Things to do in Galveston in December 2022 – Events & Activities at the Winter Wonder Island of Texas!
Looking for things to do with kids & friends & family this December? You should consider Galveston!!!
There are many vacation spots in Texas, but only historic Galveston Island offers tropical weather, a 32-mile coast with typical Victorian elegance, a world-renowned Dickens festival, and light shows – all within a short drive of the state’s largest metropolis. It’s no surprise that Galveston is known as Texas’ Winter Wonder Island!
There are plenty of reasons to visit Galveston Island throughout the year including the variety of dining options, museums, parks, and more. In December, there’s no shortage of holiday cheer in Galveston with tons of activities for the whole family. Just take a look at some of the best holiday and Christmas events taking place on the “Winter Wonder Island” this December!
Also, check out our Christmas Tree Lighting Events in Houston, Christmas Lights Houston 2022 Guide, and Houston Zoo Lights 2022 Guide!
Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information is subject to change. As always, please confirm before you head out.
Deal Alert – Explore Galveston History with a Segway Tour – just $77.13 for 2 Adults!
See many of Galveston’s top attractions in a single excursion—and enjoy a fun and fast-paced way to explore—on this Segway tour of the city. Pick between several daily departure times, meet your guide, and get acquainted with your Segway. Once you feel comfortable, set off and discover key city highlights.
Tour the Strand Historic District, admire the 1892 Bishop’s Palace, spot the Moody Mansion, and much more. This introductory tour is perfect for first-time or time-pressed visitors Discover the best of Galveston, all in a single excursion Segways, helmets, and safety training are all provided for your ease Multiple daily tour times are available to suit your schedule
Book your Segway Galveston Magical History Tour Today!!!
Things to do in Galveston in December 2022
Polar Express Train Ride
All ABOARD! Galveston welcomes the POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride to its lineup of holiday attractions in 2022. The Polar Express is theatrically reproduced to immerse passengers in the sights, sounds, and excitement of this iconic children’s tale while being whisked away for a thrilling one-hour ride to meet Santa, set to the music of the film picture. The Galveston Railroad Museum’s POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride consists of six different cars pushed by vintage engines from the museum’s collection. For more information on tickets, click here.
When: The attraction will be open on Monday – Sunday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: 2602 Santa Fe Pl, Galveston, TX 77550
Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens, Galveston
Visitors can stroll through the Festival of Lights, a mile-long trail of illuminated holiday displays, music, festive food, and more. Enjoy 2 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 include Star, the Dancing Tree of Light. Enjoy hot chocolate, s’mores, and mistletoe, and enjoy lots of photo and selfie opportunities.
When: November 19, 2022 – January 7, 2023 | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: 1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554
Holiday Tree Decorating Contest
In addition to enhanced holiday decorations in Downtown Galveston, many shops, galleries, and boutiques will participate in the second annual Galveston Holiday Tree Decorating Contest. This unique competition lets shoppers admire the creatively decorated trees and gives them the opportunity to vote on their favorite entries. And of course, they also make for great holiday photo-ops!
When: December 11, 2022 – January 2, 2023
Where: 601 23rd Street Rear, Galveston, TX 77550
Deal Alert – Segway Galveston Sunset Tour – 2 adults for just $66.67
Catch the sunset at the Port of Galveston during this guided Segway tour along the city’s seawall, enjoying time to visit the historic Murdoch’s Souvenir Shop, admire the Tall Ship Elissa, and more. Visit more places than you could on foot—thanks to your personal Segway—and benefit from your guide’s local insight throughout.
Get more information and book your Segway Galveston Sunset Tour Today!!!
Things to do in Galveston in December 2022
Miracle Pop-Up Bar at Daiquiri Time Out
The miracle is a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar that serves holiday cocktails in a festive setting. With kitschy holiday décor, professionally-developed cocktails, and the nostalgic energy of the best office party you’ve ever been to, Miracle is sure to get even the grouchiest grinch in the holiday spirit. Galveston’s Daiquiri Time Out (DTO) is one of five Texas locations to host a Miracle. DTO is an uber-cool bar in downtown Galveston. The speakeasy serves up imaginative, craft cocktails using fresh-squeezed juice and house-made spirits. While DTO certainly creates a memorable daiquiri, patrons will also enjoy an array of other adult beverages, especially those of the holiday-themed variety.
When: November 23 – December 29, 2022
Where: Miracle Bar 2701 Market St. Galveston, Texas 77550
Santa Hustle 5K, Half Marathon & Kids Dash
Work off all of those holiday sweets with the Santa Hustle 5K, Half Marathon, and Kids Dash. Santa is bringing the love by bringing some swag. Choose between a Women’s or Unisex Cut Full-Zip and he also gifted each of his hustlers a Santa Beard, Santa Hat, and a Finisher Medal. Get your Santa Race Registration done today!
When: Sunday, December 18, 2022 | 7:30 am – onwards
Where:2024 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550
Deal Alert – Save BIG at the Galveston Naval Museum
Get up to 25% discount on Adult, Senior, or Child Admission to USS Cavalla and USS Stewart at Galveston Naval Museum.
Visitors can go in USS Cavalla and USS Stewart learn how the brave Sailors lived and fought during the WWII and the cold war.
Get more information about this Discount at Galveston Naval Museum
Things to do in Galveston in December 2022
The Grand 1984 Opera House Holiday Season
The Grand 1894 Opera House is the premier performing arts theatre in the Gulf Coast region and the official Opera House of the State of Texas. Located in the heart of Galveston’s Downtown Cultural Arts District, The Grand presents a year-round performing arts schedule of music, dance, stars of stage and screen, comedy, drama, and more.
When: Various events including the Nutcracker, The Temptations, and Mavis Staples. More details about The Grand 1894 Opera House schedule.
Where: Galveston, TX, United States, 77550
Christmas Boat Parade
The spectacular sight of more than 60 lavishly decorated and illuminated power and sailboats crossing Clear Lake attracts more than 100,000 spectators every year. The Christmas Boat Parade route runs through the Clear Lake channel from the South Shore Harbour Marina and the Nassau Bay Lagoon to Galveston Bay. You can watch the parade from land on Kemah Boardwalk or from one of the boats anchored on Clear Lake.
When: December 10, 2022 | 6:00 pm – onwards
Where: 1201 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058
Dickens On The Strand
Brush off your bowlers and prepare your petticoats as Galveston Historical Foundation presents the 49th annual Dickens on The Strand. Held the first weekend in December, the annual festival is a holiday tradition with great family programming, live entertainment, special events, and more. Dickens on The Strand, based on 19th-century Victorian London, features parades, non-stop entertainment on four stages, new additions like Tiny Tim’s Play Land, Shopkeeper Skills Village, and roaming characters throughout the festival. Costumed vendors peddle their wares from street stalls and rolling carts laden with holiday food and drink, Victorian-inspired crafts, clothing, jewelry, holiday decorations, and gift items.
When: December 2 – 4, 2022 | 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Where: 2002 The Strand, Galveston, TX 77550
Holiday with the Cranes
For a unique holiday experience, spend a wonderful, winter weekend in Galveston celebrating the return of the island’s wintering Sandhill Cranes at Holiday with the Cranes. The weekend will be chock-full of indoor and outdoor nature activities combined with the ambiance of historic Galveston Island!
When: December 10 – 11, 2022
Where: 1700 Sydnor Ln, Galveston, TX 77554
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