ICE LAND · Festival of Lights · Ice Skating Rink · Hotel Packages · Holiday 3D Films · Rudolph 4D · Arctic Slide · Train Rides · Pictures with Santa · Nightly Fireside S’Mores · A Christmas Wish Holiday Show · Breakfast with Santa · Nightly Holiday Buffets · New Year’s Palooza · NYE Silver Celebration at Moody Gardens Hotel
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.
Date(s): November 18, 2023 – January 6, 2024
ICE LAND: Rainforest Holiday
Experience the vibrancy of rainforests with the monkeys, birds, butterflies, and orchids, as Christmas-decked leaf-cutter ants lead you through a magical world, intricately carved from ice. The talented team of master ice carvers will guide guests on an extraordinary journey through the world’s rainforests, complete with a giant ice slide that transports guests from the canopy to the forest floor, past ancient ruins, and along river edges. There is even an opportunity to enjoy Shivers Ice Bar featuring festive holiday spirits inside this ultra-cool bar made completely out of ice.
Festival of Lights
This year, the holiday season will shine brighter than ever with an event that has become a tradition for families and groups alike. Enjoy a festive stroll along this mile-long trail featuring more than two million lights and lighted scenes themed to holiday music that take you around the Moody Gardens property with spectacular views of Galveston Bay. Stops along the way bring you to see Star the Dancing Tree of Light, concession areas, hot chocolate, fireside S’mores and other festive foods, and mistletoe, along with plenty of photo and selfie opportunities!
Holiday in the Gardens Value Nights
Monday – Thursday: Nov. 27 – Dec. 14, Jan. 3 & 4
Experience the most wonderful time of the year at Moody Gardens with our Value Nights at Holiday in the Gardens. Our Value Nights offer discounted admission from Monday to Thursday, November 27th to December 14th, and January 3rd and 4th. Participate in our themed nights and enjoy even greater savings and fun. During Value Nights, guests can take advantage of a buy-one-get-one-free (BOGO) ticket offer to the Festival of Lights trail or Holiday Pass which includes Ice Land, Festival of Lights, four Arctic slide rides, train rides, ice skating, Aquarium Pyramid, 3D and 4D theaters starting at 4 p.m.
On these nights choose from discounted admission to the Festival of Lights OR the Holiday Pass
- Monday, November 27, 2023 – Groovy Night
- Tuesday, November 28, 2023 – Super Hero Night Superman
- Wednesday, November 29, 2023 – Dickens Night
- Monday, December 4, 2023 – Angel Tree Night
- Tuesday, December 5, 2023 – Ugly Sweater Night
- Food Drive Thursdays | Every Thursday, November 30 – December 28
- Wednesday, December 6, 2023 – Bring Your Dog Night
- Monday, December 11, 2023 – Pajama Night
- Tuesday, December 12, 2023 – Neon Night
- Wednesday, December 13, 2023 – Sensory Night
- Wednesday, January 3, 2023 – Bring Your Dog Night
Celebrate the season while helping those in need. Every Thursday from November 30 – to December 28 bring a non-perishable food item and receive a buy-one-get-one (BOGO) ticket offer to the Festival of Lights trail or Holiday Pass which includes Ice Land, Festival of Lights, four Arctic slide rides, train rides, ice skating, Aquarium Pyramid, 3D and 4D. Food items will be donated to the Galveston County and Houston Food Banks. Embrace the cause and remember that all parties must bring a non-perishable to get the deal.
A Christmas Wish Holiday Spectacular
December 22 – 30 | Moody Gardens Hotel
Embark on a magical journey like no other at Moody Gardens’ “A CHRISTMAS WISH HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR.” This spellbinding dinner show combines the artistry of Broadway-style song and dance with mesmerizing acrobatics and enchanting Christmas magic. The heart of the show lies in a captivating story of rediscovering the holiday spirit. Join our lead character, Natalie, on her transformative adventure as she dives into her cherished childhood memories inside a magical snow globe. With spirited characters, stunning visuals, and electrifying performances, this show is a heartwarming spectacle that will reignite your holiday joy!
Ice Skating Rink
Open Nightly: Starting at 6PM when the Festival of Lights trail opens. You must enter through the Festival of Lights trail to access the Ice Skating Rink (Ice Skating is included with your Festival of Lights ticket in the evenings!)
Rent the Rink: Rent out the Ice Skating Rink for your own private function for $150 for 1 hour. Call (409) 683-4203 for details.
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer 4D
Enjoy the beloved animated television classic as the magic of 4D engages all of your senses. Classic songs and dialogue are brought to life by loveable, iconic characters – the Abominable Snow Monster, Hermey the elf, Santa Claus and, of course, Rudolph “the most famous reindeer of all.
Additional Holiday in The Gardens Attractions
- Enjoy the fun with a festive glide down the Arctic Slide.
- See your favorite holiday films in 3D on the largest screen in Texas.
Breakfast with Santa
Location: Moody Gardens Hotel Frances Moody Ballroom
Date(s): December 9, 10, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 & 22
Time(s): Seating at 8:30am and 10am
Enjoy breakfast with Santa this holiday season! Breakfast includes a meet and greet with Santa, souvenir photo and a delicious buffet featuring biscuits and gravy, waffles, omelet station, fresh fruit and more!
Festival of Lights Buffets
Accepting walk-ins only. No reservations are required. For booking groups of 20+ individuals, please get in touch with AttractionSales@moodygardens.org.
New Year’s Palooza
Ring in the New Year at the Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center. The evening will begin with light bites followed by dinner with a spectacular Holiday Show, a walk through the Festival of Lights trail and plenty of games and activities. Stay up with us to countdown to the new year and watch our very own take on the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop.
Moody Gardens® is a public, non-profit, educational destination utilizing nature in the advancement of rehabilitation, conservation, recreation, and research.
