Family Friendly Attractions & Events
Nestled amidst breathtaking natural surroundings, Moody Gardens offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement for guests of all ages for work or play. From tropical rainforests to the oceans of the world, a wide range of attractions, educational activities, kid's events, dining options, and exciting entertainment await. This island resort uniquely accommodates large conferences, weddings and social events as well as being the romantic escape and family destination where special memories are created.
Open Daily: November 23 – January 1
Free Parking!
2024 Season Hours:
Hours are subject to change
Things To Do
As the largest holiday destination in the Southwest, Moody Gardens offers more holiday attractions, activities, festive fun, dining and hotel packages than you can imagine.
Very Unforgettable Penguin (V.U.P):
Holiday Package
The V.U.P. package includes a room for one night, a public Penguin Encounter at 3pm, four two-day passes to ICE LAND Ice Sculptures, Festival of Lights with ice skating, 3D & 4D Theaters, Colonel Paddlewheel Boat, Arctic Slide; Aquarium, Discovery and Rainforest Pyramids. Available dates November 28-30; December 6-7, 13-14, 20-29, and January 1, 2025. Package is pre-paid, nonrefundable and must be reserved 24 hours prior to the 3pm Penguin Encounter.
ICE LAND: Pole-to-Pole
Sponsored by Hunton Services
It's holiday fun for all ages as a skilled team of master ice carvers has taken 2 million pounds of ice to create your festive journey from the North to South Poles. Encounter polar bears, penguins, humpback whales, snowy owls, walruses, reindeer and so much more. It's a cool experience as you soar down the giant Ice Slide and enjoy your favorite holiday spirits at Shivers Ice Bar.
Festival of Lights
This year, the holiday season will shine brighter than ever with an event that has become a tradition for families and groups alike. Enjoy a festive stroll along this mile-long trail featuring more than two million lights and lighted scenes themed to holiday music that take you around the Moody Gardens property with spectacular views of Galveston Bay. Stops along the way bring you to see Star the Dancing Tree of Light, concession areas, hot chocolate, fireside S'mores and other festive foods, and mistletoe, along with plenty of photo and selfie opportunities!
Kiddie Train Rides
Enjoy the holiday lights and music as the train takes you along a section of the Festival of Lights trail. Must be under 48" tall to ride.
Cost: 1x $8 | 3x $15
Individual attraction tickets are available on-site - times subject to change. Please call 409-683-4200 for daily times and questions.
Ice Skating Rink: Nightly or Rent the Rink
Open Nightly: Starting at 6pm when the Festival of Lights trail opens. You must enter through the Festival of Lights trail to access the Ice Skating Rink (Ice Skating is included with your Festival of Lights ticket in the evenings!)
Afternoon Skate (12 - 4pm): Please refer to the weekly holiday attraction schedule for afternoon skating! Tickets are available on-site.
Rent the Rink: Rent out the Ice Skating Rink for your own private function with two (2) hour minimums. Call 409-683-4558 or email AttractionSales@moodygardens.org
Individual attraction tickets are available on-site - times subject to change. Before 6pm $12 Admission & $8 skate rental. After 6pm admission is free with $8 skate rental.
Arctic Slide
Enjoy the fun with a festive glide down the Arctic Slide.
4 slides down The Arctic Slide are included in the Holiday Pass!
Must be over 36" to ride.
Cost: 4x $8 | 10x $15
Individual attraction tickets are available on-site - times subject to change. Please call 409-683-4200 for daily times and questions.
Fall & Winter 2024 Pyramid Kids Camps
Now Available!
Great for all kids entering grades K-8! Camp programs include different attraction experiences, activities, games, crafts and experiments making every camp day unique! Daily camps are a great option for the kids during school break or a fun day for all the kids visiting during the holidays! Register for one day or multiple days.
Holiday 3D & 4D Films
Enjoy holiday films all season long in the MG 3D Theater and 4D Special FX Theater! Films include Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4D, Jerusalem 3D, and Light Before Christmas 3D.
Holiday in the Gardens Dinner Buffet
The Garden Restaurant: Nov. 23 - Jan. 1,
except Nov. 28 & Dec. 25
Embrace the holiday spirit at our Holiday in the Gardens Buffet! Delight in a sumptuous selection of festive dishes at The Garden Restaurant. Gather your friends and family for a heartwarming meal that celebrates the joy of the season.
Breakfast with Santa
Moody Gardens Hotel: Dec. 21-23
Leading up to Christmas, be entertained with Breakfast with Santa! Indulge in breakfast favorites like waffles, eggs, and bacon. Take a memorable photo before the jolly man sets off to deliver presents worldwide.
Christmas Dining Options Promise a Festive and Delicious Holiday Family Experience
Christmas Eve Buffet
December 24, The Garden Restaurant, 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
Enjoy a delectable Christmas Eve Buffet offering a family friendly atmosphere featuring Holiday Roasted Chicken, Roast of Ribeye, Holiday Ham, a selection of salads, side dishes, and sampling of cookies and cakes.
Christmas Day Buffet
December 25, The Garden Restaurant, 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
Let Moody Gardens prepare your Christmas Feast! Enjoy a buffet of offerings of traditional, festive Christmas entrees, side dishes, appetizers, desserts and more.
Christmas Day Brunch
December 25, Frances Anne Moody Ballroom, 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
Guests will enjoy an elevated and delicious selection of seasonal delights in the beautiful Frances Anne Ballroom at the Moody Gardens Hotel.
Holiday Parties and Group Discounts
Whether it's a corporate party, social group or your family, Moody Gardens has discounts available for groups of 20 or more. You can have a fun evening of holiday attractions and even the nightly buffet. We also have the facilities to plan large and small holiday events.
Contact our Group Sales Team at 409-683-4558 or email AttractionSales@moodygardens.org to plan your holiday party today.
Holiday Fantasy: A Live Show Spectacular
Moody Gardens Convention Center: Dec. 19 - 30
Matinee and Dinner & Show Tickets Available
Moody Gardens and Mirage Entertainment present this fantastic Christmas show which combines musical theater illusions, acrobatics, stunning visuals and electrifying performances into a heartwarming spectacle that will reignite your holiday joy.
New Year's Palooza: Family Celebration
Moody Gardens Hotel: Dec. 31- Jan. 1
An action packed adventure awaits the whole family. Check out hotel packages that include spectacular accommodations and family-friendly activities including air hockey, foosball, bounce houses, arcade games, adult lounge area, attractions tickets, fireworks, and Holiday Fantasy: A Live Show Spectacular tickets.
New Year's Eve: Two Ways to Celebrate!
New Year's Eve Party with the Mambo Jazz Kings
It's time to celebrate sparkle and dance your way right into 2025. Enjoy live music by the Mambo Jazz Kings with an array of hors d'oeuvres, two complimentary drink tickets, cash bar and a balloon drop for an unforgettable evening at the Frances Anne Moody Ballroom.
New Year's Eve Cruise on the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat
Cruise into 2025 featuring a thrilling evening complete with music, dancing any merriment aboard the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat.
Year-Round Attractions
Aquarium Pyramid
Visit tuxedo-clad penguins to seals, stingrays, sharks, tropical fish and more! From the Gulf of Mexico to the South Atlantic, the South Pacific, the North Pacific, and the Caribbean. Each ocean exhibit highlights different marine sanctuaries and different aspects of our relationship to the seas. Open during the daytime with individual tickets or the Value Pass.
Rainforest Pyramid
Enjoy a rare, up-close and interactive experience with endangered plants such as the Corpse Flower and animals ranging from Giant Amazon River Otters to Saki Monkeys and an array of birds! See it all in one of the truest replicas of a real rainforest. Open during the daytime with individual tickets or the Value Pass.
Colonel Paddlewheel Boat
Enjoy a 45 minute afternoon cruise along Offats Bayou with breathtaking views of Galveston Bay. Cruises available with individual tickets or the Value Pass.
Discovery Pyramid
Visit the Discovery Pyramid museum to see the newest educational exhibit and experience 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: An Interactive Adventure at the Audience Recognition Theater.
Visiting with a Group? Or Book Your Holiday Party!
Group Pricing for groups 20 or more
Contact Group Sales at 409-683-4558 or email AttractionSales@moodygardens.org for more information.
Parking & Directions
Free Parking is available at Moody Gardens and lots adjacent to our property. Complimentary shuttle service is provided to the main entrance, with easy access to the Ticket Windows, Festival of Lights, Ice Land, Visitor Center, and other attractions (Hotel Guest Only). The Galveston Trolley also provides transportation from various locations around Galveston Island.
