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.
November 19 – January 7
Free Parking!
2022 - 2023 Season Hours:
Yearly Attractions
Open: 10AM - 5PM Daily
Christmas Day Open: 12PM - 5PM
Ice Land
Peak Nights: 10AM - 10PM
Value Days: 11AM - 9PM
Christmas Day Open: 12PM - 10PM
Festival of Lights & Holiday Attractions
Peak Nights: 6PM - 10PM
Value Days: 6PM - 9PM
(Including Christmas Day)
Ice Land is back with a Caribbean Christmas theme
The North Pole meets the Caribbean as Moody Gardens brings back ICE LAND: A Caribbean Christmas with an underwater theme and exciting guest experiences from November 19 to January 7!
Guests will embark on a breathtaking underwater journey from the shores of Galveston Island through the Gulf of Mexico. As you explore the depths of the ocean, you will discover sunken treasures and see Christmas surprises along the way. Venture through the beautiful Flower Garden Banks for encounters with spectacular schools of colorful tropical fish, eagle rays, turtles, dolphins, Hammerhead sharks, and more on the way to their Caribbean island destination. There is even an opportunity to enjoy some festive holiday spirits inside of ICE LAND at Shiver’s Ice Bar.
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, Mistletoe, along with plenty of photo and selfie opportunities!
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.
Ice Skating 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): Dec. 17 – Jan. 2, and Jan. 7
Rent the Rink: Rent out the Ice Skating Rink for your own private function for $150 for 1 hour. Call 409-683-4203 for details.
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer 4D
Enjoy the beloved animated television classic as the magic of 4D engages all of your senses. Classic songs and dialogue are brought to life by loveable, iconic characters – the Abominable Snow Monster, Hermey the elf, Santa Claus and, of course, Rudolph “the most famous reindeer of all.”
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.
Holiday Dining
Festival of Lights Buffets
Accepting walk-ins only. No reservations required.
For booking groups of 20+ individuals, please contact AttractionSales@moodygardens.org
Garden Restaurant - Menu
Please see special Christmas Day Buffet Menu and pricing here
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. The Galveston Trolley also provides transportation from various locations around Galveston Island.