Posted on 10/24/2025

Celebrating Thanksgiving in Galveston (2025)

Photo Credit: Olha Yefimova 

There’s something magical about spending Thanksgiving with the Gulf breeze in your hair and the sound of waves replacing the usual rustle of falling leaves. Galveston, Texas, transforms into a seaside celebration this time of year — a place where coastal charm meets classic holiday warmth. 

Although November tends to get looked over as the right time for a beach holiday, we think you should reconsider. Picture yourself savoring fresh seafood or a traditional turkey dinner along the Strand, strolling historic streets decked out for the holidays, or watching the sun set over the Gulf after a festive feast.

This holiday season, spend your time making memories that will last you a lifetime. Leave the cleaning, prepping, and maybe even the turkey roasting to the experts so you can sit back, relax, and make the most of time with the special people in your life! Read on to discover why your family should spend Thanksgiving in a stunning  vacation rental home in Galveston.


Is Galveston a Good Choice for Thanksgiving?

Photo Credit: Drazen Zigic

Galveston County is more than just a summer beach destination. Easily accessible from Houston, this coastal gem offers a blend of history, culture, and coastal charm that makes it a perfect getaway in any season. Beyond the soft sands and sunny days,

Galveston shines in the fall — when the air turns mild, the crowds thin out, and the island’s best attractions become even more enjoyable.

Here’s why Galveston is the perfect place to escape this Thanksgiving season and beyond:

  • Milder Weather & Fewer Crowds - Fall brings pleasant temperatures and a relaxed pace. With the summer heat and crowds gone, you can explore comfortably and enjoy more space at top attractions.
  • Historic Attractions Without the Wait - Iconic sites like 1892 Bishop’s Palace, Moody Mansion, and the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier are easier to access this time of year — often with little to no wait times.
  • Festive Fall & Holiday Events - Many of Galveston’s museums, gardens, and entertainment venues host special seasonal events throughout fall and winter, from holiday light displays to themed tours and local festivals.
  • Fantastic Food & Shopping - Savor the flavors of the coast at Galveston’s wide range of restaurants — from fresh seafood spots to cozy bistros. Then, stroll through The Historic Strand District for boutique shopping, art galleries, and antique treasures — perfect for finding unique gifts or starting your holiday shopping early.
  • Eco-Adventures & Outdoor Fun - Beyond the beach, you can kayak the bay, explore nature trails, or take a dolphin-watching cruise — all while enjoying cooler, comfortable weather.


Where to Eat for Thanksgiving in Galveston

Photo Credit: b113

The Thanksgiving feast is the centerpiece of the holiday. From turkey to pumpkin pie, gathering your family around a table for a meal is a quintessential part of the American Thanksgiving weekend experience. Your Galveston Thanksgiving celebration can easily incorporate all of your favorite traditions, and maybe spark some new ones!

Dining together for your Thanksgiving celebration can be as blissfully simple or joyfully chaotic as you'd like when you book a beach house rental. Keep it traditional and cook together in a fully-equipped kitchen (our  larger beach houses are great for this), or start a new holiday tradition of ease and simplicity when you take advantage of one of Galveston's Thanksgiving dining options.

Cook in Your Vacation Rental

Photo Credit: Raushan_films 

If you choose to go the traditional family chef route, there are several 

grocery stores and local shops where you can grab supplies. And don't worry, Sand `N Sea beach houses have all of the pots, pans, dishware, etc. that you'll need to prepare your family feast.

Dining Out for Thanksgiving in Galveston

Make it a holiday vacation for everyone on your guest list! Take advantage of the delicious Galveston Thanksgiving buffets, sit-down meals, and take-and-bake options from some of our favorite island restaurants and caterers.

These are our top choices for Thanksgiving dining in Galveston. Check the individual websites for Thanksgiving opening hours and reservations.


1. The San Luis Resort & Conference Center

Be sure to make your reservations early for this popular Galveston Thanksgiving  brunch buffet. This is the perfect option for groups with a wide range of tastes and dietary requirements.

Enjoy a variety of seafood, a carving station, pasta, salads, and charcuterie, alongside traditional Thanksgiving dinner sides. The menu also features a waffle station, omelets, breakfast sides, and a full dessert bar. This is a great place to try  local food and your Thanksgiving favorites.

2. The Grand Galvez

Another popular Galveston Thanksgiving buffet, The Grand Galvez, also books quickly, so reserve your table as early as you can. Once your spot is secured, get ready to enjoy their traditional holiday buffet, complete with carving and seafood stations, plus a wide range of sides.

3. Moody Gardens

  • Thanksgiving Brunch Buffet
  • Website:  moodygardens.com
  • Address: 1 Hope Boulevard, Galveston

For a Thanksgiving brunch to remember, you can't go wrong with  Moody Gardens. Expect a huge array of breakfast items, salads, artisan breads, fresh seafood, a carving station, and a long list of hearty entrees.

Moody Gardens is also home to lots of festive activities for all the family to enjoy during the holiday season — from ice skating and 3D film screenings to live music performances and the mesmerizing festival of lights.

4. Fisherman's Wharf

For a sit-down family feast, be sure to check out Fisherman's Wharf. This harborside spot has been in action since the 1940s and is popular with Galveston visitors. Thanksgiving dishes include deviled eggs, shrimp gumbo, ham steak, and pecan pie. Juicy turkey is, of course, on the menu, alongside the most perfect pumpkin pie.

If seafood is more your thing, the regular menu is also available on Thanksgiving and includes oysters on the half shell, juicy shrimp, and a variety of freshly caught and lightly grilled fish.

5. Landry's Seafood House

Lobster lovers look out! Landry's is open on Thanksgiving in Galveston for all your  seafood favorites. You can dine in to enjoy the full menu, order meals to go to enjoy back at your vacation rental, or book a holiday private dining experience with a customizable menu.


Where to Stay for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is best when enjoyed with family and friends, and getting out of town for your holiday weekend is a great way to focus on what really matters — each other. Skip the weeks of cleaning, wiping cobwebs off folding chairs, or worrying about shoveling out your kids' bedrooms to accommodate the grandparents. Book a beach house that everyone can enjoy and take advantage of the pre & post holiday housekeeping that comes with it!

Sand `N Sea offers lots of options for groups, large or small. Our  private beach houses on Galveston's West End easily accommodate your whole family — pups included in our  dog friendly homes!

Choose from beach houses and prime vacation real estate with amenities like:

  • Beachfront Gulf Coast views
  • Bayfront with great fishing
  • Elevators
  • Hot tubs
  • & more


Book Your Thanksgiving Getaway on the Beach

The Sand `N Sea family has been welcoming guests for Thanksgiving,  Christmas, Spring Break, and all of the holidays in between since 1974. Local & trusted for almost 50 years, we are here 24/7 to ensure that your family vacation is stress-free and memorable for all the right reasons.

We're thankful for the generations of families that have trusted us with their  beach vacation, and look forward to welcoming you to the beach for a Thanksgiving day to remember soon!

Categories:   Galveston , Holiday , Sand `N Sea
Previous Galveston in October: What to Expect Winter on Galveston Island (2025-2026) Next
Search

Search

Categories

Recent Posts