There’s nothing like being snuggled up in your cozy home with family from near and far for the holidays. But after day after day of being cooped up in the house, we all can relate to feeling a little antsy. Here at Hospitality Health ER in Galveston, we love the holiday spirit around Thanksgiving and Christmas, but we know all too well how anxiety, claustrophobia, and irritability can happen when the cabin fever sets in from spending long periods of time indoors. Thankfully, there are plenty of 2018 holiday events in Galveston for you to get out of the house and enjoy with your family.
From holiday shows at the 1984 Opera House to Schlitterbahn’s heated indoor water park, there are more than enough holiday events in Galveston to escape to.
2018 Holiday Events in Galveston
Saturday, November 17, 2018 – Sunday, January 6, 2019
Moody Gardens
1 Hope Blvd.
Brighten up your family’s day with a trip to Moody Gardens’ one-mile-long trail decorated with animated displays and over a million lights. Enjoy ice skating followed by some hot cocoa, live entertainment, and concessions.
Saturday, November 17, 2018 – Sunday, January 6, 2019
Moody Gardens
1 Hope Blvd.
What can you do with 2 million pounds of ice? Find out at Moody Gardens’ Ice Land, where you’ll get to view spectacular ice sculptures by master ice carvers. From polar bears and penguins to humpback whales and owls, you’ll be amazed at what can be made out of ice. After your journey from the North to the South pole, slide down the giant glacier slide and enjoy a holiday drink inside an igloo.
Home for the Holidays Gift Market
Friday, November 23rd from 12 – 8pm
Moody Gardens
1 Hope Blvd.
Need some unique ideas for Christmas gifts and holiday decorations for your home? Head out to Moody Gardens for some retail therapy at the annual Holidays Gift Market. Vendors include artists who specialize in everything from vintage and handmade goods to upcycled and recycled products for the environmentally conscious.
Friday, November 23rd – Monday, December 31st
2701 Market Street
Now this is a great way to cure a case of cabin fever! Leave the kids with grandma and enjoy some holiday totties at this Christmas-themed pop-up bar aptly named Miracle. What a miracle indeed to have this popular NYC pop-up bar spread some holiday cheer in Galveston! Don’t miss out on this unique experience. This is by far one of the most interesting 2018 holiday events in Galveston.
Christmas Countdown with Stories
Saturday, November 24 – Saturday, December 22, 2018
Rosenberg Library
2310 Sealy St
Want to get your kids in the holiday spirit while keeping their brains and imaginations active? Bring them to hear a few festive stories at the Rosenberg Library Children’s Department at 4pm in the days leading up to Christmas. It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, November 24, 2018 & Saturday, Dec 22nd 10:30am
Rosenberg Library
2310 Sealy St
Start a holiday tradition your kids will love. What else is better than breakfast, storytime, and activities with Santa? Space is limited, so you must pre-register at the Children’s Reference Desk of the Rosenberg Library or go to Events Calendar at Rosenberg-library.org and choose your session (November 24 or December 22).
Sunday November 25th, December 2nd, December 9th 11am-2pm
Hotel Galvez & Spa
2024 Seawall Blvd
For an upscale meal with Santa, plan for Sunday Brunch at Hotel Galvez, with holiday music playing on a grand piano in the background to get everyone in the spirit of the season. Kids will enjoy the hotel’s gingerbread display and the chance to share their wish list with Santa, and adults will love it just as much since it’s one of the best brunches in Texas. Reservations are encouraged through Open Table or by calling (409) 765-7721.
Dickens on the Strand
November 30th to December 2nd
Strand St.
This one-of-a-kind Charles Dickens themed holiday festival makes Galveston’s downtown Victorian-era architecture come to life with parades, six stages of entertainment, Christmas carolers, bagpipers, jugglers, and lots of other entertainment. Vendors dressed in Victorian-era clothing will be happily selling food, crafts, clothing, jewelry, and holiday gift products.
Holiday Delights at Bryan Museum
Sunday, December 9, 2018, 11am – 4pm
Bryan Museum
1315 21st St.
What do you get when you combine the holiday spirit with the world’s largest collections of Texan and American West artifacts? Holiday Delights at the Bryan Museum. Take the kids to craft an ornament while enjoying a traditional hot wassail, cookies and cocoa, and pictures with Santa. So if you’re looking 2018 holiday events in Galveston with a Texas flare, stop in to the Bryan Museum.
Breakfast with Santa at Rainforest Cafe
Saturday, December 22nd at 8:00am
Rainforest Cafe
5310 Galveston Seawall Blvd
Need an easy yet festive breakfast amidst holiday shopping? Bring the kids for some fun with Santa, raffles, prizes, goodie bags, and holiday activities at the Rainforest Cafe.
Christmas Day Brunch at Hotel Galvez
Tuesday, December 25th at 10:30am – 4:30pm
Hotel Galvez
In addition to Breakfast with Santa, Hotel Galvez is also famous for its Sunday Christmas Brunch, with traditional holiday entrees and one-of-a-kind recipes by the executive chef. Advance reservations must be made directly with the hotel at (409) 765-7721.
Want to know some of the best places to visit in Galveston on a rainy day? Check out our rainy day blog here or follow us on Facebook for more healthcare and community news.
