Open Daily: Now – January 6
Free Parking!
2023 - 2024 Season Hours:
Hours are subject to change
Things To Do
As the largest holiday destination in the Southwest, Moody Gardens offers more holiday attractions, activities, festive fun, dining and hotel packages than you can imagine.
ICE LAND: Rainforest Holiday
Experience the vibrancy of rainforests with the monkeys, birds, butterflies, and orchids, as Christmas-decked leaf-cutter ants lead you through a magical world, intricately carved from ice. The talented team of master ice carvers hand-sculpted creations will guide guests on an extraordinary journey through the world's rainforests, complete with a giant ice slide that transports guests from the canopy to the forest floor, past ancient ruins, and along river edges. There is even an opportunity to enjoy Shivers Ice Bar featuring festive holiday spirits inside this ultra-cool bar made completely out of ice.
Festival of Lights
This year, the holiday season will shine brighter than ever with an event that has become a tradition for families and groups alike. Enjoy a festive stroll along this mile-long trail featuring more than two million lights and lighted scenes themed to holiday music that take you around the Moody Gardens property with spectacular views of Galveston Bay. Stops along the way bring you to see Star the Dancing Tree of Light, concession areas, hot chocolate, fireside S'mores and other festive foods, and mistletoe, along with plenty of photo and selfie opportunities!
Holiday in the Gardens Value Nights
Monday – Thursday: November 27, 2023 – December 14, 2023, January 3 & 4, 2024
Experience the most wonderful time of the year at Moody Gardens with our Value Nights at Holiday in the Gardens. Participate in our themed nights and enjoy even greater savings and fun. During select Value Nights, guests can take advantage of a buy-one-get-one-free (BOGO) ticket offer to the Festival of Lights trail or Holiday Pass which includes Ice Land, Festival of Lights, four Arctic slide rides, train rides, ice skating, Aquarium Pyramid, 3D and 4D theaters starting at 4 p.m.
Food Drive Thursdays | Every Thursday, November 30 - December 28
Celebrate the season while helping those in need. Every Thursday from November 30 - to December 28 bring a non-perishable food item and receive a buy-one-get-one (BOGO) ticket offer to the Festival of Lights trail or Holiday Pass which includes Ice Land, Festival of Lights, four Arctic slide rides, train rides, ice skating, Aquarium Pyramid, 3D and 4D. Food items will be donated to the Galveston County and Houston Food Banks. Embrace the cause and remember that all parties must bring a non-perishable to get the deal.
Winter 2023 Pyramid Kids Camps
December 18 - 21 & December 27 - 29
Great for all kids entering grades K-8! Camp programs include different attraction experiences, activities, games, crafts and experiments making every camp day unique! Daily camps are a great option for the kids during school break or a fun day for all the kids visiting during the holidays! Register for one day or multiple days.
A Christmas Wish: Holiday Spectacular
December 22 - 30 | Moody Gardens Convention Center
Embark on a journey like no other at Moody Gardens' “A Christmas Wish Holiday Spectacular." This spellbinding show combines the artistry of Broadway-style song and dance with mesmerizing acrobatics and more. The heart of the show lies in a captivating story of rediscovering the holiday spirit. Join our lead character, Natalie, on her transformative adventure as she dives into her cherished childhood memories inside an enchanting snow globe. With spirited characters, stunning visuals, and electrifying performances, this show is a heartwarming spectacle that will reignite your holiday joy!
Ice Skating Rink: Nightly or Rent the Rink
Open Nightly: Starting at 6pm when the Festival of Lights trail opens. You must enter through the Festival of Lights trail to access the Ice Skating Rink (Ice Skating is included with your Festival of Lights ticket in the evenings!)
Afternoon Skate (12 - 4pm): Please refer to the weekly holiday attraction schedule for afternoon skating!
Rent the Rink: Rent out the Ice Skating Rink for your own private function for $150 for 1 hour. Call 409-683-4558 or email attractionsales@moodygardens.org
Individual attraction tickets are available on-site - times subject to change.
Kid's Crew Activities | Moody Gardens Hotel
November 18-25 and December 2, 9, 16-30
Celebrate the holiday season with the Kids Crew at Moody Gardens Hotel, offering a festive array of activities including a Scavenger Hunt with a redeemable prize, Paint a Picture, Elf on the Shelf Gingerbread House Making, Cookie Decorating, and the chance to meet Sunny the mascot, along with s'mores roasting and more, with pricing ranging from $5 to $48 for the full experience. Activities can be purchased at the front desk at the Moody Gardens Hotel!
Please note all activities must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and activities are weather permitting/ subject to change.
Holiday 3D & 4D Films
Enjoy holiday films all season long in the MG 3D Theater and 4D Special FX Theater! Films include Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4D, Jerusalem 3D, Train Time 3D, and Light Before Christmas 3D.
Meet Santa | Moody Gardens Visitors Center
Embrace the festive spirit at Moody Gardens this season with a special appearance by Santa Claus, who will be spreading joy from the North Pole at the Moody Gardens Visitors Center throughout the holidays.
Kiddie Train Rides
Enjoy the holiday lights and music as the train takes you along a section of the Festival of Lights trail. Must be under 48" tall to ride.
Individual attraction tickets are available on-site - times subject to change.
Please call 409-683-4200 for daily times and questions.
Arctic Slide
Enjoy the fun with a festive glide down the Arctic Slide.
4 slides down The Arctic Slide are included in the Holiday Pass!
Must be over 36" to ride.
Individual attraction tickets are available on-site - times subject to change.
Please call 409-683-4200 for daily times and questions.
Holiday Dining
Holiday Buffets
Garden Restaurant | November 18 - January 6
Available during hours of operation.
Cafe in the Park
Menus alternating throughout the holiday season. Please call 409-683-4465 to check availability.
Breakfast with Santa
Frances Moody Ballroom - Moody Gardens Hotel
Seating at 8:30am and 10am
December 9, 10, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 & 23
Enjoy breakfast with Santa this holiday season! Breakfast includes a meet and greet with Santa, souvenir photo and a delicious buffet featuring biscuits and gravy, waffles, omelet station, fresh fruit and more!
Christmas Eve Dining
Enjoy Christmas Eve dining at Moody Gardens!
Reservations suggested, but not required.
December 24 | Garden Restaurant 12pm-8pm
December 24 | Cafe in the Park - Moody Gardens Hotel
Open 7am- 10pm
Holiday Buffet 5pm-9pm
Christmas Day Dining
Enjoy Christmas Day dining at Moody Gardens!
Reservations suggested, but not required.
December 25 | Frances Anne Moody Ballroom -
Moody Gardens Hotel
10:30am-2:30pm
December 25 | Garden Restaurant - Visitors Center 11am-8pm
December 25 | Cafe in the Park - Moody Gardens Hotel
Open 7am - 10pm
Holiday Buffet 5pm-8:30pm
New Years
New Years Palooza
December 30 - January 1
An action-packed two night adventure awaits you at Moody Gardens New Year Palooza. Our end of the year bash brings in the New Year with exciting activities for the whole family to enjoy. This package includes tickets to NY Palooza where plenty of family fun will be had. You will also receive day passes to explore Moody Gardens Attractions and tickets to A Christmas Wish Holiday Spectacular! Be prepared to be astonished by an electrifying and enchanting show that brims with energy, warmth, and joy. Prepare to be captivated by live musical theatre performances, dazzling dance routines, breathtaking stunts, mesmerizing acrobatics, hilarious comedic acts, and the enchantment of Christmas.
New Year’s Eve Colonel Paddlewheel Boat Cruise
December 31
Boarding at 9 p.m., Cruise from 10 p.m. to midnight.
Enjoy music and dancing as you Cruise out of 2023 aboard the Colonel PaddlewheeI Boat. Admission includes a delightful menu featuring an array of heavy hors d’oeuvres, two drink tickets and a Midnight Champagne Toast. Must be 21 or older.
NYE Silver Celebration at the Moody Gardens Hotel
December 31 | Frances Anne Moody Ballroom 8pm - 1am
Come and be part of our festivities at the Moody Gardens Hotel, commemorating 25 years with an exciting NYE celebration featuring the Mambo Jazz Kings, a memorable Champagne Toast, and an innovative eco-friendly take on the traditional ball drop. This event is for 21+ only!
Tickets and Hotel Packages are available now! Call 409-683-1299 to reserve your hotel stay.
NYE Dinner at Shearn's Seafood & Prime Steaks
December 31 | 9th floor of the Moody Gardens Hotel
Ring in the New Year in style at Shearn's Seafood & Prime Steaks! Join us for a delectable NYE meal, followed by an unforgettable celebration in the Moody Ballroom at Moody Gardens Hotel. We're marking 25 years of the hotel with an exciting NYE bash featuring the Mambo Jazz Kings, a memorable Champagne Toast, and a modern, eco-friendly spin on the traditional ball drop. This exclusive event is for ages 21 and up. Admission is included with your NYE meal at Shearn's. Hotel Packages are available now. Reserve your stay at 409-683-1299.
Reserve table online or call 409-683-4554 to make your reservation at Shearn's
Year-Round Attractions
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.
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.
Colonel Paddlewheel Boat
Enjoy a 45 minute afternoon cruise along Offats Bayou with breathtaking views of Galveston Bay. Cruises available with individual tickets or the Value Pass.
Visiting with a Group? Or Book Your Holiday Party!
Group Pricing for groups 20 or more
Contact Group Sales at 409-683-4558 or email AttractionSales@moodygardens.org for more information.
Parking & Directions
Free Parking is available at Moody Gardens and lots adjacent to our property. Complimentary shuttle service is provided to the main entrance, with easy access to the Ticket Windows, Festival of Lights, Ice Land, Visitor Center, and other attractions (Hotel Guest Only). The Galveston Trolley also provides transportation from various locations around Galveston Island.