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Parachuting Santa brings in the festive spirit for Moody Gardens

11/02/2012


PARACHUTING SANTA BRINGS FESTIVE SPIRIT AT FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Dazzling performances and magical events mark Moody Garden’s Grand Opening Ceremony

Galveston, Texas—Brighten up the wintery season with Moody Gardens® at the 11th annual Festival of Lights on Nov. 10. As one of the largest holiday lighting events on the Gulf Coast, this year’s celebration begins with talented locals ringing in the festive spirit.

Free to the public, the ceremony opens at 4 p.m. with holiday-themed entertainment from Galveston Ballet, Salvation Army’s Harbor Light Choir, Curt Miller’s Magical Christmas, Vibe Dance Company, Amy’s Dance Academy, and the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston with St. Ignatius Loyola Choir.

Families can welcome Santa and his elves at 5 p.m. when they parachute down from the North Pole to help prepare Moody Gardens for the grand lighting. After mixing, mingling and making a trip to see his feathered friends in the penguin exhibit at the Aquarium Pyramid®, Mr. Claus will flip the switch to begin the Festival at 6 p.m. and officially kick off the holiday season on Galveston Island.

The Festival will continue to shine throughout the holiday season Thursdays through Saturdays from Nov. 16 to Dec. 8, before open nightly from Dec. 13 to Jan. 5, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Hours run from 6 to 10 p.m.
Admission to the Festival of Lights is $6.95. With the purchase of a Festival of Lights ticket, tickets to the Aquarium Pyramid, Rainforest Pyramid, Discovery Pyramid, holiday MG 3D film, holiday 4D Film, Ridefilm, Colonel Paddlewheel Boat and Saturday Night Snow Tubing can be purchased for only $6 each. And new this year, everyone can enjoy the new 100-foot long Snow Tubing slide and the classic outdoor skating rink. Ice skates are available for rent or guests can bring their own.

Moody Gardens recognizes Houston Area Cadillac Dealers, KPRC TV 2, Houston Community Newspapers, Houston Family Magazine, Gilbane Builders, Morris Architects, Broome Welding & Machine Co., Forman Equipment and Contracting, Kelso Concrete, KenMor Electric, Schindler Elevator Corp., American Marble, Chuoke Plumbing, CHP and Associates, Glazier Foods and Forward Energy Group as sponsors of the 2012 Festival of Lights.

For more information, please call 800-582-4673 or visit moodygardens.org.

Moody Gardens® is a public, non-profit, educational destination utilizing nature in the advancement of rehabilitation, conservation, recreation, and research.
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Contacts

Jerri Hamachek
Moody Gardens
jhamachek@moodygardens.com
409-683-4249, cell: 409-789-2607

Stephanie Chan
Moody Gardens
news@moodygardens.com
409-683-4209, cell: 409-370-4585

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Moody Gardens® is a public, non-profit educational destination utilizing nature in the advancement of rehabilitation, conservation, recreation and research.