Family Friendly Attractions & Events

Nestled amidst breathtaking natural surroundings, Moody Gardens offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement for guests of all ages for work or play. From tropical rainforests to the oceans of the world, a wide range of attractions, educational activities, kid's events, dining options, and exciting entertainment await. This island resort uniquely accommodates large conferences, weddings and social events as well as being the romantic escape and family destination where special memories are created.

Holiday in the Gardens Christmas lights up the shores near the Colonel Paddlewheel boat. Each Pyramid is illuminated by a trail of lights than run along the edge of each Pyramid edge.
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Explore Holiday Activities

ICE LAND:
Christmas Around The World

Coming November 2026 - New Theme: Caribbean Christmas

A skilled team of master ice carvers has transformed 2 MILLION pounds of ice to take you on a holiday journey around the world! Travel from Russia and Egypt to China and beyond to discover how the globe celebrates the season. Glide from the top of the Eiffel Tower on the Giant Ice Slide, then warm up with a festive beverage inside the coolest spot around - Shiver's Ice Bar!

An ice sculputure with the words 'Moody Gardens ICE LAND Pole-to-Pole' carved in ice on an ice blue wall. Two ice carved polar bears are looking at the words. There is a clock that indicates the temperature hanging above the words carved on the wall.

Holiday Lights

Step into a winter wonderland where over TWO MILLION sparkling lights dance and glisten across Galveston Bay with scenes themed to your favorite holiday music! Lace up your skates and glide around our outdoor rink, warm your hands around a mug of rich, creamy hot chocolate, indulge in mouthwatering holiday treats, feast at festive holiday buffets and more.

Holiday in the Gardens Trail of lights showing a procession of attendees walking past characters from the Nutcracker made up of Christmas lights.

Ice Skating Rink

Glide into the magic of the season at Moody Gardens’ Ice Skating Rink! Access the rink through Holiday Lights—evening skating is included with your Holiday Lights ticket.

Two young boys on ice skates go past a stack of giant, decorative Christmas holiday ornaments typically found hanging from Christmas trees.

Kiddie Train Rides

Enjoy the festive lights and music as the Kiddie Train takes you along a section of Holiday Lights. Must be under 48" tall to ride.

A small train winds its way along a sidewalk as it makes its way through the Festival of Lights. The tree trunks and branches are adorned with Christmas lights and the lawn is decorated with lights shaped in the design of animals.

Arctic Slide

Enjoy the fun with a festive glide down the Arctic Slide.

The Arctic Slide is included in the Holiday Evening Pass and Value Pass!

Must be over 36" to ride.

GET TICKETSDaily Hours & Pricing
Two young boys tobbogan down the Arctic Slid while smiling with delight.

Holiday 3D & 4D Films

Enjoy holiday films all season long in the MG 3D Theater and 4D Special FX Theater!

4D Films include: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4D and Scrooge 4D: A Christmas Carol.
3D Films include: Jerusalem 3D, Light Before Christmas 3D, and Rocky Mountain Express

Characters from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer including Rudolph in the center with a yeti to his left and Santa's elf to his right.

Year-Round Attractions

A father balances his son on his shoulders while holding his hands. They are both inside the Aquarium Pyramid tunnel watching in wonderment at an assortment of rays, sharps, and other Caribbean sea life swim above them.

Aquarium Pyramid

Visit tuxedo-clad penguins to seals, stingrays, sharks, tropical fish and more! From the Gulf of Mexico to the South Atlantic, the South Pacific, the North Pacific, and the Caribbean. Each ocean exhibit highlights different marine sanctuaries and different aspects of our relationship to the seas. Open during the daytime with individual tickets or the Value Pass.

Two Hyacinth Macaws rub beaks with each other, their blue features stand out against an out of focus background of forest greenery.

Rainforest Pyramid

Enjoy a rare, up-close and interactive experience with endangered plants such as the Corpse Flower and animals ranging from Giant Amazon River Otters to Saki Monkeys and an array of birds! See it all in one of the truest replicas of a real rainforest. Open during the daytime with individual tickets or the Value Pass.

The Discovery Pyramid sits off in the background while in the foreground, lush palms and bushes spring up to partially obscure it. Red flowers poke up from the bottom of the image creating a sense of a tropical paradise.

Discovery Pyramid

Visit the Discovery Pyramid museum to see the newest educational exhibit and experience 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: An Interactive Adventure at the Audience Recognition Theater.

The Colonel Paddlewheel Boat makes its way across Offatts Bayou as sun gentle casts a warm glow across its bow.

3D, 4D, and Audience Recognition Theaters

Watch thrilling films in our 3D and 4D theaters, and become part of the story in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: An Interactive Adventure inside the Audience Recognition Theater.

Featured Blogs

First-Time Family Visit: One-Day Itinerary at Moody Gardens

Planning your first family trip to Moody Gardens in Galveston? This one-day guide highlights the must-see attractions, family-friendly dining, and helpful tips to make the most of your visit.

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The Ultimate Moody Gardens Bucket List: 10 Things to See & Do

Planning a visit to Galveston’s top attraction? Dive into this guide to the Top 10 Things to Do at Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas, packed with adventures, thrills, festivals & events, and family favorites for all ages.

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Thank you to our 2025 Holiday in The Gardens Sponsors: