While Galveston has certainly earned its reputation as one of the top tourist destinations in Texas thanks largely to its ability to offer sun, sand and surf in abundance, it’s not as if the island puts out a “closed” sign during the winter.
While the days may be shorter and grayer than normal and the wind whipping off the gulf is a bit more brisk, that doesn’t mean you have to turn into a hermit on your couch staring at TV reruns. Let me suggest a sampling of Galveston’s unique brand of outdoor winter fun.
Festival of Lights
Featuring over one million lights and more than 100 sound enhanced, animated light scenes spread out along the trail that winds around Moody Gardens, the festival is one of the more unique holiday traditions in Texas. Celebrating its 11th year, the festival began on November 10 and runs through January 5. A special attraction this year is Snow Tubing, a ride down a 100-foot ice slide that ramps up the thrill quotient.
As usual, the festival features live entertainment, including choirs and dancers and the screening of great holiday movies, such as the “Polar Express 4D Experience” in the MG 3D, Ridefilm and 4D Special FX Theaters.
The festival is open Thursdays through Saturdays from Nov. 16 to Dec. 8, before opening nightly from Dec. 13 until Jan. 5, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The festival will be open nightly from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is $6.95 and includes entry to the area’s only outdoor ice skating rink. Snow Tubing is open on Saturdays only until Dec. 22, when it will begin opening daily. The slide is open from noon to 10 p.m. and admission is $12.
Laser Lights & Magic in the Park
Held in Saengerfest Park through December 31, the newest addition to the winter activity lineup features free nightly 15-minute holiday themed laser light shows at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. The “text to make it snow” feature allows guests to send a text message to make it snow in the park located at 2302 Strand Street in downtown.
Dickens on the Strand
With 2012 marking the 200th birthday of Charles Dickens, you can bet that organizers have a few things up their ruffled sleeves to make the 39th annual event a memorable one. Hosted by the Galveston Historical Foundation and held in and around the Strand Historical District on December 1-2, the celebration of all things Victorian includes parades, entertainment on five stages, carolers, strolling musicians and tons of other entertainers. Vendors dressed in period costumes in street stalls and pushing rolling carts will be selling Victorian-themed crafts, food and jewelry.
To mark Dickens’ birthday, organizers are attempting to set a world record for most signatures on a birthday card. According to organizers, the record currently stands at 4,100 signatures. The oversized card will be located at Saengerfest Park near the Westminster Abbey Stage during the event.
Mardi Gras Marathon and Half Marathon
In its inaugural year in 2011, more than 1,200 runners participated in the 26.2-mile full marathon and 13.1-mile half. This year’s race is scheduled for January 26 and will be held at Saengerfest Park beginning at 7:30 a.m.
Mardi Gras Galveston
You can easily make the case that all of the island’s winter outdoor recreation events are just a prelude to the annual celebration of celebrations. Scheduled for February 1-12, it’s 12 days of music, food, adult beverages, fun, entertainment and, of course, beads!
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