Galveston goes all out for the holidays.
By: Deborah Hamilton-Lynne
Galveston might not immediately come to mind when you think of a Christmas vacation, but the city goes all out for the holidays and there is plenty to do for all ages. With the crowds at bay, balmy temperatures and wildlife in abundance, the beach is also a bonus.
These are a few of my favorite things for the holidays that you can find only in Galveston:
- Holiday in the Gardens. From November 23- January 1.
Moody Gardens becomes a Winter Wonderland. The Festival of Lights includes a mile long trail of holiday displays. There are holiday films including a Rudolph 4D experience and an Artic Slide made from ice. The highlight for me is always Iceland featuring incredible sculptures created by the world-renowned VYA Ice Carving Team from Harbin, China. This year the theme is Pole to Pole and includes sculptures of polar bears, penguins, whales, owls, walruses, and reindeer. Grab a drink at the Shivers Ice Bar – made entirely of ice!
- Dickens on the Strand. December 6-8.
Celebrating the 51st anniversary of this annual event, for one weekend you can be transported back in time to Victorian England. Period costumes and activities abound as well as entertainment on four stages. A highlight for me last year was a book talk/meet and greet at the Rosenberg Library with two of Dickens’ descendants. The Galveston Historical Foundation hosts a champagne reception at the Moody Mansion with the Dickens descendants as well as a handbell concert at the historic St. Joseph’s Church.
- Holiday With the Cranes. December 14 and 15.
Galveston is now certified as Bird City Texas by Audubon Texas and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department! This holiday event celebrates the return of the Sandhill Cranes, a magnificent bird standing nearly four feet tall. The Galveston Nature Tourism Organization offers several activities including “dawn patrols” for the early birds who want to catch sight of as many as 100 Sandhill Cranes as well as brown and white pelicans, Roseate Spoonbill, ibis, herons, ducks, grebes, rails, sparrows, cormorants, hawks, Osprey, White-tailed Kite, Crested Caracara and sandpipers.
- Polar Express. Through December 23.
If you loved the book and the classic movie this is perfect to share with your children or grandchildren. The truly magical experience leaves from the Historic Galveston Railroad Museum. On the way to the North Pole, you will meet Santa and the characters from the movie. Make reservations early as these rides tend to sell out quickly. 
- East End Holiday Homes Tour. December 6.
The elegant homes of the East End Historical District hark back to a time when Galveston was the wealthiest city in Texas. The neighborhood has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been designated a National Historic Landmark. The tour includes the interiors of four private, historic properties. You can also enjoy the exterior beauty and grandeur of many more homes throughout the 58 blocks of the East End Historical District, all while listening to a variety of holiday music.
- Unique Eats: Hotel Lucine Feast of the Seven Fishes at the Fancy. December 24.
Inspired by Italian tradition using the finest local seafood, this menu stays true to Galveston’s coastal ties. The multi-course experience is certain to become a memorable, annual tradition.
For more holiday activities: https://www.visitgalveston.com/blog/holidays/