Thanks to the Galveston CVB for letting my family explore Holidays in Galveston!
While some may just think about going to the beach in summer, some of my favorite memories of Galveston with my kids are during the holidays. Holidays in Galveston gives you a whole new perspective of what all you can do down by the beach all year round. The water, sand, and attractions have a whole new life to them when you come during the holidays.
We were recently invited out to an explore Galveston day where the kids and I had a blast with a full afternoon and evening. We had to start out walking the Strand. The Strand offers lots of quirky shops, places to eat, and out fave of all LaKing’s Confectionary. If you make it in there while they are packaging the taffy, you will be in for a great experience. With the help of a very old machine and some elbow grease, the taffy is pulled and stretched and wrapped for you to fill your brown bag with as many flavors as you would like. The person helping pull the taffy will even toss a few pieces at you if you stand there long enough.
No matter the temperature a trip down to Galveston is never complete with at least a little time in the sand. It was a bit chilly the day we went, but my kids sure found a way to enjoy the sand. My son with a rock he found and my daughter with a feather drew all kinds of cute pictures in the sand. That just goes to show you that even the sand can be your canvas and bring your imagination to life.
Holidays in Galveston- Moody Gardens Style
Moody Gardens transforms during holidays in Galveston. For the past three years now they have put n a spectacular showing with Iceland. I was blown away with the new look and sculptures that they showcased this year. Walking in almost like you are under water with a submarine you can walk through with a fantastic photo opp. The sea creatures that they carved were so real and detailed with placards close by so that you can know the name of the fish you are looking at in ice. The kids (and adults) fave part is the slide made out of ice. So fast and fun. Forewarning that you do get a jacket from them to go in, but you will still need gloves, your own jacket, and even hat to stay partially warm in the 9 degree temperatures. It is not easy to stay in there long for sure.
The light festival at Moody Gardens is spectacular. It is a walking tour so be sure to have good shoes on and bring a wagon or stroller for the kids. I love the butterfly lights towards the end of the tour. It gets pretty windy as well since it is right off the water, but some hot chocolate from one of the vendors will be sure to warm you up. Try out the ice skating that awaits you as you finish up seeing the lights. Moody Gardens has so many attractions and adventures all in one place that you could spend a couple days just there.
See the full line of what all you can do during the holidays in Galveston. From Dickens on the Strand to boat parades to so much more. I love that Galveston is so close that it feels like we are getting far away, but can still drive home after a full day of adventures. I can bet that we’ll be back soon and maybe even go on some historic homes tours. If you ever want a great family friendly place to eat, go to The Spot. It is fast good food that gives you a view of the water.
I think we are going to try to hit this on the weekend! Excited!