The island’s holiday celebrations kicked off last weekend with the start of Holiday in the Gardens at Moody Gardens.  This weekend the island will light two Christmas Trees, host Artwalk, send kids to the North Pole aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™, and a Miracle Bar will be serving holiday cocktails.  Here’s the details:

Galveston Holiday Lighting Celebration at Grand Galvez

Grand Galvez invites guests to celebrate the start of the holidays with its annual Galveston Holiday Lighting Celebration on Friday, Nov. 25. Holiday festivities begin at 6 pm and include a special appearance by Santa Claus, followed by the Galveston Ballet and the Galveston Symphony Brass Ensemble and the lighting of the hotel’s 35-foot Christmas Tree. The hotel hosts this holiday event on the front lawn located at 2024 Seawall Blvd.  It’s a free event.

Downtown Galveston Tree Lighting

Celebrate the magic of the season this Saturday, Nov. 26 at 6pm when members of the Galveston police and fire departments escort Santa Claus to Saengerfest Park for the Downtown Tree Lighting.  Galveston Mayor Craig Brown will be there for the lighting.  It’s a free event.

ArtWalk

The tree lighting coincides with the Galveston Art Center’s ArtWalk, an event held every six to eight weeks celebrating art and entertainment downtown.  ArtWalk takes place inside existing art galleries and other spaces such as cafes and shops that showcase rotating art exhibits.  Head downtown on the evening of Nov. 26.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™

The magical holiday adventure comes to life when the train departs the Galveston Railroad Museum for a round-trip journey to the North Pole led by a cast of talented actors. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for a one-hour trip to meet Santa. Once on board, the conductor will work his way through the coach and punch golden tickets before hot chocolate and a delicious cookie are served by dancing chefs.  The rides depart on select dates through Dec. 23.

Miracle Pop-Up Bar at DTO

Miracle is a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar that serves holiday cocktails in a festive setting. With kitschy holiday décor, professionally-developed cocktails and the nostalgic energy of the best office party you’ve ever been to, Miracle is sure to get even the grouchiest grinch in the holiday spirit.

One of five Texas locations to host a Miracle Bar, Daiquiri Time Out (DTO) is an uber-cool bar in downtown Galveston serving imaginative, craft cocktails using fresh-squeezed juice and house-made spirits.