Moody Gardens, Gulf Coast Blood Unite for Holidays

GALVESTON, Texas (Nov. 5, 2026) - Giving the gift of life comes with a little extra holiday surprise this season as Moody Gardens partners with Gulf Coast Blood to thank donors with complimentary Holiday Evening Passes to the popular Galveston attraction. The partnership comes as the CCA Ice Carving Team enters its final week of work on ICE LAND: Caribbean Christmas, the largest indoor ice sculpture attraction in the U.S., where a giant ice slide and other towering ice sculptures are now taking shape. ICE LAND is the centerpiece of Moody Gardens’ Holiday in the Gardens Festival, which opens Nov. 21 on Galveston Island.

Individuals who successfully donate blood at participating Gulf Coast Blood donor centers and mobile blood drives can receive a free Moody Gardens Holiday Evening Pass, while supplies last. The Holiday Evening Pass provides admission after 4 p.m. and includes ICE LAND: Caribbean Christmas, featuring sculptures created from more than 2 million pounds of ice, the Holiday Lights Trail, Aquarium Pyramid, Discovery Pyramid, one 3D film, one 4D film, four Arctic Slide rides, one Kiddie Train ride and admission to the ice-skating rink. The attractions are part of Moody Gardens' annual Holiday in the Gardens Festival.

"At Moody Gardens, our mission is rooted in serving and enriching our community, which makes this partnership with Gulf Coast Blood especially meaningful," said John Zendt, president and CEO of Moody Gardens. "Blood donors give one of the greatest gifts possible to someone they've never met. We're honored to thank these individuals with a holiday experience they can share with family and friends while helping shine a light on the lifesaving impact of blood donation."

The need for blood donations remains constant throughout the year, but the holiday season often presents additional challenges. School breaks, holiday travel and seasonal illnesses can reduce donor turnout, while hospitals continue to rely on blood donations for emergency care, cancer treatments, surgeries and patients with chronic illnesses.

"The need for blood doesn't take a holiday break, and neither do the patients who rely on lifesaving transfusions," said Theresa Pina, chief growth officer at Gulf Coast Blood. "We're grateful to Moody Gardens for partnering with us to recognize the generosity of blood donors and raise awareness of the ongoing need for blood this holiday season. We hope this partnership inspires more people to donate this winter and helps ensure local patients have the blood products they need."

As an additional benefit, successful blood donors can receive a free cholesterol screening through Dec. 31, 2026. No fasting or advance registration is required, and results are typically available through Gulf Coast Blood's Digital Donor app within two weeks.

To find a participating donor center or mobile blood drive and schedule an appointment, visit GiveBlood.org or download the Digital Donor app. Complimentary Moody Gardens Holiday Evening Passes are available while supplies last.