Galveston Christmas Lights 2026: Where to See Holiday Lights
The biggest Christmas light display in Galveston is the Holiday Lights Trail at Moody Gardens, a mile-long walking trail with more than two million lights, open November 21, 2026 to January 2, 2027. Downtown, the Strand Historic District is decorated for the season, with the city's official tree lighting at 2302 Strand on November 28. To see the island's holiday decorations with a local guide, take our 1-hour Christmas Lights & Holiday Magic Segway Tour.
In short
• Moody Gardens Holiday Lights Trail: November 21, 2026 – January 2, 2027, 1 Hope Boulevard
• Strand tree lighting: November 28 at 2302 Strand
• Dickens on The Strand: December 4–6
• East End Holiday Homes Tour: December 4
• Christmas lights Segway tour: 1 hour, $60, departs 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM
Moody Gardens Holiday Lights Trail (formerly the Festival of Lights)
If you are searching for the Moody Gardens Festival of Lights, it now has a new name. The season is called Holiday in the Gardens, and the light display is the Holiday Lights Trail.
• Dates: November 21, 2026 to January 2, 2027
• The trail: a mile-long walking trail along Offatts Bayou with more than two million lights and water views the whole way
• ICE LAND: Caribbean Christmas: more than two million pounds of hand-carved ice, kept at 9 degrees, with a Giant Ice Slide
• Ice skating: an outdoor rink along the Holiday Lights Trail
• A Very Electric Christmas: a live show from December 19
• Parking: free throughout the festival
Tickets, prices and hours are on moodygardens.com.
Christmas lights in downtown Galveston and the Strand
The Strand Historic District dresses up for the holidays with Christmas trees, wreaths and lights on its Victorian storefronts. Two dates to know:
• November 28: the Official City of Galveston Tree Lighting at 2302 Strand
• December 4–6: Dickens on The Strand, when the district becomes Victorian London for the 53rd annual festival
The streets are easy to explore on foot, and even easier on a Segway.
Holiday homes in the East End Historical District
The East End is home to many of Galveston's historic Victorian houses. On December 4, 2026, the Holiday Homes Tour opens historic homes for the season across the East End Historical District. Check the organizer's website for tickets.
Christmas lights Segway tour in Galveston
Our Christmas Lights & Holiday Magic Segway Tour is a festive one-hour adventure. We cruise through town on our Segways to see beautiful Christmas lights, sparkling displays and festive 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. Your guide trains everyone before the ride
Which time should I pick? The 1:00 PM tour shows the decorations in daylight and leaves your evening free. In December the 4:00 PM tour finishes close to sunset, so you can stay downtown for dinner as the lights come on, then head to Moody Gardens after dark.
A Galveston Christmas lights evening, step by step
• 4:00 PM: Christmas Lights & Holiday Magic Segway Tour
• 5:00 PM: walk the Strand and see the city Christmas tree at 2302 Strand
• Dinner: downtown, a short walk from our shop
• After dark: the Holiday Lights Trail and ICE LAND at Moody Gardens
Want more ideas for the season? See our full Christmas in Galveston 2026 events calendar.
Christmas lights near Houston: why Galveston is worth the drive
Galveston is about an hour's drive from Houston, which makes it an easy holiday day trip. In one day you can ride a Segway past downtown's decorations, shop the Strand, and finish with more than two million lights on the Holiday Lights Trail at Moody Gardens. Families, couples and groups all make the trip. For office parties and big groups, see group activities in Galveston.
FAQ
Where are the best Christmas lights in Galveston?
The Holiday Lights Trail at Moody Gardens is the largest display, with more than two million lights along a mile-long trail. Downtown Galveston and the Strand are also decorated, with the official city tree at 2302 Strand.
When do the Galveston Christmas lights start?
Moody Gardens' Holiday in the Gardens runs November 21, 2026 to January 2, 2027. The city's official tree lighting on the Strand is November 28, 2026.
Is the Moody Gardens Festival of Lights still happening?
Yes, under a new name. The light display is now called the Holiday Lights Trail, part of Holiday in the Gardens.
Is parking free at Moody Gardens during the holidays?
Yes. Moody Gardens says parking is free throughout the festival.
Is there a Christmas lights 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, $60 per person, departing at 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM from 519 25th Street.
Do I need to know how to ride a Segway?
No. Most guests have never ridden one. Your guide trains everyone before the tour starts.
Ready for a little Christmas magic on wheels? Book the Christmas Lights & Holiday Magic Segway Tour or call 409-692-6691.