Spend the Holidays in Galveston

The great thing about living in Coastal Point isn’t just the beautiful homes and amenities. It’s how close we are to Galveston. Our fantastic location means you can easily get to every one of these fantastic holiday events.

Christmas Tree Lighting at the Grand Galvez

6-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25 – Free

Kickoff the holidays with a trip to Galveston to see the tree-lighting at the Grand Galvez hotel. In addition to a visit from Santa, there will be performances by the Galveston Ballet and the Galveston Symphony Brass Ensemble.

Galveston Holiday Tree Lighting

6-8 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 26 – Free

Santa will be escorted downtown by Galveston’s police and fire departments for the annual lighting of the Christmas tree. The lighting coincides with Galveston Art Center’s ArtWalk so attendees will be able to get in some holiday shopping while enjoying live entertainment

Dickens on the Strand

5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, noon-6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4 – $18 adults, $13 youth ages 7-12. Children 6 and under free.

Experience a Victorian Christmas near the beach with costumed characters, live entertainment on four stages, vendors hawking 19th century wares and more. The event kicks off with a free Fezziwig’s Friday event on Dec. 2.

The Polar Express Train Ride

Galveston Railroad Museum – Daily through Dec. 23 – $30-$100

The Polar Express departs for the North Pole from the Galveston Railroad Museum. Passengers will be treated to hot chocolate and cookies served by dancing chefs, music, The Polar Express read-along, Santa and his helpers, keepsakes and more. Passengers are encouraged to wear their matching pajamas.

Holiday in the Gardens

Moody Gardens – Daily through Jan. 7 – Ticket prices vary

The largest holiday destination in the Southwest is decorated and open for business, delighting families with the Festival of Lights, ice skating, Arctic Slide, holiday 3D films, Rudolph 4D, train rides, Cirque Joyeux holiday show, New Year’s Palooza and more.

Jingle on the Boardwalk

1-8 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Dec. 2-18 – Free admission

Ring in the holidays at Kemah Boardwalk where there will be holiday concerts, pictures with Santa, holiday crafts, a “Rock the Dock” holiday party, Santa’s workshop and more.

Holiday with the Cranes

6:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 10-11 – Free admission

Celebrate the return of the Sandhill Crane to Galveston with nature activities and tours.

Santa Hustle 5K, Half Marathon and Kids Dash

6:30-10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 18 – Free to watch

Enjoy a holly jolly race with Santa-attired runners. Participants are provided with a Santa suit shirt, hat and beard as well as fuel-up stations serving up holiday cookies and candy.

MIRACLE! Pop-Up Bar

Daiquiri Time Out – 4 p.m.-midnight Sunday-Thursday and 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday and Saturday

The MIRACLE Pop-up Bar returns to Galveston for another round of hot toddies and festive grown-up cheer.

Visit Galveston (Grand Galvez Tree); Visit Galveston (Galveston Holiday Tree); Galveston History (Dickens); Galveston Railroad Museum (Polar Express); Kemah Boardwalk Instagram (Ferris Wheel); Galveston Nature Tourism (Cranes); Visit Galveston (Runners); Daiquiri Time Out Instagram (Miracle).