Galveston, Texas – Children and adults of all ages gathered to Galveston Island in record numbers for the opening day celebration of the Moody Gardens Festival of Lights. Attendance was up 120 percent from last year’s opening day celebration, with an increase of 48 percent over the previous record attendance in 2007.
“We have come so far over the past year since Hurricane Ike hit Galveston Island,” said John Zendt, General Manager at Moody Gardens who added that the 2008 event provided a diversion for weary residents despite the shorter trail and fewer lights. “This year we are ready to celebrate and the crowds are indicating that everyone else is too. This is an affordable event that is great for the entire family.”
The 2009 Festival of Lights has been highly anticipated due to the return of the full mile-long trail of lights and outdoor ice skating rink. The event was scaled down last year due to the devastation of Hurricane Ike. This year the Festival of Lights showcases the true resilient spirit of Galveston and how far the Island has truly come in just one short year.
In addition to over 100 sound-enhanced animated light displays and nightly live entertainment, visitors can strap on a pair of skates and glide across the ice at the area’s only outdoor Ice Skating Rink or roast s’mores by an outdoor fire pit. Indoors, visitors can take pictures with Santa or enjoy a variety of holiday-themed films at the IMAX® 3D Theater, Ridefilm Theater and 4D Special FX Theater. The films include holiday favorites such as Disney’s a Christmas Carol starring Jim Carey, Santa’s Late in the Ridefilm and several more. In the spirit of tradition, Polar Express 4D will return with interactive special effects like snow, wind and the smell of hot chocolate to engage all the viewers’ senses.
The festival will be celebrated Thursdays through Saturdays from Nov. 20 to Dec. 16 and daily starting Dec. 17 through Jan. 2, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission to the Festival of Lights is $5.95, and tickets to additional attractions including the Aquarium Pyramid®, holiday IMAX® 3D film, holiday Ridefilm, Discovery Museum and Colonel Paddlewheel Boat, can be purchased for $5 each with a Festival of Lights ticket.
For more information, please call 800-582-4673 or visit moodygardens.org.
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