Holiday in the Gardens
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Things to Do
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Plan Your Visit
Now Open
Nightly through January 2 · 6–10 PM
Plan Your Visit
New theme for 2026

ICE LAND: Caribbean Christmas

The North Pole meets the Caribbean at Moody Gardens!

Step into a frozen Caribbean holiday, kept at a brisk 9 degrees. More than two million pounds of hand-carved ice become colorful island scenes, including an underwater world filled with tropical fish, rays, turtles and sharks. Bundle up and explore every glowing corner together.

ICE LAND tickets: $35 adults, $29 kids (4-12) and seniors (65+). Parking is free throughout the festival.

Walk the trail

Holiday Lights Trail

Stroll a mile of walking paths glowing with more than two million lights set to holiday music

  • Light tunnels and animated scenes choreographed to music
  • The family tradition formerly known as the Festival of Lights
  • Look for 2 for 1 theme nights through the season
New live show, no dinner required

Live Holiday Show:
A Very Electric Christmas

A glowing, after-dark adventure from Lightwire Theater. Follow Max the bird on a journey that lands him at the North Pole, set to holiday hits.

  • A theatrical stage show for all ages, about one hour
  • Matinee and evening performances on select dates
  • Show ticket includes access to the Holiday Lights trail
Outdoor fun

Ice Skating Rink

(Included in the Holiday Pass)
Lace up and glide under the lights on our outdoor rink. Evening skating is included with a Holiday Lights ticket.

Lace up and take a spin on the area's only outdoor ice rink, right along the Holiday Lights trail. Skaters of all skill levels can glide under twinkling lights with holiday music playing all around. Skate sessions and rink features may vary year to year.

Glide and grin

Arctic Slide

Grab a mat and race down the Arctic Slide for a quick rush of winter fun.

Take a festive ride down the Arctic Slide and feel the holiday excitement! Twist, turn, and glide your way down this slick slide. The Arctic Slide is included with your Holiday Pass, making it easy to add extra fun to your evening. Riders must be at least 36" tall to join the adventure.

Warm up at the movies

Holiday 3D & 4D Films

Settle into the MG3D Theater and the 4D Special FX Theater for holiday favorites with immersive effects you can feel.

  • 4D films include Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4D and Scrooge 4D: A Christmas Carol
  • 3D films include Light Before Christmas 3D and more
  • One 3D film and one 4D film are included in the Holiday Pass, or buy a single show
All aboard

Train Rides

Little conductors love rolling through a stretch of the Holiday Lights aboard the Kiddie Train, with festive music the whole way.

  • Travels a section of the Holiday Lights trail
  • Riders must be under 48 inches tall
Dine with jolly old saint nick

Breakfast with Santa

Start the day with a family friendly buffet and the season's most popular guest, with keepsake photos in the Frances Anne Moody Ballroom.

Join the jolly man himself and his friends for a delightful breakfast adventure! Feast on a scrumptious buffet packed with tasty selections, snap that perfect keepsake photo with Santa, and create memories that'll last all year long in the Frances Anne Moody Ballroom.

Shop the season

Nutcracker Market

Kick off your holiday shopping the weekend after Thanksgiving at the 5th Annual Nutcracker Market by Southern Style Event, in the Moody Gardens Hotel ballroom.

  • Friday, November 27, 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm
  • Saturday, November 28, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
  • Local vendors with gifts, holiday decor and treats
  • Santa photos Saturday from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
  • $5 admission, free for Moody Gardens Hotel guests
Savor the season

Holiday Dining

From a festive holiday buffet on select evenings to Christmas Day brunch and a four-course dinner at Shearn's, chef-crafted menus take the work out of the holidays.

  • Holiday in The Gardens buffet most evenings
  • Christmas Eve and Christmas Day options
  • New Year's Eve dinner at Shearn's with bay views
Make it a getaway

Special Holiday Hotel Packages

Bundle a refreshed room at Moody Gardens Hotel with attraction passes and you are steps from every light, slide, and show.

  • Couples and Family Value Packages with attraction passes
  • Two night stays with added family experiences
  • New Year's Eve Palooza packages for overnight guests
Ring in 2027

New Year's Eve Palooza: Family Celebration

A New Year's Eve built for families, with a Family Fun Zone, a beach ball countdown, and early, family friendly fireworks.

  • Available as a one night or two night hotel package
  • Bounce houses, arcade games, and an Adult Lounge
  • Attraction access including ICE LAND and Holiday Lights
Celebrate together

Holiday Parties & Group Discounts

Company parties, school groups, and social groups get special group rates and private event options.

  • Discounted group admission for 15 or more
  • Private dining and event venues across the property
  • Custom packages for corporate and school groups