Christmas in Galveston 2026: Holiday Events & Things to Do
Christmas in Galveston runs from mid-November into the new year. In 2026 the season starts with The Polar Express train ride on November 13, Moody Gardens' Holiday in the Gardens opens November 21, the city lights its official tree on the Strand on November 28, Dickens on The Strand takes over downtown December 4–6, and the Galveston Christmas Parade rolls on December 12. Here is the full calendar, and the easiest way to see the island's holiday decorations in one hour.
In short
• Season: November 13, 2026 to January 2, 2027
• Biggest weekend: Dickens on The Strand, December 4–6
• Biggest light display: Holiday in the Gardens at Moody Gardens, November 21 to January 2
• Downtown: official city tree lighting at 2302 Strand on November 28
• On a Segway: our 1-hour Christmas Lights & Holiday Magic Segway Tour, $60 per person, departs 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM
Galveston Christmas events calendar 2026
November 13 – December 23: The Polar Express Train Ride
The holiday train ride based on the classic story runs from the Galveston Railroad Museum.
November – December: Live holiday entertainment at The Grand 1894 Opera House
Holiday shows at Galveston's historic opera house downtown all season.
November 21 – January 2: Holiday in the Gardens at Moody Gardens
The Holiday Lights Trail (formerly the Festival of Lights), ICE LAND: Caribbean Christmas and outdoor ice skating. See our Galveston Christmas lights guide for details.
November 28: Official City of Galveston Tree Lighting
At 2302 Strand, in the heart of the downtown historic district.
December 4: 2026 Holiday Homes Tour
Historic homes open for the season in the East End Historical District.
December 4–6: Dickens on The Strand
The 53rd annual festival turns the Strand into Victorian London.
December 6: Holiday Delights: A Boot Scootin' Bash at The Bryan Museum
At 1315 21st Street.
December 12: Galveston Christmas Parade
December 12–13: Holiday With The Cranes
Celebrates the sandhill cranes that spend the winter on Galveston Island.
December 20: Santa Hustle Galveston
A holiday-themed race.
Dates come from Visit Galveston's 2026 holiday calendar. Check each organizer's website for times, tickets and any last-minute changes before you go.
What is Dickens on The Strand?
Dickens on The Strand is Galveston's biggest Christmas festival, run by the Galveston Historical Foundation. For one weekend the Strand Historic District becomes Victorian London, with costumed characters, parades, food and holiday shopping. In 2026 it runs Friday, December 4 to Sunday, December 6. It is the busiest weekend of Galveston's holiday season, so book your lodging and any tours early. Tickets and hours are at galvestonhistory.org.
Our shop is at 519 25th Street, a short walk from the Strand, so a Segway tour fits easily into a Dickens weekend.
See Galveston's holiday decorations on a Segway
The Christmas Lights & Holiday Magic Segway Tour is a festive one-hour ride through town to see Christmas lights, sparkling displays and holiday decorations in some of Galveston's most beautifully decorated areas.
Length: 1 hour
Price: $60 per person
Departs: 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM
Starts at: 519 25th Street, Strand Historic District
Experience needed: None. Training is included before every tour
It is perfect for couples, families and friends, and it is short enough to fit around Dickens, the parade or an evening at Moody Gardens. Bring your holiday spirit and your camera.
How to plan a Christmas weekend in Galveston
Saturday
• 1:00 PM: Christmas Lights & Holiday Magic Segway Tour from our shop on 25th Street
• Afternoon: shop and eat on the Strand, see the city Christmas tree at 2302 Strand
• Evening: walk the Holiday Lights Trail at Moody Gardens
Sunday
• Morning: a history ride like the Magical History Tour through the Strand and the East End's Victorian mansions
• Afternoon: The Polar Express at the Galveston Railroad Museum, or a holiday show at The Grand 1894 Opera House
If you are coming for a cruise, see things to do near the Galveston cruise port. Bringing a group or the office party? A private tour is easy to arrange.
Is Galveston worth visiting at Christmas?
Yes. Galveston is about an hour's drive from Houston, and the holidays are a great time to visit: the Strand is decorated, Dickens on The Strand celebrates its 53rd year, and Moody Gardens lights up a mile-long trail with more than two million lights. Outside the Dickens weekend, it is a relaxed time to explore the island.
FAQ
What is there to do in Galveston at Christmas?
Dickens on The Strand (December 4–6, 2026), the Galveston Christmas Parade (December 12), Holiday in the Gardens at Moody Gardens (November 21 to January 2), The Polar Express at the Galveston Railroad Museum, holiday shows at The Grand 1894 Opera House, and Segway Galveston's 1-hour Christmas Lights & Holiday Magic Segway Tour.
When is Dickens on The Strand 2026?
Friday, December 4 to Sunday, December 6, 2026, in the Strand Historic District.
When is the Galveston Christmas Parade 2026?
Saturday, December 12, 2026. Check the City of Galveston's website for the route and start time.
When is the Galveston Christmas tree lighting?
Saturday, November 28, 2026, at 2302 Strand.
Is there a Christmas tour in Galveston?
Yes. Segway Galveston's Christmas Lights & Holiday Magic Segway Tour is a 1-hour guided Segway ride to see Christmas lights and holiday decorations. It costs $60 per person and departs at 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
Ready to celebrate? Book the Christmas Lights & Holiday Magic Segway Tour or call 409-692-6691.