Give the Gift of Experience During Galveston Island’s Winter Wonder Island

From the world-renowned Dickens on The Strand Victorian holiday festival to dazzling light displays, train rides, live performances and festive traditions, Galveston Island offers countless ways to celebrate the season and create memories that will last long after the decorations come down. 

Located just 50 miles south of Houston, the island makes an easy holiday getaway filled with coastal charm and seasonal cheer. 

Here are some highlights: 

All aboard for The Polar Express! 
Galveston Island’s holiday season gets underway Nov. 13 with the first departure of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at the Galveston Railroad Museum. Families can climb aboard vintage rail cars for a theatrical recreation inspired by the beloved children’s story, complete with the sights, sounds and enchantment of a journey to meet Santa. 

Holiday in the Gardens returns to Moody Gardens. 
Beginning Nov. 21, the sprawling holiday celebration transforms Moody Gardens into a winter wonderland. Highlights include the Holiday Lights Trail, ICE LAND: Caribbean Christmas, an Arctic Slide, ice skating and holiday-themed movies. 

Step back in time at Dickens on The Strand. 
Galveston’s historic downtown takes on the sights and sounds of Victorian England Dec. 4-6 during the island’s signature holiday festival. Visitors are encouraged to dress in Victorian attire and enjoy parades, live entertainment, festival food and appearances by descendants of Charles Dickens. 

And that’s only the beginning. Galveston Island will showcase a full calendar of holiday celebrations throughout November and December: 

• THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at the Galveston Railroad Museum – Nov. 13-Dec. 23 
• Holiday in the Gardens at Moody Gardens – Nov. 21-Jan. 2 
• Holiday performances at The Grand 1894 Opera House – Nov. 21-Dec. 19 
• Miracle Pop-Up Bar at Daiquiri Time Out – Nov. 25-Dec. 31 
• Downtown Galveston Christmas Tree Lighting – Nov. 28 
• Dickens on the Strand – Dec. 4-6 
• East End Historical District’s Holiday Homes Tour – Dec. 5 
• Holiday Delights: Boot Scootin’ Bash at The Bryan Museum – Dec. 6 
• Galveston Christmas Parade – Dec. 12 
• Holiday with the Cranes – Dec. 12-13 
• Santa Hustle 5K and Half Marathon – Dec. 20

Whether visitors come for a weekend getaway, an annual family tradition or their first holiday by the Gulf, Galveston Island offers a distinctive combination of history, entertainment and coastal charm that makes the season especially memorable. 

For images and B-roll, go to https://www.visitgalveston.com/media/photos-videos.

About Galveston Island 
Galveston Island, Texas, is a historic beach destination located 50 miles south of Houston. The birthplace of Juneteenth and once one of the nation’s most important immigration ports, Galveston today welcomes millions of visitors each year with miles of Gulf Coast beaches, acclaimed museums, family attractions, historic architecture, restaurants, shopping and year-round festivals and special events. The Port of Galveston is also one of North America’s busiest cruise ports. To plan a Galveston Island getaway, head to VisitGalveston.com.

Media Contact
Mary Beth Bassett
Sr. Public Relations Manager
Office: 409-797-5121
Email: mbassett@visitgalveston.com