Galveston is the “Winter Wonder Island” of Texas and this season the island will offer visitors a new experience with its Passport to Holiday Magic – a two-month celebration of more than 1,000 magical holiday events!

Popular Events will Include...

Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens 
November 16, 2013 - January 5, 2014
Moody Gardens visitors can slide into the holiday spirit this winter, as the largest holiday lighting event on the Gulf Coast returns. The festival kicks off Nov. 16 and will continue throughout the holiday season Thursdays through Saturdays from Nov. 16 to Dec. 7 before opening nightly Dec. 12 until Jan. 5. For details, visit www.moodygardens.org.

Home for the Holidays Gift Market
November 22-24, 2013
The 3-day gift market, held in the Moody Gardens Convention Center, will feature more than 100 of the region's most unique gift vendors, offering distinctive home decor, one-of-a-kind gifts, clothing, hand-made jewelry, candles, craft foods, accessories, and much more. Experience the way shopping should feel!

Holiday Half Marathon
November 24, 2013
This program is designed for athletes to think past themselves and to focus on training for a cause greater than their own. It helps the participants to focus on a reason to train, a reason to get to the starting line and a reason to complete the race.

Hotel Galvez Holiday Lighting Celebration
November 29, 2013 
Performances from The Nutcracker, handbells, bagpipes and Christmas carols will entertain guests at the Galveston Holiday Lighting Celebration at Hotel Galvez & Spa, A Wyndham Grand Hotel, on Friday, Nov. 29. This free family event begins at 6 p.m. and marks the start of the holiday season in Galveston.

Lasers, Lights & Magic in the Park
November 30 - December 31, 2013
Galveston’s historic downtown will sparkle with fun Nov. 30 - Dec. 31 as Saengerfest Park is transformed into a holiday spectacle for the new event Lasers, Lights and Magic in the Park. Visitors to downtown will be able to enjoy a 15-minute holiday themed laser light show daily during the holiday season.

ArtWalk
November 30, 2013
ArtWalk promotes visual art and artists, extends alternative places to see and learn about art and hopes to bring newcomers, as well as welcome return visitors to the ar community on the island.

Victorian Holiday Homes Tour
December 6, 2013
The 24th Annual East End Christmas Homes Tour will be held on Friday, December 6th, beginning at 6:00 PM until 9:30 PM. Tickets may be purchased through the Grand 1894 Opera House.

Dickens on The Strand
December 7-8, 2013
Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Be it decreed that all lords, ladies and children shall come and celebrate the 39th Annual Dickens on The Strand, a holiday festival, where bobbies, Beefeaters and the Queen herself will be on hand to recreate the Victorian London of Charles Dickens. Characters from Dickens novels walk the street. Food and entertainment fill the area with sights and smells that take you back to another era. For details, visit www.galvestonhistory.org.

Santa Train
December 14, 2013 
Santa is coming to town aboard the Galveston Railroad Museum's Harborside Express train! Bring your wish list and visit with Santa! Stroll through the museum's Garden of Steam, and enjoy the festive holiday lights & decorations!

AMagical Christmas Dinner & Show
December 19-28, 2013 
Is there no better joy than remembering the wonder and magic of the Christmases of your childhood? Come revive your child’s spirit by spending an evening at Moody Gardens’ A Magical Christmas Dinner and Show starring Master Illusionist, Curt Miller and Friends, a performance that combines dazzling magic, family comedy, inspiring music, beautiful dance to celebrate the timelessness and wonderment of Christmas.

Santa Hustle
December 22, 2013 
Get ready for a "jolly good time” at the first annual Santa Hustle in Galveston on Dec. 22. This event is one to be remembered as thousands of Santas will run through the streets of downtown Galveston and along the gorgeous Gulf waters. For details, visit www.santahustle.com.

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