Christmas in Moody Gardens, Galveston is a truly magical experience that captivates both locals and visitors alike. This is one of my favorite Christmas destinations near Houston during December. The attraction has plenty of fun Christmas activities including holiday light displays, an ice sculpture festival, large slides, holiday movies, and more!
Also Read: 10 Fun Things to do for Christmas in Galveston
Holiday in the Gardens at Moody Gardens
The annual Christmas event is known as Holiday in the Gardens. This magical Christmas event that transforms the Texas coastal destination into a winter wonderland of festive joy. For the 2023 season, Holiday in the Gardens is open from 18 November – 6th January 2024. Timings for each week can change as can the attractions, so check for updates at their official website on the day of your visit.
Where is Moody Gardens located?
Moody Gardens is located on Galveston Island along the Gulf of Mexico in Texas. It is a renowned destination known for its breathtaking grounds, impressive aquarium, exhilarating rainforest pyramid, and a host of other attractions.
During the holiday season, this enchanting destination transforms into a winter wonderland, offering a unique and festive experience for all ages. Moody Gardens address is One Hope Boulevard, Galveston, Texas 77554.
Holiday activities including Iceland, Festival Of Lights, Arctic Slide, Ice Skating Rink, train ride, and roasting marshmallows by the fireside to make s’mores take place out on the grounds while you can enjoy Rudolph 4D movie, Holiday buffet, 3D films, the beautiful Christmas tree, and Pictures with Santa inside the Moody Gardens Visitor Center.
Things to do at Moody Gardens at Christmas
Moody Gardens is a beloved Texas attraction known for its educational exhibits, lush gardens, and entertainment experiences. During the holiday season, it takes on a whole new enchanting persona. Here are the unique holiday experiences you can enjoy on a visit to the gardens.
Iceland at Moody Gardens
One of the standout attractions at Holiday in the Gardens is “Iceland.” This ice sculpture exhibit allows visitors to step into a breathtaking frozen realm where skilled ice artisans create intricate sculptures and scenes, providing a glimpse into the beauty of the Arctic. The icy landscapes and intricate sculptures will leave you in awe.
Iceland has a different theme every year; past themes have ranged from Rainforest Holiday, Caribbean theme, and Polar regions. The attraction also involves Shivers Ice bar, where you can sit on ice tables and enjoy drinks!
Read more about this attraction including what to wear in the near zero temperatures in my article: Ultimate Guide to Iceland at Moody Gardens.
Festival of Lights
One of the highlights of Christmas in Moody Gardens is the Festival of Lights. Every year, starting in mid-November and running through early January, the gardens come alive with over two million twinkling lights and stunning holiday displays. The trail is a mile long and just stunning!
Visitors can go on a leisurely stroll to see the amazing displays, take photos at the Instagram-worthy spots, soak in the holiday spirit and marvel at the creatively decorated trees, illuminated pathways, and animated displays. The lighted scenes range from traditional holiday motifs to whimsical characters, making it a delight for families, couples, and friends.
Check out amazing photos of the lit up displays at the Festival of Lights right here.
Magical Train Ride
Kids can enjoy a charming train ride through the illuminated wonderland at Moody Gardens. The train ride takes kids through a section of the Festival of lights. Rides begin at Moody Station. Kids need to be under 48” tall to sit on the train.
Make S’mores
What’s the holiday season without some mouthwatering s’mores! To warm up after some chilly activities, you can gather around the fireside and roast marshmallows to make delicious s’mores. It’s the perfect way to experience the cozy side of the holiday season.
S’mores kits are available in the concession areas located near the fire pits. You can also get roasting sticks and use them to roast marshmallows while listening to the singing and dancing Christmas tree. This is one of the favorite activities for our family and a hit with kids!
Skate at the Ice Rink
For those who love ice skating, the “Ice Skating Rink” at Moody Gardens is a real treat. Glide gracefully on the ice amidst the holiday decorations, creating lasting memories with family and friends. Skate rentals are available on site. Entrance to the ice skating tent is through Festival of Lights, you will need tickets for the lights display in order to enjoy skating.
Arctic Slide
Looking for a thrilling attraction to add a touch of frosty fun to the holiday season? Go down the Arctic Slide at Moody Gardens! The slide will have you sledding down the slopes in plastic skis that you will carry to the top yourself! The fast and exciting ride resembles an adventure on the ski slopes and is a lot of fun.
The 4-lane slide allows the whole family to zip down at once, adding to the fun. Moody Gardens Holiday Pass and Value Pass both include 4 rides down the Arctic Slid per person, ensuring you have a great time all evening long. Kids have to be 36” tall to slide down.
Rudolph 4D Movie
For a unique cinematic experience, don’t miss the “Rudolph 4D movie.” Watch the beloved tale of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer come to life in 3D with added sensory effects that immerse you in the story. The movie is about 10 minutes long and the theater is located within the moody Garden Visitor Center. Be sure to pay attention to the screen times so that you don’t miss the movie.
3D Movies
The 3D theater at Moody Gardens in Galveston is a captivating and immersive cinematic experience that transports visitors to new worlds.This is one of the largest movie screens in Texas and seeing the crisp and high-quality movies is a visual treat.
Moody Gardens often screens educational films in its 3D theater. These films cover a wide range of topics, from marine life and environmental conservation to space exploration and natural wonders. Holiday-themed movies include Light Before Christmas 3D and Train Time 3D. On our visit, we saw the Great White Shark 3D movie due to our son’s love for all marine creatures!
Moody Gardens Holiday Buffet
Hungry while visiting the Gardens? Want something more than hot cocoa, cotton candy, pretzels, and popcorn from the concession areas? Visit the Garden Restaurant and enjoy their delicious holiday buffet.
This sumptuous buffet is a feast for the senses, offering a delicious spread of traditional holiday dishes. From succulent roasted turkey and honey-glazed ham to rich, creamy mashed potatoes and desserts, the menu is a celebration of classic flavors. The dining area is beautifully decorated with festive holiday décor, making it an amazing meal.
Picture with Santa
‘Picture with Santa’ at Moody Gardens is a cherished holiday tradition that brings joy and wonder to visitors of all ages. The scene is set in a beautifully decorated area within the Visitor Centre, typically with festive holiday decorations and twinkling lights, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that captures the spirit of the season.
Meeting Santa Claus is a heartwarming experience for children and adults alike. It’s a chance to share your holiday wishes, tell Santa about your year, and, of course, snap a memorable photo together.
Moody Gardens usually provides professional photographers who capture these special moments. After your visit, you’ll have the option to purchase high-quality photo keepsakes, ensuring that you can treasure the memory for years to come.
Poinsettia Christmas Tree
The Poinsettia Christmas Tree at Moody Gardens is a breathtaking and unique holiday attraction. The tree is a remarkable botanical creation. Instead of the traditional evergreen tree, this masterpiece is constructed using vibrant poinsettia plants. The result is a stunning fusion of horticulture and holiday magic.
The tree is typically adorned with thousands of poinsettia plants and is several feet tall. Located inside the Moody Gardens Visitor Center, it makes for great holiday photos. The display captures the essence of Christmas and the warmth it brings to people’s hearts.
New Year’s Eve Celebrations
Holiday fun at Moody gardens extends well into January with lots of activities planned around New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Moody Gardens typically hosts extravagant New Year’s Eve galas that offer an unforgettable night of entertainment, dining, and dancing. You can also enjoy a cruise on the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat.
As the clock counts down to midnight, prepare to be dazzled by a breathtaking fireworks display. The stunning pyrotechnics illuminate the night sky over Galveston, providing a visual spectacle that marks the arrival of the new year.
Christmas in Moody Gardens, Galveston, is an annual celebration that embodies the magic and joy of the holiday season. Exciting attractions like Iceland and Arctic Slide bring a taste of the winter wonderland to the Gulf Coast, allowing guests to experience the exhilaration of snow and ice in a region where snowfall is a rarity. The Festival of Lights and Nativity scenes offer old fashioned family fun while the ice rink beckons the adventurous.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic evening under the twinkling lights, a family adventure, or simply a dose of holiday spirit, Moody Gardens delivers a memorable experience that will leave you enchanted and ready to embrace the holiday season with open arms. Are you planning to visit Moody Gardens this holiday season?