Open Daily: Now – January 6
Free Parking!
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!
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.
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! Tickets are available on-site.
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.
Winter 2023 Pyramid Kids Camps
January 3 - 5
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.
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 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.
Nightly Buffets
Garden Restaurant | Now - 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.
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.