There's a sleigh full of winter wonderland holiday events to explore when you spend Christmas in Galveston! Just a short drive from Houston, booking a holiday here should be high on the list.
Picture sparkling holiday lights reflected on Gulf waves, Victorian streets buzzing with festive markets, and winter celebrations unfolding under sunny, salt-kissed skies. Instead of snowflakes, you get seashells; instead of crowded city plazas, you get the laid-back charm of island life wrapped in holiday magic.
Bring your family to the island for a weekend getaway or a full holiday vacation in November or December. Either way, there are events for all ages and West End beach houses that are guaranteed to be the perfect fit!
This is your guide to our favorite Christmas events in Galveston to make your holiday trip here even more special.
1. THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
- November 14 - December 23, 2025
- galvestonrrmuseum.org/the-polar-express
- Galveston Railroad Museum, 2602 Santa Fe Place, Galveston
Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, this exciting one-hour adventure comes to life with a full cast of professional actors & dancers. Climb aboard the POLAR EXPRESS at the Galveston Railroad Museum, get your golden tickets punched by the conductor, and enjoy hot chocolate and festive food while participating in a read-along of the classic children's book.
Wear your PJs and entrust someone special with your golden sleigh bell souvenir at the end of the ride. This popular Christmas event in Galveston sells out quickly, so be sure to secure your tickets early!
2. Holiday in the Gardens at Moody Gardens
- November 22, 2025 - January 3, 2026
- moodygardens.com/holiday_season
- Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Blvd, Galveston
An annual Galveston holiday season tradition, Moody Gardens shouldn't be missed. The Festival of Lights is a mile-long trail that showcases more than two million tiny bulbs. Explore fun vignettes while strolling along to holiday music around beautiful Moody Gardens.
No matter when you visit Galveston in December, this event will be in full swing.
There's also a concession area with fireside s'mores and other festive foods, and kids of all ages will love the only seasonal ice skating rink on Galveston. There's also the famous ICE LAND, which features frozen sculptures carved from thousands of pounds of ice.
Don't miss the giant ice slide that zips guests from the canopy down to the forest floor, and keep your eyes peeled for ancient ruins and tropical river edges as you slide. Get into the holiday spirits at the Shivers Ice Bar, which is made completely out of ice.
3. The Grand 1894 Opera House Holiday Season
- Various dates throughout November & December 2025
- thegrand.com
- 2020 Postoffice Street, Historic Downtown Galveston
Our gorgeous historic theater also happens to be "The Official Opera House of Texas". Galveston locals and visitors alike love the holiday events and shows that take place in November and December. The 2025 season includes audience favorites like:
4. Galveston's East End Historical District's Victorian Christmas Tour
- December 5, 2025, at 5:30 pm
- eastendhistoricaldistrict.org/victorian-holiday-homes-tour
- East End District, Galveston
For a truly wonderful festive experience, secure yourself a ticket for the 36th Annual East End Historical District Holiday Homes Tour. The East End is the product of skilled European immigrants from when Galveston was the wealthiest city in Texas.
Listen to carolers and tour several Victorian-era homes bedecked in festive holiday decor. Roaming musicians cover the 58 blocks of this gorgeous district, and ticket holders can tour four exquisite homes. Tickets can be purchased online at the EEHD website.
5. Dickens on the Strand
- December 5 - 7, 2025
- galvestonhistory.org/events/dickens-on-the-strand
- 2002 The Strand, Galveston
Travel back in time to the Victorian London of Charles Dickens! A Christmas in Galveston favorite, the Galveston Historical Foundation hosts this annual Dickens festival, and every year brings new costumes, vendors, and events.
Enjoy live music, parades, and delicious holiday food and drink from street stalls and rolling carts. Or, get some holiday shopping done at the unique boutiques that offer Victorian-inspired crafts, gift items, jewelry, and more.
Pro Tip: A huge part of the fun at this local favorite is dressing the part! GHF has compiled some excellent costume suggestions for attendees who want to truly immerse themselves in the spirit of the era. Check it out online, and then check in to a beachfront vacation rental for a great weekend on the island!
6. Holiday with the Cranes
- December 13 - 14, 2025
- galvestonnaturetourism.org/holiday-with-the-cranes/
- 123 25th St. #2103, Galveston
Houstonians aren't the only ones who love spending Christmas in Galveston! Our island is lucky enough to be directly on the migration track of the stunning Sandhill Cranes. They rest their wings and overwinter on the island each year.
To celebrate, the Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council (GINTC) throws a quirky little holiday event called Holiday with the Cranes each year. Avid birders and casual nature enthusiasts alike will enjoy the diverse range of indoor and outdoor activities offered over two days. Register early to guarantee your spot in the flock!
7. Galveston Santa Hustle Half Marathon & 5k
- December 21, 2025
- santahustle.com/galveston
- Beach Central, 2102 Seawall Blvd, Galveston
If you’re looking to add festive fun—and a little fitness—to your winter getaway, the Galveston Santa Hustle Half Marathon & 5K is an unforgettable holiday tradition. Every December, the island transforms into a sea of red suits and jingling bells as thousands of runners hit the streets dressed like Santa himself. It’s part race, part celebration, and entirely feel-good energy.
Every participant receives a Santa hat, beard, and performance hoodie—so even first-time runners can join in the jolly atmosphere. Along the race route, themed stations hand out cookies, candy, and holiday treats, making it one of the most festive (and delicious) races you’ll ever run.
Whether you're tackling the half-marathon, jogging the 5K, or cheering from the sidelines, the Santa Hustle is a joyful way to experience Galveston’s holiday spirit. And with the Gulf Coast views, live entertainment, and plenty of photo ops, it’s a must-do event for families, friend groups, and anyone who loves a good holiday vibe.
8. Miracle Pop Up Bar at Daiquiri Time Out
- November 25 - December 31, 2025
- dtogalveston.com
- 2701 Market Street, Galveston
Voted one of the best cocktail bars in Galveston, Daiquiri Time Out (DTO) is one of a handful of bars in the region that take part in this festive, nationwide event. The venue typically runs a special, holiday-themed drink menu featuring festive glassware and over-the-top holiday decorations for a limited-time event that brings some extra holiday cheer. Keep an eye on DTO's website for announcements about this year's event.
Pro Tip: Daiquiri Time Out is right across the street from Maceo Spice & Import Company. Grab a muffuletta, pick up some unique holiday gifts for the chefs in your life, then head over to DTO for an evening of festive fun!
9. Downtown Galveston Holiday Tree Lighting
- Date and Time: November 29, 2025, at 6:00 pm
- Website: visitgalveston.com/events/the-official-city-of-galveston-tree-lighting
- Location: Saengerfest Park, 2302 Strand Street, Galveston
Santa Claus is coming to town, escorted in style by Galveston's police and fire departments during the annual Downtown Galveston Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony. Held in the heart of Historic Downtown, this event transforms the Strand District into a sparkling winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, festive music, and that unmistakable Gulf Coast charm.
Families gather to watch the towering Christmas tree burst to life, while carolers, local performers, and holiday vendors set the perfect nostalgic tone. Kids can meet Santa, explore downtown shops decked out in seasonal décor, and sip hot cocoa as the countdown begins.
Grab some warm drinks to go from a downtown eatery and join islanders and visitors alike in welcoming the holiday!
Stay in Galveston for Christmas
The North Pole may be the official home of Christmas, but Galveston comes a close second. Spending Christmas in Galveston feels like stepping into your own coastal holiday story—twinkling lights on the Strand, festive events all season long, and the peaceful sound of Gulf waves as your backdrop.
Make your stay even more memorable by choosing one of Sand `N Sea’s beautifully curated vacation rentals. From cozy beachfront cottages perfect for couples to spacious, multi-level homes designed for family gatherings, we offer accommodations that fit every holiday style. Fully equipped kitchens make Christmas dinner a breeze, private decks and hot tubs bring a touch of luxury, and pet-friendly options ensure no family member gets left behind. Explore all our rentals and find the perfect Galveston getaway for your Christmas vacation.
Owner Login
Guest Login