Things to do in Galveston This Weekend of November 17 Include Festival of Lights, Fright Before Christmas, and more!
Our top things to do in Galveston this weekend of November 17 include the Festival of Lights, Fright Before Christmas at the Haunted Mayfield Manor, The Polar Express Train Ride, Annie the Musical, and lots more!
The Galveston Calendar of Events 2023 is full of exciting activities, and this month is no different!
Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the most up-to-date information. However, all information is subject to change! As always, please verify with the organizer before heading out!
Best Things to do in Galveston this Weekend of November 17, 2023 – Friday
The Polar Express Train Ride
Image credit: Galveston Railroad Museum
What: Do you believe in the Polar Express? You’re about to in this magical ride for the season at the Galveston Railroad Museum!
In this ride, you’ll get to meet many of the characters from the film including the conductor, the hobo, the singing chefs, and the man himself, Santa Claus. Don’t forget to enjoy your cookie and sip your hot chocolate courtesy of the singing chefs. And once you reach the North Pole, don’t forget to grab a souvenir to remind you of the lovely ride.
When: Friday, November 17 – December 23, 2023
Where: Galveston Railroad Museum, 2602 Santa Fe Pl, Galveston, TX 77550
How much: Starts at $34
Fright Before Christmas at the Haunted Mayfield Manor
Image credit: Haunted Mayfield Manor
Halloween is over but that doesn’t mean the spooky season is over at Galveston’s Haunted Mayfield Manor. Head over there this weekend with friends or family and enjoy a little Fright Before Christmas to celebrate the two seasons.
When: Friday, November 17, 2023, 11 am – 9 pm
Where: Haunted Mayfield Manor, 2313 Harborside Dr, Galveston, TX 77550
How much: Starts at $34
The Charitable Sisterhood Christmas Spectacular
When the baby Jesus figure from the nativity scene goes missing, the sisterhood becomes uneasy knowing that a thief is on the loose. So, they call up honorary sisterhood member and private investigator Janet to catch the culprit and with that, a crazy search starts for baby Jesus.
Filled with the spirit of the season, this spectacular show also has a dash of comedy and mystery that everybody will surely love.
When: Friday, November 17 – December 9, 2023, 9 pm
Where: Island ETC, 2317 Mechanic St, Galveston, TX 77550
How much: $30 – $35
Kick off the Halloween season with the highly-rated Shadows of Revelry Ghost Tour in Galveston!
Discover the ghostly history of Galveston, Texas on a nighttime walking tour around town. This adults–only tour takes a look at the city’s red–light district and its history as a place for gambling and drinking. Walk past old brothels, learn about outlaws and pirates, and hunt for ghosts as you explore.
Check out more details and book the Shadows of Revelry Walking Ghost Tour TODAY!!!
Things to do in Galveston this weekend of November 17, 2023 – Events in Galveston on Saturday
Elegant Ring Jewelry Workshop
What: Looking to make a unique gift for yourself or a friend? Join G. Lee Gallery’s Elegant Ring Jewelry Workshop this weekend.
Jewelry wire expert Annette Kinslow will guide you in creating her unique “Elegant Ring.” All tools and materials will be provided onsite. You also don’t need any experience in jewelry making to participate.
When: Saturday, November 18, 2023, 11 am – 2 pm
Where: G. Lee Gallery, 2217 The Strand, Galveston, TX 77550
How much: $105
ICE LAND: Rainforest Holiday
What: If you’re looking for fun things to do in Galveston this weekend with the kids, don’t miss the ICE LAND: Rainforest Holiday at Moody Gardens! Experience a rainforest winter wonderland of monkeys, butterflies, birds, orchids, and more carved from ice.
There will also be a giant ice slide that will take you from the canopy to the forest floor, past ancient ruins, and along river edges. You can also enjoy the Shivers Ice Bar, a cool bar made completely out of ice that features festive holiday spirits.
When: Saturday, November 18, 2023 – January 6, 2024, 11 am
Where: Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554
How much: $24 – $35
Galveston Island International Festival
Image credit: Galveston Children’s Museum
What: Experience an international adventure with the kids this weekend at the Galveston Children’s Museum!
The event is inspired by the book “Adventures with My Auntie” by author Phylicia French. There will be exhibitors and performers from different countries and cultures who will provide entertainment, arts and crafts, education, and giveaways. There will also be games, dance, music, fashion, and food.
When: Saturday, November 18, 2023, 10 am – 3 pm
Where: Galveston Children’s Museum, 2618 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, TX 77550
How much: Free
Deal Alert: Get the lowest price on the Historic Galveston Ghost Tour!
Discover the darker side of Galveston on a ghost tour. Pass by mansions and other historical sights where spooky and mysterious things are said to have happened, and hear about the island’s secrets, paranormal events, and haunted history that dates back 150 years. This tour is a fun way to learn a bit about Galveston’s history.
Book your Historic Galveston Ghost Tour TODAY!!!
Galveston Railroad Museum Train Rides
What: All aboard the Harborside Express! Get to ride trains all weekend at the Galveston Railroad Museum and experience what it’s like to ride their magnificent trains. Kids would definitely love it too!
When: Saturday, November 18, 2023, 11 am – 1:40 pm
Where: Galveston Railroad Museum, 2602 Santa Fe Pl, Galveston, TX 77550
How much: $6 for children | $9 for seniors | $12 for adults | Free for infants and kids under
Festival of Lights
Image Credit: Moody Gardens
What: Welcome the holidays with the family at Moody Gardens’ Festival of Lights! This tradition will take you on a mile-long trail featuring more than two million lights and lighted scenes coupled with holiday music and a backdrop of Galveston Bay.
Stops along the trail will lead you to Start the Dancing Tree of Light, hot chocolate, fireside S’mores, concession areas, mistletoes, and other festive foods.
When: Saturday, November 18, 2023 – January 6, 2024, 5:30 pm
Where: Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554
How much: $21 – $29
Get the lowest price on the Dolphin Sightseeing Tour in Galveston with a Guide!
The island of Galveston, Texas sits right on the Gulf of Mexico, a body of water teeming with dolphins. Set sail from the harbor and spend time searching for these playful creatures with a tour guide. Board a covered vessel, perfect for keeping you cool under the Texan sun, and learn about the ecology of the area while you sail.
Book your Dolphin Sightseeing Tour in Galveston TODAY!!!
Things to do in Galveston this Weekend of November 17, 2023 – Sunday
Salsa Sunday at Vida Agave
What: Get your dancing shoes on this Sunday and get your blood flowing with a little bit of Salsa lessons at Vida Agave. You’ll be in the great hands of professional salsa instructors and by the end of the night, you’ll know how to do basic salsa with ease. There will also be live music after so if you want to continue dancing, you definitely can.
When: Sunday, November 19, 2023, 8 pm – 11 pm
Where: Vida Agave, 711 25th St, Galveston, TX 77550
How much: Free
Annie the Musical
Image credit: The Grand 1894 Opera House
What: Remind yourselves how both hard and easy it is to cling to hope with “Annie” the Musical this weekend at the Grand! This little orphan has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner for those who know how to wait and hold on. Get your tickets to this beloved production now!
When: Sunday, November 19, 2023, 2 pm and 7 pm
Where: The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St, Galveston, TX 77550
How much: Starts at $34.20
There are always lots of fun events going on in Houston. Check out our weekly updates to Things to Do in Houston this Week, Things to Do in Houston this Weekend, and Things to Do in Houston this Weekend with Kids to stay up to date!
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