With over a million twinkling lights, the Moody Gardens Festival of Lights brings joy to the eyes of beholders, and is a perfect weekend destination/attraction if you're looking to catch the bright Christmas Spirit...
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 As the Christmas holiday quickly approaches, Texans and visitor's to the state alike are hitting the streets and parks in search of those bright, twinkling holiday lights that bring sparkle to our eyes and joy to our hearts. And there are many lights across Texas that will take your breath away and well worth a visit.
Alas, Texas is a big state and it's hard to list all the many splendid exhibits of holiday cheer. From municipal displays to bright lighted churches, schools, homes and businesses, the state comes alive each year through the spirit of all those amazing Christmas lights and special displays. From the San Antonio River Walk to Austin's famous 37th Street lights, from Christmas in Waxahachie to Gaylord Texan's fabulous light and ice shows, just about every community has its share of brightly colored messages of holiday cheer.
If only time and space would permit, we would list them all for you. And while that's not possible, there are those extraordinary few exhibits of brightly lighted holiday bliss that stand just a small cut above the rest. Such a Moody Garden's Annual Festival of Lights.
 A quick trip to Galveston anytime between now and the first of the year nets you a spectacle to behold; a holiday entertainment bonanza of family fun that deserves your attention and, if possible, your presence.
Transforming its lush garden setting into a winter menagerie of lights, Moody Gardens will be adorned with more than a million twinkling lights.
 Filled with festive sights and sounds, Moody Gardens will transform its lush tropical garden setting into a winter wonderland during the annual Festival of Lights. As the Gulf Coast’s largest holiday lighting event, Moody Gardens Festival of Lights has become a holiday favorite for families and groups alike.
On the opening night on Saturday, Nov. 14, Santa Claus will kick off this whimsical event by parachuting in to switch on a mile-long trail of more than one million lights and 100 sound-enhanced animated light displays. A wide variety of holiday films will be featured at the IMAX 3D®, Ridefilm and 4D Special FX Theaters, and guests can enjoy the Outdoor Ice Skating Rink, nightly live entertainment or a train ride along the light trail.
For those who are looking for additional holiday festivities, the Gift of Christmas Live Show and Dinner will be a perfect way to celebrate the season with family, friends or colleagues from Dec. 17 through Dec. 27. This year, there will also be Children’s Matinee Show on Dec. 16, 17 and 18.
ADMISSION
Regular: $5.95 (adult, senior, child)
Add-on: $5.00 (adult, senior, child) per attraction
With a purchase of the Festival of Lights ticket, you can add other attractions for just $5 each 6 p.m.- 10 p.m. Choose from ice skate rental, IMAX® 3D film (excludes Disney's Christmas Carol 3D), Ridefilm, Aquarium or Colonel Paddlewheel Boat.
Evening Pass: $19.95 Best Value (adult, senior, child)
Includes tickets to Festival of Lights, ice skate rental, (excludes Disney's Christmas Carol 3D), Ridefilm, Aquarium and Colonel Paddlewheel Boat.
2009 SCHEDULE
Grand Opening: November 14, 2009
Thursday - Saturday: November 20, 2009 - December 12, 2009
Daily: December 17, 2009 - January 2, 2010
Festival of Lights trail open 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
GRAND OPENING
Opening Day Festivities -November 14
Mark your calendar! The Opening Ceremony led by KPRC Local 2's Frank Billingsley will start at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14. During this event, Santa Claus will parachute in, feed the Aquarium Pyramid penguins and flip on the switch to the light trail at 6 p.m. The event will also feature holiday entertainment by a number of local performers listed below.
Opening Ceremony Performance Lineup
- Galveston Ballet
- Sugar Land First United Methodist Church Choir
- Southern Side Steppers
- Amy's Dance Studio
- Gift of Christmas Live! Performers
- Leah White & The Magic Mirrors
If you can take the time, Galveston offers other great holiday events, including Galveston Island Musical's Winter Wonderettes.
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