The Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas has become the largest holiday lighting event of the Gulf Coast Area. Located at One Hope Boulevard in Galveston, Moody Gardens is a public, non-profit educational destination utilizing nature in the advancement of rehabilitation, conservation, recreation and research. In addition to the seasonal Festival of Lights, there are various nature inspired attractions such as the Aquarium Pyramid, Rainforest Pyramid, and Discovery Museum.
The event features a trail of holiday lighting displays that winds around the grounds of Moody Gardens. As you make your way down the trail you will pass themed scenes such as the Christmas Story and Toyland at Moody Station as well as fun and imaginative scenes like the Magic Castle, Arctic Express, Fantasy Forest, Wild Africa, Tropical Jungle and many more. Synchronized music and audio effects accompany the displays along with a new, state of the art sound system that fills the air with sounds of the Christmas Season.
The schedule of the Festival of Lights will be December 6-9, 13-31, and January 1-5. The display opens at dusk and closes at 10:00 p.m.
In addition to the light displays there is the opportunity to do some holiday shopping at the gift shop. Children will enjoy having their picture taken with Santa Claus and skating on the area’s only outdoor ice skating rink. There is even a special Festival of Lights Buffet for dining before or after enjoying the sights and activities.
Admission to the Festival of Lights is $5.95 per person with children under 3 admitted free. The buffet is priced at $11.95 per person, plus tax. The other attractions on the grounds range from $8.95 to $15.95 and this can easily be turned into a family holiday vacation with even a hotel being located on site.
I personally have visited with my family four of the past five years. It is a very nice event that the whole family can enjoy together. The event winds along a concrete walkway that makes for easy walking or stroller pushing. Families can stroll along the wide path at their own pace without the feeling of being crowded or rushed along. All along the path there is music provided by live entertainers as well as music set to the particular displays. For people with special needs or mobility problems large golf carts are offered at frequent intervals that act as miniature “tour buses” through the attraction. After making your way through the lighting displays, Santa Claus is available in the main building for photo opportunities. The outdoor ice skating rink is surprisingly large and there is plenty of room to move around and have some fun.
All in all this holiday lighting display is a wonderful place for anyone to spend time with their family enjoying the sights and sounds of the holiday season. I highly recommend this event to everyone as it always continues to get better every year with new things to be seen and heard each time you attend.
