Galveston’s Winter Wonder Island to Showcase Family Friendly Events, Victorian Charm for the Holidays

GALVESTON ISLAND, Texas (Oct. 21, 2025) – The Galveston holiday season is full of tradition. From its world-renowned Dickens on the Strand Victorian Christmas festival to Holiday in the Gardens, featuring Ice Land, at Moody Gardens, a trip to the Gulf Coast is sure to be a festive winter getaway.

All aboard! Galveston Island’s holiday season kicks off Nov. 14 with the first trip on the Polar Express train ride at the Galveston Railroad Museum. Meet Santa and enjoy a theatrical recreation of the sights, sounds and enchantment of this timeless children’s tale. 

Seasonal favorite, Holiday in the Gardens, returns to Moody Gardens Nov. 22. The event features the Holiday Lights Trail, Ice Land, an arctic slide, ice skating rink, plus holiday themed movies.

Dickens on the Strand welcomes all to dress in the style of Victorian England Dec. 5-6. Here, visitors will revel in parades, live entertainment, festival food, plus a visit from Charles Dickens’ descendants.

In addition to these holiday favorites, there is a long list of yuletide offerings Galveston Island will showcase this season. Mark your calendar for a full slate of family fun:

  • Polar Express at the Galveston Railroad Museum (Nov. 14 – Dec. 23)
  • Holiday in the Gardens at Moody Gardens (Nov. 22 -Jan. 3)
  • Miracle Pop Up Bar at Daiquiri Time Out (Nov. 25 – Dec. 31)
  • Downtown Galveston Christmas Tree Lighting (Nov. 29)
  • Dickens on the Strand (Dec. 5-7)
  • Holiday performances at The Grand 1894 Opera House (Dec. 5-13)
  • Victorian Holiday Homes Tour (Dec. 5)
  • Boot Scootin’ Bash at The Bryan Museum (Dec. 7)
  • Galveston Christmas Parade (Dec. 13)
  • Holiday with the Cranes (Dec. 13-14)
  • Santa Hustle 5K and Half Marathon (Dec. 21)

About Galveston Island
Galveston Island, Texas is a resilient historic beach town located 50 miles south of Houston. The birthplace of Juneteenth and home to the second largest immigration port into the U.S. in the 1880s, today Galveston Island is a major tourism destination for Texas and beyond. Galveston offers miles of beaches, top-tier museums, family attractions, plus special events and festivals. Galveston’s port is the fourth busiest for cruise passengers in North America and the island eagerly welcomes more than eight million visitors each year. To plan your Galveston Island experience, go to www.visitgalveston.com.

Media Contact
Mary Beth Bassett
Sr. Public Relations Manager
Visit Galveston
Office: 409-797-5152
Email: mbassett@visitgalveston.com