“Winter Wonder Island” of Texas to Feature 1,000+ Magical Holiday Events, New Laser Lights Shows, Chances to Win a Cruise on the Disney Magic and More!
GALVESTON, Texas (October 30, 2012) – Galveston is the “Winter Wonder Island” of Texas and this season the island will offer visitors a new experience with its Passport to Holiday Magic – a two-month celebration of more than 1,000 magical holiday events!
During the holiday season, visitors to Galveston will be able to access a downloadable passport that will allow them to easily keep track of the island’s many holiday festivities. When someone gets their passport stamped at five or more participating holiday events and attractions Nov. 10 – Jan. 1, they will be eligible to enter weekly give-a-way drawings, including a chance to win a Disney Magic cruise for four.
Many December events will be highlighted on the passport, including:
Lasers, Lights & Magic in the Park (New!)
Galveston’s historic downtown will sparkle with fun Nov. 24 – Dec. 31 as Saengerfest Park is transformed into a holiday spectacle for the new event Lasers, Lights and Magic in the Park. Visitors to downtown will be able to enjoy a 15-minute holiday themed laser light show at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. daily during the holiday season. On Saturdays and Sundays, Santa on The Strand will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. offering photos in Santa’s Workshop. To add to the magic, visitors will be able to send text messages to make it snow in tropical Galveston! All activities are free and open to the public.
Magical Parties with Disney (New!)
Spencer Boldman from Disney XD’s “Lab Rats” and Jake Short from Disney Channel’s “A.N.T. Farm” will be in Galveston to sign autographs and take pictures with visitors Dec. 22 and Dec. 29, respectively. The stars will be on the island for “Magical Parties with Disney” hosted by the Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and Radio Disney AM 1590. The parties will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at downtown Galveston’s Saengerfest Park, located at the corner of Strand and 23rd streets. On Dec. 15, the Radio Disney AM 1590 Road Crew will provide entertainment, including music and prizes.
Dickens on the Strand
The first weekend in December, Dickens on the Strand will take you and your family on an enchanted journey through history as this exciting festival transforms Galveston’s historic strand into the Victorian London of Charles Dickens. Characters from Dickens novels will walk the streets while live entertainment, food and vendors fill the area with sights and smells from another era. This year the event will include special appearances from Lucinda Dickens Hawksley – the great, great, great granddaughter of Charles Dickens. For details, visit www.galvestonhistory.org.
Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens
Moody Gardens visitors can slide into the holiday spirit this winter, as the largest holiday lighting event on the Gulf Coast unveils a thrilling new experience – snow tubing. This year Festival of Lights will offer guests a ride down a 100-foot ice slide in addition to its mile-long trail of 100 lighted scenes themed to music. Along with the new attraction, guests will see several new light displays, including Victorian Christmas scenes. The festival kicks off Nov. 10 and will continue throughout the holiday season Thursdays through Saturdays from Nov. 16 to Dec. 8 before opening nightly Dec. 13 until Jan. 5. For details, visit www.moodygardens.org.
Santa Hustle (New!)
Join Adrenaline Sports Management for a “jolly good time” at the first annual Santa Hustle in Galveston on Dec. 23. This event is one to be remembered as thousands of Santas will run through the streets of downtown Galveston and along the gorgeous Gulf waters. Featuring half marathon and 5K races, all event participants will receive a Santa suit long sleeve t-shirt, a free Santa hat and beard to wear while running, and will be able to stop at cookie and candy stations along their routes. For details, visit www.santahustle.com.
Holiday Performances at The Grand
The Grand 1894 Opera House has a jam-packed lineup of live shows throughout December that will put you in the holiday spirit. Starting the month off will be the City Ballet of Houston presenting The Nutcracker on Dec. 8-9 followed by The Texas Tenors Deep in the Heart of Christmas show Dec. 15. Other performances throughout the month include: The Shoji Tabuchi Road Show; The Kingston Trio Holiday Show; and Jerry Jeff Walker. Visit www.thegrand.com for details.
Breakfast with the Sandhill Cranes
For a unique holiday experience, join the Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council for Breakfast with the Sandhill Cranes. This annual birding event will be held on Dec. 8 as outdoor enthusiasts await the arrival of these large, majestic birds of ancient origin. Enjoy breakfast and hear a talk from Joan Garland of the International Crane Foundation. See the birds for yourself during a convoy by car to island crane hot spots after the presentation. For more information, visit www.galvestonnaturetourism.org.
A Magical Christmas: Dinner & Show
Experience the magic at Moody Gardens this holiday season as it hosts A Magical Christmas: Dinner and Show starring master illusionist Curt Miller and Friends. This performance will combine dazzling magic, family comedy, inspiring music and dance to celebrate the wonderment of Christmas. Witness people floating and vanishing right before your eyes, and enjoy many of your favorite Christmas songs performed by singers and musicians. Shows will be offered Dec. 14-15 and Dec. 20-27. For details, visit www.moodychristmasshow.com.
Santa Train at the Galveston Railroad Museum
Santa is coming to town aboard the Galveston Railroad Museum’s Harborside Express train! The museum’s annual Santa Train event will be held Dec. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring your wish list to visit with Santa, stroll through the museum’s Garden of Steam and enjoy festive holiday lights, decorations, games and crafts. For details, visit www.galvestonrrmuseum.com.
Eggnog Jog and Winter Walk
Join us for a free, family-style 5K fun run and walk from 6 p.m. to midnight on December 21. The run will start at the Fit to Run shop in historic downtown Galveston and take you through the East End Historical District to pass wonderfully decorated and lit homes for the holidays. After the run, enjoy eggnog, punch and other refreshments at Fit to Run. For details, call 409-539-5150.
For more information on holiday events in Galveston, visit www.galveston.com/holidaymagic.
About Galveston Island
Galveston Island is a historic beach town located on the Gulf of Mexico just 50 miles from Houston. The island is best known as a vacation destination, offering 32 miles of beaches, a variety of family attractions, Texas’ premier cruise port and one of the largest and well-preserved concentrations of Victorian architecture in the country. For more information on Galveston Island visit www.galveston.com or call 1-888-GAL-ISLE.
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