Holiday in the Gardens Festivities
Open Daily: November 22 – January 3
Holiday in the Gardens at Moody Gardens is a beloved seasonal celebration that transforms the property into a winter wonderland filled with festive attractions for all ages.
Guests can explore the award-winning ICE LAND exhibit with towering ice sculptures, stroll through the Holiday Lights Trail featuring millions of sparkling lights and animated displays, enjoy outdoor fun on the ice skating rink and Arctic Slide, and catch special holiday-themed films.
The Moody Gardens Hotel also offers festive getaway packages, family-friendly events, and dining experiences, making it the perfect destination to celebrate the holiday season on the Texas Gulf Coast.
Season Hours:
Evening Pass Admission
Daily: 4:00 – 9:00 pm
Peak Days: 4:00 – 10:00 pm (Check Calendar for Peak Days)
Festival of Lights: Opens at Dusk
TICKETS
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As Moody Gardens transforms into Holiday in the Gardens, it has become a holiday tradition as families throughout the region are offered a very diverse range of attractions to complement ICE LAND.
Experience ICE LAND, stroll through the Festival of Lights, and so much more at Moody Gardens’ annual Holiday in The Gardens festivities right here in Galveston, TX.
A skilled team of master ice carvers has transformed 2 MILLION pounds of ice to take you on a holiday journey around the world! Travel from Russia and Egypt to China and beyond to discover how the globe celebrates the season. Glide from the top of the Eiffel Tower on the Giant Ice Slide, then warm up with a festive beverage inside the coolest spot around – Shiver’s Ice Bar!
Holiday Lights
Prepare to be dazzled! Step into a winter wonderland where over TWO MILLION sparkling lights dance and glisten across Galveston Bay with scenes themed to your favorite holiday music! Lace up your skates and glide around our outdoor rink, warm your hands around a mug of rich, creamy hot chocolate, indulge in mouthwatering holiday treats, feast at festive holiday buffets and more.
Holiday in the Gardens: 2-for-1 Nights
Celebrate the season with discounted admission nights
- Dog Nights – Bring your pup to enjoy the Holiday Lights trail on Tuesday nights, December 2, 9, and 16.
- Food Drive Nights – Give back and save with discounted admission when you bring a non-perishable food donation every Thursday night, December 4 through January 1.
- Sensory Night – A specially designed evening with adjusted lights and sounds to provide a welcoming experience for guests with sensory sensitivities on Wednesday, December 17.
Tickets must be purchased on-site day of visit to take advantage of these offers.
Holiday Fantasy: North Pole’s Got Talent
Walter and Holly are back! The search is on for the season’s brightest star in this holiday showdown of epic proportions. This new and high-energy show features jaw-dropping acrobats, soaring aerialists, mesmerizing fire dancers, and more for the most dazzling Christmas celebration ever!
For more info and reservations: HolidayShow@moodygardens.org or 409-683-4186
Ice Skating Rink
Glide into the magic of the season at Moody Gardens’ Ice Skating Rink! Open nightly starting at 6:00 PM, access the rink through Holiday Lights—evening skating is included with your Holiday Lights ticket.
Arctic Ice Slide
Take a festive ride down the Arctic Slide and feel the holiday excitement! Twist, turn, and glide your way down this slick slide. The Arctic Slide is included with your Holiday Pass, making it easy to add extra fun to your evening. Riders must be at least 36″ tall to join the adventure.
Holiday 3D & 4D Films
Enjoy holiday films all season long in the MG 3D Theater and 4D Special FX Theater! Films include Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4D and Scrooge 4D: A Christmas Carol.
Train Rides
Enjoy the festive lights and holiday music as the Kiddie Train winds through a section of Holiday Lights. Riders must be under 48″ tall to join the fun.
Breakfast with Santa
Start your day with Santa joy! Join the jolly man himself and his friends for a delightful breakfast adventure! Feast on a scrumptious buffet packed with tasty selections, snap that perfect keep sake photo with Santa, and create memories that’ll last all year long at the Frances Moody Ballroom.
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Holiday Dining
Let us deck the halls while you deck yourself out! Kick back, relax, and let our culinary elves handle all the holiday cooking wizardry. Whether it’s Thanksgiving feast time, Christmas Eve elegance, or Christmas Day celebration, treat your family to an unforgettable holiday brunch or dinner experience. You can also check out the Holiday in the Gardens Festival while you’re here!
Special Holiday Hotel Packages
Sweet dreams and sweeter savings! Take advantage of a 10% Off deal on a variety of hotel options, including packages that include attractions tickets and special holiday experiences!
New Year’s Palooza: Family Celebration
Family fun that’s off the charts! Enjoy one night of luxurious accommodations, a family-friendly fun zone with games and bouncy houses, 4 one-day passes to Moody Gardens attractions, Holiday Lights, plus tickets to the Holiday Fantasy Dinner & Show. Celebrate 2025 with live music, hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and a balloon drop at the Frances Anne Moody Ballroom!
Holiday Parties & Group Discounts
Whether it’s a corporate party, social group or your family, Moody Gardens has discounts available for groups of 20 or more. You can have a fun evening of holiday attractions and even the nightly buffet. We also have the facilities to plan large and small holiday events. Contact our Group Sales Team at 409-683-4558 or email AttractionSales@moodygardens.org to plan your holiday party today.
Kids Holiday Baking Class
December 14, 2025 | 12:00-2:00PM
Get your little chefs into the holiday spirit! Kids ages 6–11 are invited to a hands-on baking class where they’ll learn to:
– Glaze and decorate donuts
– Decorate sugar cookies
– Ice and decorate cupcakes
– Create their own mini holiday cake
Each child will enjoy a light refreshment break, receive a recipe pack, and take home a snack box with their creations, a decorating kit, and a certificate. Every participant also gets a chef jacket, apron, and hat. Children will work in groups, and each must be accompanied by a free adult. Please note: this class may not be suitable for children with allergies to eggs, dairy, refined sugar, nuts, or gluten.
