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Moody Gardens' Festival of Lights boasts more than 2 million lights. 

What You’ll Find at Moody Gardens' Holiday Festivities

Festival of Lights

The 1-mile light show winds around the Moody Gardens waterfront property with views of Galveston Bay and is a walk-through experience. The show features over 2 million lights and lighted scenes that are themed to holiday music. Stops along the way include concessions, fireside s’mores, and plenty of photo opportunities. The Festival of Lights opens at dusk, which is usually around 6pm.

Ice Skating

You can take a stop at the indoor ice skating rink along the Festival of Lights Trail. Rental skates are available for purchase at the door, as well as skater aids for kids who need a little help staying upright and keeping their balance. The ice skating rink is open the same hours as the Festival of Lights. 

Kiddie Train Ride

The Kiddie Train Ride station is also along the Festival of Lights trail. The ride is a fun way to enjoy the holiday sights and sounds in the garden. Riders must be under 48 inches tall. 

3D and 4D Movies

Enjoy Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer in 4D,  a show that is around 15 minutes long and immersive. Viewers can feel the wind, the sensation of ice pelting their backs, and light mists of water splashed on them while viewing. There are smells associated with the movie and a sing-along at the end. The 3D theater offers showings of "Jerusalem," "Train Time," and "Light Before Christmas."

RELATED: Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Houston

Check out the ice sculptures at Ice Land. 

Ice Land

Ice Land is an indoor walk-through experience carved entirely out of ice by master carvers. To keep the ice frozen, the space is kept at 9 degrees. Moody Gardens provides parkas to keep guests warm as they explore Ice Land. The hand-sculpted creations guide guests on a journey through the world's rainforests, complete with a giant ice slide. For the adults, Shivers Ice Bar inside of Ice Land features festive holiday spirits, and if you need to warm up after the experience hot cocoa and other treats are available for purchase in the gift shop at the exit. 

Arctic Slide

Included in the purchase of a Holiday Pass to Moody Gardens are four turns to slide down the Arctic Slide The slide is a fast ride on a sled down a steep hill, with 4 guests racing at a time. Guests must be over 36" to ride. 

Tickets, Parking, and other Logistics at Holiday in the Gardens

Parking is free at Moody Gardens, and there are several large parking lots to accommodate guests. Tickets can be purchased on Moody Garden’s website. There are several ticket package options to choose from, including a Holiday Pass starting at $65 for adults and $45 for kids and seniors. That package includes entry at 4pm and admission to Ice Land, Festival of Lights, four turns on the Arctic Slide, Kiddie Train, Ice Rink, Aquarium Pyramid, and the 3D and 4D Theaters. 

If you want to spend the whole day at Moody Gardens, you can purchase a Value Day pass, starting at $95 for adults and $75 for kids and seniors. The Value Day pass includes everything in the Holiday pass plus the Rainforest Pyramid, Discovery Museum, Colonel Paddlewheeler, and the 20,000 Leagues Interactive Adventure. 

Individual passes for the Festival of Lights (starting at $25 for adults and $21 for seniors and kids) or Ice Land ((starting at $29 for adults and $24 for seniors and kids) are also available for purchase. 

Be sure to check Moody Gardens' Website for specials as well, they have discounted admission or Buy One Get One Free Admission on Select Value Days, and Dress up Theme Nights with great discounts. Moody Gardens also has a hotel on sight, and hotel packages are available if you want to extend your stay over a few days. 

All photos are courtesy of Moody Gardens