Gardens transforms into Holiday in the Gardens, where ICE LAND, sparkling lights, and family traditions create magical holiday memories.

Each year, Moody Gardens brings the holidays to life with experiences that delight all ages. Explore dazzling light displays, wander themed attractions, and embrace the spirit of the season in a setting that blends Gulf Coast charm with festive wonder.

Nov 21, 2026 - January 2, 2027 - Caribbean Christmas

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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride in Galveston, Texas
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is an immersive family-oriented experience at the Galveston Railroad Museum held every year during the holiday…
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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…
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Holiday With The Cranes
Visitors to Galveston, TX are welcome to celebrate the arrival of the majestic Sandhill Cranes wintering on the island.
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