GALVESTON — Festive sights and sounds will fill the air at Moody Gardens during the Festival of Lights from Saturday through Jan. 2.
As one of the largest holiday celebrations on the Gulf Coast, the annual event receives more than 85,000 visitors, many of whom have made the festival a holiday tradition.
Santa Claus will kick off the festivities Saturday by parachuting in to switch on a mile-long trail of more than 1 million lights. The grand opening celebration will begin at 4 p.m. and include several holiday performances. The entertainment schedule is:
• 4:05 p.m.: Galveston Ballet
• 4:25 p.m.: Sugar Land First United Methodist Church Choir
• 4:40 p.m.: Amy’s Dance Studio
• 4:55 p.m.: Countdown to Santa begins
• 5 p.m.: Santa parachutes in
• 5:10 p.m.: Southern Side Steppers
• 5:25 p.m.: Gift of Christmas Live! Performers
• 5:35 p.m.: Leah White and The Magic Mirrors
• 6 p.m.: Santa turns on the lights
The festival will be celebrated on Thursdays through Saturdays between Nov. 20 and Dec. 12 and daily from Dec. 17 through Jan. 2 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
In addition to more than 100 sound-enhanced animated light displays and nightly live entertainment, visitors can strap on a pair of skates and glide across the ice at the area’s only Outdoor Ice Skating Rink. Indoors, visitors can take pictures with Santa or enjoy a variety of holiday-themed films at the IMAX 3D Theater, Ridefilm Theater and 4D Special FX Theater. “Polar Express 4D” will return with interactive special effects like snow, wind and the smell of hot chocolate to engage the viewers’ senses.
Friends, family or colleagues can enjoy each other’s company at the annual holiday dinner buffet at the Garden Restaurant or at the Gift of Christmas Live Show and Dinner, which combines a fine dining experience with a festive performance by Texas’ brightest talents.
Admission to the Festival of Lights is $5.95. Tickets to additional attractions can be purchased for $5 each with a Festival of Lights ticket.
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At A Glance
WHAT: Eighth annual Moody Gardens Festival of Lights
WHEN: Kicks off at 4 p.m. Saturday; run 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays until Dec 12. Daily from Dec. 17 to Jan. 2
WHERE: Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Blvd., Galveston
ADMISSION: $5.95
INFORMATION: Call 800-582-4673 or visit moodygardens.org
