Your Holiday Guide to Galveston Isle

This holiday season is here, so brighten up your holiday spirit by heading down to Galveston for days and nights filled with plenty of holiday fun!

First, light up your Holiday Season by visiting Moody Gardens as it's once again transformed in to a winter wonderland. Starting November 22nd and lasting through December 31st, festive sights and sounds will fill Moody Gardens during the Annual Festival of Lights. Come see the normally lush gardens transformed with dozens of twinkling light displays reflecting off Galveston Bay. This event draws more than 60,000 people every year and has become a holiday favorite for families. While at Moody Gardens, also take in the attraction’s special holiday-themed IMAX film, “The Light Before Christmas.” At the Ridefilm Theatre, guests can buckle up their seatbelts and experience the thrills of Santa's Late and Glacier Run. The holiday favorite, Polar Express 4D will be returning to the 4D Special FX Theater, where exciting special effects like snow, wind and the smell of hot chocolate will engage all the viewers' senses as they sit in rumbling seats that mimic a real train ride. For more information call 1-800-582-4673, or visit www.moodygardens.com.

Looking for a traditional Thanksgiving meal but don’t want to do the cooking?  Well, here on the island we have taken care of that for you!  There are four great places you can give Thanks for not having to do it yourself. Those include The Hotel Galvez located at 2024 Seawall;  The San Luis Hotel, located at 5222 Seawall;  the Hilton Galveston Island located at 5400 Seawall, and Moody Gardens, over on Hope Boulevard. 

After the turkey has been carved it’s time to get ready for Santa Claus to come to town!  On Friday, November 28th, we’re kicking off the countdown to Christmas here on the island in style!  Hotel Galvez is the site of the City of Galveston's Official Tree Lighting  from 6 to 8 pm. This holiday event will feature a special visit by Santa Claus, holiday entertainment and a holiday greeting by Galveston Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas.  Festivities begin at 6 p.m. with the arrival of Santa. Guests are invited to take pictures with Santa, sing carols and enjoy the holiday entertainment.  The event is sponsored by Mitchell Historic Properties, Hotel Galvez, the Historic Downtown Galveston Partnership and the City of Galveston.

The next day, volunteers are asked to participate during the Great Galveston Garbage Gobble, from 8am to 1pm.  Help Galveston get back on its feet by sweeping the streets of storm-damaged materials.  The City of Galveston has teamed up with Clean Galveston, AmeriCorps, Impact, and Help4Galveston to coordinate this volunteer event. Individuals, families, and groups can call the City of Galveston's Volunteer Reception Center at (409) 797-3710 for additional information or to register in advance.

Friday, December 5th, the East End's annual Christmas Homes Tour will open the doors of some of Galveston's most impressive and authentic Victorian residences from 6 to 9:30pm.  Entertainment will be presented at Sacred Heart Church, 14th & Broadway, and refreshments will be served at the East End Historic District Cottage, 1501 Postoffice Street.. Tickets may be purchased for $15 at The Grand 1894 Opera House Box Office, 2020 Postoffice, or by calling (409)765-1894.

Then, the first weekend in December, step back in time - back to the age of Charles Dickens when the British Empire was at the height of its glory and power.  Listen to the sounds of carolers, handbell choirs and bagpipers echo through the street as Historic Downtown Galveston is transformed in to Victorian London.  On December 6th & 7th the Galveston Historical Foundation will present the Annual Dickens on The Strand. During this island favorite event enjoy delicious foods and extraordinary merchandise from traveling artisans and craftsmen as the streets are overtaken by Victorian-clad Bobbies, Beefeaters, gentlemen and Ladies.  The event will be held Saturday & Sunday 10am to 6pm.  For complete details, click to galveston.com/dickensonthestrand.

The next weekend, get ready to rumble into the holidays when the annual Lone Star Motorcycle Rally rides back to the Island December 11th thru 14th. Now the largest American Motorcycle Association event in America, this special event will emphasize Galveston Island’s recovery efforts from hurricane Ike and will feature a host of money-raising opportunities. 

That same weekend, the Junior League of Galveston County will host its annual Holiday Charity Ball, Saturday, December 13th, beginning at 7pm.  The event is the organization's largest fundraiser of the year, and proceeds will  go to support the Junior League's many community projects and rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Ike. The event will feature live music by The Line Up, as well as an Elvis Presley impersonator. The event will also feature live, silent, & gaming auctions to benefit the Junior League of Galveston County, Inc. For ticket information or to make a donation please visit www.jlgalveston.org

Sunday, December 14th,  scores of poinsettias, half a dozen Christmas trees with traditional Moody family ornaments and a tree dedicated to the recovery of Galveston will grace the main floor of Moody Mansion during a Holiday Open House from noon to 3pm.  Guests will enjoy light refreshments and musical performances scheduled throughout the afternoon.  For details call (409)762-7891.  Moody Mansion is located at 2618 Broadway.

December 18th thru 28th,  join Moody Gardens for The Gift of Christmas LIVE, an exhilarating musical presentation blending traditional and original Christmas songs. The one-of-a-kind show features performances by the brightest artists in Texas coupled with sensational sound and lighting to create a dazzling experience. Enjoy caroling and hors d'oeuvres followed by a traditional three-course Christmas Dinner prepared by an award-winning chef, then sit back for a Christmas experience that will have you singing in the aisles.  For tickets, click to Galveston.com, or call (888)939-8680.

Then, as we finally get to Christmas, The Hilton Galveston Island and San Luis Hotel can help you celebrate.  On December 25th a delightful Christmas buffet filled with an array of holiday favorites and other unique offerings will be offered at both hotels.  Come and enjoy a relaxed, casual atmosphere as you taste the delightful culinary feast the culinary teams have prepared for you.  For more information, call 409-744-1500. 

After Christmas has come and gone it’s time to ring in 2009, and the Island has 2 great New Year’s events you won’t wanna miss.
First, Moody Gardens will feature non-stop entertainment by the fabulous show band Eclipse, as well as surprise entertainment to spruce up the festivities. Guests will enjoy an open bar, elaborate food stations, deluxe party favors, a champagne toast, and balloon drop at midnight. Event tickets are $425 per couple or $225 per single. For reservations call (888)388-8484.

Of course, The San Luis Resort will have its own premier extravaganza, featuring a decadent four-course culinary feast filled with the magic of Rio’s Carnival. Following dinner, guests will continue the celebration with party hats and favors, melodies provided by The Billie Ledbetter 22-Piece Orchestra, a champagne toast and a balloon drop at the stroke of midnight. Cost for the event is $170 per person.   For details, call (409)744-1500.

For additional information...

For more information on these events and other things taking place here on Galveston Island , visit galveston.com.