Things to do in Galveston This Weekend of November 24 Include City of Galveston Tree Lighting, Jesus Christ Superstar, and more!

Things to do in Galveston This Weekend of November 24 Include City of Galveston Tree Lighting, Jesus Christ Superstar, and more!

Our top things to do in Galveston this weekend of November 24 include the City of Galveston Tree LightingJesus Christ Superstar at The Grand, The Polar Express Train Ride, Moody Gardens Nutcracker Market, 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 24, 2023 – Friday

The Polar Express Train Ride

Things to do in Galveston this weekend of November 10 | 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 24 – December 23, 2023
Where: Galveston Railroad Museum, 2602 Santa Fe Pl, Galveston, TX 77550
How much: Starts at $34


Grand Galvez Christmas Tree Lighting

Welcome the holiday season this Thanksgiving week with the Grand Galvez’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting celebration. It will begin with Santa Claus’ arrival and performances of the Galveston Ballet and Galveston Symphony Brass Ensemble. After that, there will be a countdown until the lighting of the hotel’s 35-foot Christmas tree.

When:  Friday, November 24, 2023, 6 pm – 8:30 pm
Where: Grand Galvez, Centennial Green, 2024 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550
How Much: Free


Kick off the Halloween season with the highly-rated Shadows of Revelry Ghost Tour in Galveston!

Galveston Events This Weekend - Walking Ghost Tour

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 24, 2023 – Events in Galveston on Saturday

Official City of Galveston Tree Lighting

Official City of Galveston Tree Lighting

Image credit: Galveston Historical Foundation (1)

What: Join the city of Galveston this Thanksgiving week for the city’s official tree lighting and party! Expect an appearance by Santa, performances by the Galveston Volunteer Bad, vendors in the park, beer and wine sales, and more. 

When:  Saturday, November 25, 2023, 6 pm – 7 pm
Where: Saengerfest Park, 2302 The Strand #000, Galveston, TX 77550
How Much: Free


Moody Gardens Nutcracker Market

What: Moody Gardens will become more magical this weekend with the Nutcracker Market! Bring the whole family along and enjoy a whole day of shopping for all kinds of fun Christmas presents.  

When:  Saturday, November 25, 2023, 9 am – 4 pm
Where: Moody Ballroom, Moody Gardens Convention Center, 7 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554
How Much: $5 | Free for kids under 5


Holiday at Hendley Green

What: Join the Galveston Historical Foundation this Thanksgiving weekend for a Dickens on The Strand sneak peek and holiday party with the whole family.

The event features fun Dickens-inspired events including a Dickens pub with craft beer and wine, an appearance by Queen Victoria, roasted chestnuts for sale, letters to Santa, games on the green, and photo ops with Santa. 

When:  Saturday, November 25, 2023, 4 pm – 6 pm
Where: Hendley Green, 2028 The Strand, Galveston, TX 77550
How Much: Free


MarMo Market

What: Bring the whole family and enjoy holiday fun at the MarMo Market this weekend! There will be over 10 talented artists and vendors with unique, handcrafted items that will make the perfect gifts for Christmas. 

There will also be a pop-up bubbly bar so you can enjoy refreshments while shopping. Additionally, you can also find free popcorn and shaved ice at the market.

When:  Saturday, November 25, 2023, 6 pm – 9 pm 
Where: MarMo Plaza, 2121 Market St, Galveston, TX 77550
How Much: Free


Deal Alert: Get the lowest price on the Historic Galveston Ghost Tour!

Things to do in Galveston This Weekend of November 24 Include City of Galveston Tree Lighting, Jesus Christ Superstar, and more!

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!!!


Festival of Lights

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 25, 2023 – January 6, 2024, 5:30 pm
Where: Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554
How much: $21 – $29


Jesus Christ Superstar at The Grand

Things to do in Galveston this weekend of November 24 | Jesus Christ Superstar at The Grand

Image credit: The Grand 1894 Opera House

What: To celebrate its 50th anniversary, this new version of the musical phenomenon is returning to the stage at The Grand. 

The story of this show revolves around the extraordinary series of events during the final weeks of Jesus Christ’s life seen through the eyes of his disciple, Judas. Some legendary tunes to expect include “Gethsemane,” “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” and “Superstar.”

When: Saturday, November 25, 2023, 2 pm and 8 pm
Where: The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St, Galveston, TX 77550
How much: Starts at $103


Lighted Holiday Golf Cart Parade

What: Help guide Santa through the streets of Downtown Galveston as he makes his way to Saengerfest Park with the lighted holiday golf cart parade. If you have your own golf cart, decorate it in your best holiday decor and join the parade. All proceeds from the event will benefit The Historic Downtown Partnership.

When: Saturday, November 25, 2023, 6 pm 
Where: Postoffice District, 2200 Postoffice St, Galveston, TX 77550
How much: $20 to join the parade


Galveston ArtWalk

What: Get to appreciate the artworks along Galveston’s historic district this weekend with the Galveston ArtWalk. In this self-guided tour, you can visit galleries, exhibition spaces, artist studios, and more for free. Many participating locations also offer refreshments, live music, and meet-and-greet opportunities for artists and collectors.

When: Saturday, November 25, 2023, 6 pm – 9 pm
Where: Galveston Arts Center, 2127 The Strand, Galveston, TX 77550
How much: Free


Get the lowest price on the Dolphin Sightseeing Tour in Galveston with a Guide!

Things to do in Galveston This Weekend of November 24 Include City of Galveston Tree Lighting, Jesus Christ Superstar, and more!

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 24, 2023 – Sunday

ICE LAND: Rainforest Holiday

Things to do in Galveston this weekend of November 24 | ICE LAND: Rainforest Holiday

Image credit: Moody Gardens

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: Sunday, November 26, 2023 – January 6, 2024, 11 am
Where: Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554
How much: $24 – $35


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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