Between exciting holiday events, balmy weather, and blue skies, December is an excellent time to visit Galveston, Texas. Whether you want to indulge in delicious Texas cuisine or simply enjoy a beach day without the crowds, the entire month has plenty to offer visitors.
If this sounds like your ideal vacation, read on to find out what you can expect from Galveston in December. Then, book your stay with Sand 'N Sea—with vacation rentals surrounding Galveston Bay and the Gulf Coast, you're sure to find a property perfect for your next visit.
This is your guide to spending December in Galveston.
December Weather in Galveston
While Galveston can be extremely warm throughout the year, temperatures typically fall in December. Highs are usually in the low 60s, with lows in the 50s, making it a perfect time to experience the area without our typical heat and humidity.
As for precipitation, you can expect less than a week's worth of rainy days throughout the month, so you'll have mostly sunny skies while you adventure in and around Galveston. And since most people tend to visit Galveston during the summer months, you won't have to fight for parking spaces or a spot on the sand.
Best Things to Do in Galveston in December
With all that great weather, you'll have no shortage of fun things to do in Galveston in December. Here's what we'd recommend:
1. Stroll Along the Historic Pier
Located along Seawall Blvd., the waterfront Pleasure Pier promises some good, old-fashioned entertainment and amusements. It's home to more than a dozen rides, a roller coaster, and carnival games with prizes. December is an excellent time to visit the Pleasure Pier, since it won't be as crowded or as hot as it is in the peak summer months.
2. Catch a Show at the Grand 1984 Opera House
Galveston's aptly named opera house puts on a variety of theatrical performances throughout the year, including musicals, acrobatic acts, and much more. During the holiday season, the opera house adds classics like "A Christmas Carol" and Garrison Keillor's "A Prairie Home Companion Christmas" to their repertoire. City Ballet of Houston also performs "The Nutcracker" on select dates.
3. Spend a Day at Local Museums
Photo Credit: Victoria Ditkovsky
If rain threatens your day out, head to one of Galveston's world-class museums to learn more about the city's history, arts, and culture. No matter what you're interested in, you'll have no shortage of options:
The Bryan Museum
The Bryan Museum is a 20,000-square-foot complex that houses one of the largest collections of Texas-related artifacts and Americana in the world. Stop by for a history lesson and to admire the lush grounds.
Seawolf Park
Situated on Pelican Island, Seawolf Park offers scenery and history in spades. The park is home to the Galveston Naval Museum and the remains of a World War II submarine, and features several paths perfect for strolling and enjoying views of the Gulf Coast. Kids are sure to love the park's playground, making a stop here both educational and fun.
Galveston Children's Museum
Speaking of kids, if you're looking for a way to pass the time with your little ones, make sure to add the Galveston Children's Museum to your vacation itinerary. With hands-on, interactive exhibits about everything from art to the water table to business, kids get the chance to play with a purpose here.
4. Enjoy a Beach Day
Photo Credit: Mark Taylor Cunningham
No trip to Galveston would be complete without a day at the beach--especially in December, when the comfortable temperatures and lack of crowds make the seaside all the more enticing. Galveston is home to more than 30 miles of beaches, including the relaxing West End Pocket Parks, the centrally located Seawall Beaches, and the more adult-oriented East Beach.
December Events in Galveston
Galveston comes alive with a variety of different Christmas events in December, giving you a chance to celebrate the holiday season with your whole family or friend group. Here are a few of our annual happenings that you should have on your calendar:
1. Dickens on the Strand
Photo Credit: amadeustx
- Early December
- 2002 Strand, Galveston, TX
- galvestonhistory.org/events/dickens-on-the-strand
Hosted by the Galveston Historical Foundation during the first weekend of December, Dickens on the Strand is an annual festival that brings people of all ages together in downtown Galveston for live entertainment, parades, holiday shopping from costumed vendors, and much more.
The festivities are based on those of 19th-century London, the setting of works like "A Christmas Carol." While you stroll, keep an eye out for people dressed up as characters from Charles Dickens' novels. Visitors are also encouraged to don their best Victorian finery and join the fun.
Over the course of three days, Dickens on the Strand includes events like the Whimsical Whisker Revue, Victorian Bed Races, a costume contest, and more. Pack your Victorian-style getup and don't miss this exciting yearly tradition.
2. Holiday With the Cranes
- Mid-December
- 123 25th St. #2103, Galveston, TX
- galvestonnaturetourism.org/holiday-with-the-cranes/
In the winter, majestic sandhill cranes migrate from their summer breeding grounds in the upper reaches of North America to warmer climes in the South. That includes Galveston, which welcomes flocks of the birds every year.
This incredible phenomenon has to be seen to be believed, especially if you consider yourself a birder. Luckily, the Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council (GINTC) hosts two days of programming so you can get up close and personal (but not too personal) with these big birds.
GINTC's Holiday with the Cranes includes several bird-spotting walks with experienced guides, including a trip to the typically members-only Hall's Bayou Ranch. You can learn more about the biology and natural history of the sandhill cranes--and likely spot a few--at this beloved annual event.
3. Holiday in the Gardens
- Late November through early January
- 1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX
- moodygardens.com/holiday-season
One of the biggest and brightest holiday festivals in Galveston, Moody Gardens' annual Holiday in the Gardens is a true winter wonderland of lights displays, holiday music, and family-friendly activities. Whether you're traveling with kids or enjoying a date night out, this is one event that can't be missed.
The centerpiece of the celebration is the award-winning ICE LAND, an exhibit that showcases massive ice sculptures. But with an ice skating rink, ice slides, millions of twinkling lights, Christmas trees, and much more on offer, there's hours' worth of entertainment at Holiday in the Gardens.
A word to the wise: as you plan your visit, book your tickets as early as possible and allow extra time to get to Moody Gardens, since this is a massively popular event.
4. The Polar Express Train Ride
- Mid-November to mid-December
- 2602 Santa Fe Place, Galveston Texas
- galvestonrrmuseum.org/the-polar-express/
Destination: the North Pole. From mid-November to right before Christmas, the train at the Galveston Railroad Museum transforms into none other than the legendary Polar Express. Featuring visits with Santa Claus, character actors, and readalongs, the Polar Express experience is a magical holiday event that families will love.
Guests are encouraged to wear pajamas, and everyone will receive a keepsake sleigh bell and a golden ticket punched by the conductor, just like in the Chris Van Allsburg book and the movie. You can choose between standard, deluxe, and premium first-class cars, allowing guests to have a variety of different experiences.
Like Holiday in the Gardens, the Polar Express can sell out quickly on certain dates, so you'll want to book your tickets as soon as possible. There's also accessible seating and plenty of on-site parking for added convenience.
5. Galveston's East End Historical District's Victorian Christmas Tour
- Early December
- 1501 Postoffice St, Galveston, TX
- eastendhistoricaldistrict.org/victorian-holiday-homes-tour
Galveston's 58-block East End is packed with charming Victorian-era homes, and there's no better way to admire those historic homes than on a guided tour. Decked out in stunning holiday decorations, these houses provide a great way to get into the holiday spirit while learning about Galveston history.
For one evening in early December, the East End Historical District shows groups around this charming neighborhood. Participants will even get the chance to tour the inside of four houses and take a look at their festive decorations.
Packing for December in Galveston
Though you won't have to bundle up in parkas and winter coats during your December visit to Galveston, there are still a few items to keep in mind as you pack. Here's what we'd recommend:
- Beach clothes
- Light rain jacket or windbreaker
- Breathable clothes that can be layered
- Sunscreen
- Reusable water bottles
- Socks for long walks
- Portable phone chargers
Book Your December Getaway to Galveston
No matter what you decide to do during your trip to Galveston, a December visit promises the chance to make unforgettable memories and ring in the holiday season with your loved ones. Whether you decide to attend any of Galveston's special events or simply choose to sip hot cocoa from the comfort of your vacation rental, you're sure to have a great time here.
Don't forget to book your December stay with Sand 'N Sea rentals. Our properties will be your perfect home base as you explore this vibrant coastal city.
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