Iceland, Festival of Lights & Holiday in the Gardens & More at Moody Gardens

ICE LAND · Festival of Lights · Ice Skating Rink · Hotel Packages · Holiday 3D Films · Rudolph 4D ·  Arctic Slide · Train Rides · Fireside S’Mores · Nighly Buffets · Breakfast with Santa · Thanksgiving Dinner · Christmas Dinner · Holiday Fantasy: A Live Show Spectacular · New Year’s Palooza Family Celebration · NYE Party featuring Mambo Jazz Kings · New Year’s Eve Cruise

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

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.

Very Unforgettable Penguin (V.U.P): Holiday Package
The V.U.P. package includes a room for one night, a public Penguin Encounter at 3pm, four two-day passes to ICE LAND Ice Sculptures, Festival of Lights with ice skating, 3D & 4D Theaters, Colonel Paddlewheel Boat, Arctic Slide; Aquarium, Discovery and Rainforest Pyramids.  Available dates November 28-30; December 6-7, 13-14, 20-29, and January 1, 2025. Package is pre-paid, nonrefundable and must be reserved 24 hours prior to the 3pm Penguin Encounter.   Book Package

ICE LAND: Pole-to-Pole Sponsored by Hunton Services
It’s holiday fun for all ages as a skilled team of master ice carvers has taken 2 million pounds of ice to create your festive journey from the North to South Poles. Encounter polar bears, penguins, humpback whales, snowy owls, walruses, reindeer and so much more. It’s a cool experience as you soar down the giant Ice Slide and enjoy your favorite holiday spirits at Shivers Ice Bar.  Buy Tickets

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!  Buy Tickets

Enjoy the holiday lights and music as the train takes you along a section of the Festival of Lights trail. Must be under 48″ tall to ride. Individual attraction tickets are available on-site – times subject to change. Please call 409-683-4200​ for daily times and questions.

Arctic Slide
Enjoy the fun with a festive glide down the Arctic Slide. 4 slides down The Arctic Slide are included in the Holiday Pass! Must be over 36″ to ride. Individual attraction tickets are available on-site – times subject to change. Please call 409-683-4200 for daily times and questions.

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, Jerusalem 3D, Train Time 3D, and Light Before Christmas 3D.   View ShowtimesBuy Tickets

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.

Breakfast with Santa: Moody Gardens Hotel:  Dec. 14 & 15, 21-23
Leading up to Christmas, be entertained with Breakfast with Santa! Indulge in breakfast favorites like waffles, eggs, and bacon. Take a memorable photo before the jolly man sets off to deliver presents worldwide.  Hotel PackagesBuy Tickets

Holiday Fantasy: A Live Show Spectacular: Moody Gardens Hotel:  Dec. 19 – 31

Moody Gardens and Mirage Entertainment present this fantastic Christmas show which combines musical theater illusions, acrobatics, stunning visuals and electrifying performances into a heartwarming spectacle that will reignite your holiday joy.   Tickets & Hotel Packages    Holiday Fantasy Calendar

New Year’s Palooza: Family Celebration: Moody Gardens Hotel:  Dec. – Jan. 1
An action-packed adventure awaits the whole family. Check out hotel packages that include spectacular accommodations and family-friendly activities including air hockey, foosball, bounce houses, arcade games, adult lounge area, attractions tickets, and Holiday Fantasy: A Live Show Spectacular tickets.

New Year’s Eve Party with the Mambo Jazz Kings
It’s time to celebrate sparkle and dance your way right into 2025. Enjoy live music by the Mambo Jazz Kings with an array of hors d’oeuvres, two complimentary drink tickets, a cash bar, and a balloon drop for an unforgettable evening at the Francis and Moody Ballroom.