Explore the Festival of Lights Trail, Ice Land & more at Moody Gardens this holiday

Travel along the Festival of Lights Trail at Moody Gardens this season. | Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston

Immerse yourself in the season at Holiday in the Gardens—featuring the Festival of Lights Trail, Ice Land: Rainforest Holiday, A Christmas Holiday Wish Spectacular, and more—happening at Moody Gardens in Galveston, now through Saturday, January 6, 2024.

With school wrapping up, Moody Gardens’ popular annual holiday attractions and events continue in full force, with attractions, specials, brunches, and more to entire families and the young-at-heart of all ages.

In addition to the headlining attractions and shows, visitors can also enjoy an outdoor ice rink, the Arctic Slide, holiday buffets, train rides, 3D and 4D holiday films, and more. And special hotel packages are available, including access to the holiday attractions and events.

Day visitors can visit individual attraction or opt for a Holiday Pass, which gives access to all attractions after 4pm (and the Festival of Lights Trail starting at dusk), and some access to other attractions like the Arctic Slide (4 trips) Skating Rink (rentals not included), Kiddie Train, and 3D and 4D holiday movies. The Holiday Pass ranges from $65 to $70; $45 to $50 for ages 3 to 12 and ages 65+.

Explore packages, order tickets or learn more.

Take the ice slide plunge at Ice Land: Rainforest Holiday, carved out of ice by expert artisans. | Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston

Main Attractions at Holiday in the Gardens 2023 at Moody Gardens

  • Festival of Lights Trail | Daily – For the holiday, Moody Gardens’ mile-long walking trail is decked out with two million lights and filled with sound-enhanced lit and animated displays combine holiday music, striking photo opportunities, and spectacular views of Galveston Bay. $25 to $29; $20 to $25 for ages 3 to 12 and ages 65+. Times vary by date.
  • Ice Land: Rainforest Holiday | Daily – Explore a vibrant Christmas-infused rainforest packed with flora and fauna—all intricately carved from ice by master artisans. While journeying through the frozen tropical wonderland, guests will travel on an ice slide, past ancient ruins, along river edges, and more. The over 21 set can also kick back at Shivers Ice Bar, completely made of ice, with festive holiday spirits and more. $29 to $35; $24 to $29 for ages 3 to 12 and ages 65+. Times vary by date.
  • A Christmas Holiday Wish Spectacular | Friday, December 22 to Saturday, December 30 – Moody Gardens’ annual all-ages holiday stage performance featuring music, comedy, acrobatics, special lighting effects, dancing, and more. Tickets start at $39 for matinee shows; $79 for evening shows with dinner. Times vary.
  • New Year’s Palooza | New Year’s Eve, Sunday, December 31 to New Year’s Day, Monday, January 1 – With options for both families and couples, the Moody Garden Hotel offers a 2-day hotel stay package filled with adventure and headlined by a New Year’s Eve party featuring the Mambo Jazz Kings, a memorable Champagne Toast, an eco-friendly take on the traditional ball drop, and more.

Holiday in the Gardens 2023 at Moody Gardens

A Christmas Holiday Wish Spectacular presents singing, dancing, comedy, stunts and acrobatics, light projections, special effects, and more. | Photo courtesy of Moody Gardens

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