SANTA TO PARACHUTE IN TO KICK OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON AT MOODY GARDENS

Galveston, Texas (October 14, 2021) – Holiday sights, sounds and smells will fill the air from November 20 to January 2 as Festival of Lights enters its twentieth year. Guests can attend the Opening Day festivities of Holiday in the Gardens on November 20 from 4 pm to 6 pm as Santa Claus parachutes in to illuminate the Festival of Lights trail, which is one of the largest holiday lighting events on the Gulf Coast.

During Opening Day, guests can watch while Santa Claus parachutes down from the North Pole to Moody Gardens to help prepare the property for the grand lighting. After mixing and mingling, Mr. Claus will flip the switch to begin the Festival of Lights at 6 pm. When the lights go up, the gates officially open for the season and guests can enjoy the one-mile trail filled with even more lights than before, over 100 sound enhanced animated light displays themed to their favorite holiday music, hot cocoa, fireside smores, pictures with Santa and much more. Other holiday attractions include a selection of holiday films in the MG 3D Theater, Rudolph 4D in the 4D Special FX Theater, an Arctic Slide, train rides, pictures with Santa, and great food that ranges from a festive dinner buffet to your favorite festive fare and confections along the Festival of Lights trail.

“It’s wonderful to see the joy on children’s faces as Santa parachutes on opening day,” said Moody Gardens President and CEO John Zendt. “It’s been an honor to bring the tradition of the holiday season to families for 20 years. From marriage proposals to a baby’s first Christmas, the variety of memories created here at Moody Gardens are very special and we are looking forward to creating more new memories this year.”

Individuals looking to experience all of our holiday attractions on Opening Day can purchase a Holiday Pass, which includes admission to the Festival of Lights as well as a 3D and 4D movie and the Arctic Slide for $39. Festival of Lights admission tickets are $22. Holiday attractions open at 6 pm and close at 10 pm on regular days and 9 pm on Value Days. Moody Gardens’ year-round daytime attractions will be open from 10 am to 4 pm. Value Days are every Sunday – Thursday between November 28 and December 16.  

For more information, including ticket and hotel package options, please visit www.moodygardens.org/holiday_season.

Moody Gardens^® is a public, non-profit, educational destination utilizing nature in the advancement of rehabilitation, conservation, recreation, and research.

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