Winter Wonderland: Galveston, Texas

There’s no shortage of holiday destinations in Texas, but historic Galveston Island is the only one where you can experience tropical weather and a 32-mile-coast with traditional Victorian charm, a world-renowned Dickens festival and light shows – all within a close drive from the state’s largest city. It’s no wonder Galveston is the Winter Wonder Island of Texas!

Rides to the North Pole

All aboard! Galveston will again welcome the POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride to its lineup of holiday attractions in 2022. Set to the soundtrack of the motion picture, The Polar Express will be theatrically recreated to immerse passengers in the sights, sounds and intrigue of this classic children’s tale while they are whisked away for a magical one-hour trip to meet Santa. The POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride in Galveston consists of six separate cars pulled by vintage locomotives from the Galveston Railroad Museum’s collection. The attraction will be open on weekends and select dates Nov. 11 through Dec. 23. Visit www.galvestonrrmuseum.org.

Holiday in the Gardens at Moody Gardens

Ice Land is back! More than two million pounds of ice will be carved into a colorful world for visitors to Ice Land: A Caribbean Christmas. It’s just one of the fun attractions at Moody Gardens Holiday in the Gardens, taking place Nov. 18 through Jan. 7. Visitors can stroll through Festival of Lights, a mile-long trail of illuminated holiday displays, music, festive food and more. Other attractions include an Arctic Ice Slide, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4D experience, Holiday 3D films, train rides, pictures with Santa and a family-friendly New Year’s Palooza. For more information, visit www.moodygardens.com

49th Annual Dickens on The Strand

The first weekend in December, Dec. 2-4, the majestic iron-front buildings found in Galveston’s historic downtown district will make the perfect backdrop for the 49th annual Dickens on The Strand. This holiday street festival transforms the area, particularly Strand Street, into the Victorian London of Charles Dickens complete with costumed characters, street performers and vendors, parades, holiday food and drink, Victorian-inspired crafts and more. Attendees are encouraged to join in the fun by dressing in period costumes. www.galvestonhistory.org.