Christmas Events in Galveston 2024

Coastal Galveston Bay, washed by Gulf of Mexico waters, boasts a warm climate all year round. Therefore, you can spend a lot of time here outdoors, even in December, enjoying twinkling holiday decorations, vibrant events, and attractions.

Popular Christmas Locations in Galveston

City guests can take a walk in the beautiful Moody Gardens, adorned with millions of lights, or stroll through the coastal Kemah Boardwalk. Historical Downtown Galveston is one of the best-decorated areas in the city. The 36-block district glows and sparkles with thousands of lights, offering some Victorian-style merriment during November and December. Not to mention excellent Gulf seafood and shopping!

Christmas Events in Galveston

The holiday atmosphere becomes even more festive as you take part in various Christmas events in and around the city.

Dickens On The Strand (December 6-8, 2024)

The annual Dickens On The Strand fair promises a full day of family fun and shopping for unique gifts, arts and crafts, holiday decor, furniture, clothing, and jewelry. Travel back in time to 19th-century Victorian London and mingle with carolers, traveling musicians, bagpipers, and jugglers. Entertainment includes live music, holiday decorations, non-stop performances on four stages, and attractions like Tiny Tim's Play Land and the Shopkeeper Skills Village.

This year, it will be the 51st annual Dickens on The Strand. Held the first weekend in December, this annual festival has become a holiday tradition with great family programming, live entertainment, special events, and more.

Christmas Boat Parade (December 4, 2024)

The spectacular sight of more than 60 lavishly decorated and illuminated power and sailboats crossing Clear Lake attracts more than 100,000 spectators every year. The Christmas Boat Parade route runs through Clear Lake Channel from the South Shore Harbour Marina and the Nassau Bay Lagoon to Galveston Bay. You can watch the parade from land on Kemah Boardwalk or one of the boats anchored on Clear Lake. The event begins at 6 pm. Fireworks sounding from Nassau Bay is a starting signal for the skippers.

Bolivar Christmas Market (November 30, 2024)

Thanksgiving weekend marks the start of the holiday season, making it the perfect time to gather with family and friends for a festive shopping experience in Crystal Beach. Spend the day at the Bolivar Christmas Market on Saturday, November 30, 2024, and explore unique gifts, including arts and crafts, clothing, jewelry, lamps, furniture, Christmas décor, and more.

The gates open at 10 am with Christmas music filling the air and a beautifully decorated tree by local students. Santa will make a grand entrance on a fire truck at 1 pm, and at 5 pm, the official lighting of the Bolivar Peninsula Christmas Tree will take place, kicking off the holiday season in style. The tree will remain lit throughout the festive period.

The Polar Express Train Ride (November 8 - December 23, 2024)

The Galveston Railroad Museum welcomes back The Polar Express Train Ride. This 60-minute round-trip journey takes passengers to the North Pole and back. Arrive at the Galveston Railroad Museum Train Depot one hour before departure to enjoy the lively performance as the train steams into the station. Once at the North Pole, passengers will be treated to live entertainment and a festive dance with Santa himself.

Christmas Market at Haak Winery (November 2, 2024)

Haak Winery, located in Santa Fe, TX, is another holiday destination in the Galveston area. From noon to 3 pm, Haak Vineyards & Winery hosts a day of relaxation and Christmas shopping. Lots of gift ideas from artisans and vendors are guaranteed. And don't forget to sample some of the award-winning Haak wine. Note that outside drinks are not permitted. Dogs are allowed in outdoor grassy areas.