Discover Galveston's Vibrant Culture
Explore the Heartbeat of Galveston
Dive into the rich tapestry of Galveston’s cultural and entertainment scene, where history meets modern creativity.
Discover Galveston's Cultural Legacy
Galveston is a vibrant tapestry of cultural influences, where the arts, music, and history converge to create a unique entertainment landscape. From its storied past as a bustling port city to its present-day role as a cultural hub, Galveston offers a rich array of experiences that celebrate its diverse heritage. The island’s theaters, galleries, and music venues serve as the heartbeat of the community, hosting events that draw both locals and visitors alike. At The 1839, we are dedicated to highlighting these cultural gems, fostering an appreciation for the arts, and supporting the creative spirit that defines Galveston.
Upcoming Community Events
Wednesday, November 5th – 12th
Fall Volunteer Week
Join Volunteer Work Week at the Galveston Naval Museum, Nov 5–12, 2025! Help restore the historic WWII vessels USS Cavalla and USS Stewart while preserving U.S. Navy history.
Galveston Naval Museum | 100 Seawolf Parkway
Thursday, November 13th
Family Free Night at Galveston Children's Museum
4:00 pm - 7:00pm
Enjoy a free family night of hands-on fun, laughter, and exploration—an unforgettable evening where memories are made and admission is on the house!
Galveston Children's Museum | 2618 Broadway St.
Thursday, November 13 – Saturday, November 15
The Old Quarter Songwriter Festival
Experience the Old Quarter Songwriter Festival in Historic Downtown Galveston. 30 artists, 4 intimate listening venues, and 3 unforgettable days of live music. Check in and shop merch at Marmo Plaza. Limited VIP, weekend, and single-day passes available!
Downtown Galveston | 2121 Market Street
November 14th – December 23
The Polar Express Train Ride
The adventure begins as the train sets off on a round-trip journey to the North Pole, brought to life by a talented cast of performers. Set to the beloved motion picture soundtrack, passengers will experience the wonder of The Polar Express™ story on a one-hour trip to meet Santa himself.
Galveston Railroad Museum
Saturday, November 15
Handmade Holiday
2:00 pm - 4:00pm
Celebrate the season with a hands-on, family-friendly ornament workshop at the Galveston Art Center! Join GAC teaching artists for a creative experience where participants of all ages can design and craft their own unique handmade ornaments. With a variety of materials and styles to choose from, everyone will leave with personalized keepsakes perfect for holiday decorating or gifting.
Galveston Arts Center | 2127 Strand
November 22 – January 3
Holiday in The Gardens
November 22 - January 3
Experience the magic of the season at Holiday in The Gardens (Nov 22 to Jan 3) at Moody Gardens in Galveston transform into a glittering wonderland with millions of lights, ice sculptures, festive shows, and family fun for all ages.
Moody Gardens
Nov. 14 – Dec. 6
Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big Galveston Christmas Show
November 14 - December 6
A holiday favorite with a Galveston twist! Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big Galveston Christmas Show reimagines Dickens’ classic with laugh-out-loud humor, music, and island flair. Join Scrooge, the ghosts, and Tiny Tim for a festive, family-friendly performance at The Grand 1894 Opera House.
The Grand 1894 Opera House
November 23
Grand Galvez Thanksgiving Day Buffet Brunch
November 23
Celebrate Thanksgiving in style at the Grand Galvez, where elegance meets indulgence. Enjoy a lavish buffet brunch featuring Gulf Coast seafood, Lone Star favorites, and gourmet carving stations. Reservations required.
Call 409-765-7721 to Reserve
November 27
Moody Ballroom Thanksgiving Brunch
November 27 | 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Enjoy a festive Thanksgiving Brunch in the Moody Gardens Ballroom, featuring a lavish buffet of traditional favorites—all served in a beautiful, family-friendly holiday setting overlooking the pyramids.
Moody Gardens Ballroom
November 27
Thanksgiving Brunch at The San Luis Resort
November 27 | 11 AM – 3 PM
Give thanks in style with a Thanksgiving Brunch at The San Luis Resort, featuring an elevated buffet of traditional favorites, fresh seafood, gourmet carving stations, and decadent desserts—all in the resort’s elegant Grand Ballroom overlooking the Gulf.
The San Luis Resort
Thursday, November 13th
Family Free Night at Galveston Children's Museum
4:00 pm - 7:00pm
Enjoy a free family night of hands-on fun, laughter, and exploration—an unforgettable evening where memories are made and admission is on the house!
Galveston Children's Museum | 2618 Broadway St.
Thursday, November 13 – Saturday, November 15
The Old Quarter Songwriter Festival
Experience the Old Quarter Songwriter Festival in Historic Downtown Galveston. 30 artists, 4 intimate listening venues, and 3 unforgettable days of live music. Check in and shop merch at Marmo Plaza. Limited VIP, weekend, and single-day passes available!
Downtown Galveston | 2121 Market Street
November 14th – December 23
The Polar Express Train Ride
The adventure begins as the train sets off on a round-trip journey to the North Pole, brought to life by a talented cast of performers. Set to the beloved motion picture soundtrack, passengers will experience the wonder of The Polar Express™ story on a one-hour trip to meet Santa himself.
Galveston Railroad Museum
Saturday, November 15
Handmade Holiday
2:00 pm - 4:00pm
Celebrate the season with a hands-on, family-friendly ornament workshop at the Galveston Art Center! Join GAC teaching artists for a creative experience where participants of all ages can design and craft their own unique handmade ornaments. With a variety of materials and styles to choose from, everyone will leave with personalized keepsakes perfect for holiday decorating or gifting.
Galveston Arts Center | 2127 Strand
November 22 – January 3
Holiday in The Gardens
November 22 - January 3
Experience the magic of the season at Holiday in The Gardens (Nov 22 to Jan 3) at Moody Gardens in Galveston transform into a glittering wonderland with millions of lights, ice sculptures, festive shows, and family fun for all ages.
Moody Gardens
Nov. 14 – Dec. 6
Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big Galveston Christmas Show
November 14 - December 6
A holiday favorite with a Galveston twist! Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big Galveston Christmas Show reimagines Dickens’ classic with laugh-out-loud humor, music, and island flair. Join Scrooge, the ghosts, and Tiny Tim for a festive, family-friendly performance at The Grand 1894 Opera House.
The Grand 1894 Opera House
November 23
Grand Galvez Thanksgiving Day Buffet Brunch
November 23
Celebrate Thanksgiving in style at the Grand Galvez, where elegance meets indulgence. Enjoy a lavish buffet brunch featuring Gulf Coast seafood, Lone Star favorites, and gourmet carving stations. Reservations required.
Call 409-765-7721 to Reserve
November 27
Moody Ballroom Thanksgiving Brunch
November 27 | 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Enjoy a festive Thanksgiving Brunch in the Moody Gardens Ballroom, featuring a lavish buffet of traditional favorites—all served in a beautiful, family-friendly holiday setting overlooking the pyramids.
Moody Gardens Ballroom
November 27
Thanksgiving Brunch at The San Luis Resort
November 27 | 11 AM – 3 PM
Give thanks in style with a Thanksgiving Brunch at The San Luis Resort, featuring an elevated buffet of traditional favorites, fresh seafood, gourmet carving stations, and decadent desserts—all in the resort’s elegant Grand Ballroom overlooking the Gulf.
The San Luis Resort
November 28 – 29
The 4th Annual Nutcracker Market
Nov. 28: 3 PM – 7 PM | Nov. 29: 9 AM - 4 PM
Kick off your holiday shopping at the 4th Annual Nutcracker Market inside the Moody Gardens Convention Center. Browse over 100 local boutiques and artisans offering festive décor, fashion, food, and gifts—plus seasonal entertainment and photo ops to make it a full weekend of cheer.
Moody Gardens Convention Center
Wednesday, November 5th – 12th
Fall Volunteer Week
Join Volunteer Work Week at the Galveston Naval Museum, Nov 5–12, 2025! Help restore the historic WWII vessels USS Cavalla and USS Stewart while preserving U.S. Navy history.
Galveston Naval Museum | 100 Seawolf Parkway
Thursday, November 13th
Family Free Night at Galveston Children's Museum
4:00 pm - 7:00pm
Enjoy a free family night of hands-on fun, laughter, and exploration—an unforgettable evening where memories are made and admission is on the house!
Galveston Children's Museum | 2618 Broadway St.
Thursday, November 13 – Saturday, November 15
The Old Quarter Songwriter Festival
Experience the Old Quarter Songwriter Festival in Historic Downtown Galveston. 30 artists, 4 intimate listening venues, and 3 unforgettable days of live music. Check in and shop merch at Marmo Plaza. Limited VIP, weekend, and single-day passes available!
Downtown Galveston | 2121 Market Street
November 14th – December 23
The Polar Express Train Ride
The adventure begins as the train sets off on a round-trip journey to the North Pole, brought to life by a talented cast of performers. Set to the beloved motion picture soundtrack, passengers will experience the wonder of The Polar Express™ story on a one-hour trip to meet Santa himself.
Galveston Railroad Museum
Saturday, November 15
Handmade Holiday
2:00 pm - 4:00pm
Celebrate the season with a hands-on, family-friendly ornament workshop at the Galveston Art Center! Join GAC teaching artists for a creative experience where participants of all ages can design and craft their own unique handmade ornaments. With a variety of materials and styles to choose from, everyone will leave with personalized keepsakes perfect for holiday decorating or gifting.
Galveston Arts Center | 2127 Strand
November 22 – January 3
Holiday in The Gardens
November 22 - January 3
Experience the magic of the season at Holiday in The Gardens (Nov 22 to Jan 3) at Moody Gardens in Galveston transform into a glittering wonderland with millions of lights, ice sculptures, festive shows, and family fun for all ages.
Moody Gardens
Nov. 14 – Dec. 6
Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big Galveston Christmas Show
November 14 - December 6
A holiday favorite with a Galveston twist! Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big Galveston Christmas Show reimagines Dickens’ classic with laugh-out-loud humor, music, and island flair. Join Scrooge, the ghosts, and Tiny Tim for a festive, family-friendly performance at The Grand 1894 Opera House.
The Grand 1894 Opera House
November 23
Grand Galvez Thanksgiving Day Buffet Brunch
November 23
Celebrate Thanksgiving in style at the Grand Galvez, where elegance meets indulgence. Enjoy a lavish buffet brunch featuring Gulf Coast seafood, Lone Star favorites, and gourmet carving stations. Reservations required.
Call 409-765-7721 to Reserve
November 27
Moody Ballroom Thanksgiving Brunch
November 27 | 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Enjoy a festive Thanksgiving Brunch in the Moody Gardens Ballroom, featuring a lavish buffet of traditional favorites—all served in a beautiful, family-friendly holiday setting overlooking the pyramids.
Moody Gardens Ballroom
November 27
Thanksgiving Brunch at The San Luis Resort
November 27 | 11 AM – 3 PM
Give thanks in style with a Thanksgiving Brunch at The San Luis Resort, featuring an elevated buffet of traditional favorites, fresh seafood, gourmet carving stations, and decadent desserts—all in the resort’s elegant Grand Ballroom overlooking the Gulf.
The San Luis Resort
November 28 – 29
The 4th Annual Nutcracker Market
Nov. 28: 3 PM – 7 PM | Nov. 29: 9 AM - 4 PM
Kick off your holiday shopping at the 4th Annual Nutcracker Market inside the Moody Gardens Convention Center. Browse over 100 local boutiques and artisans offering festive décor, fashion, food, and gifts—plus seasonal entertainment and photo ops to make it a full weekend of cheer.
Moody Gardens Convention Center
November 29
Holiday at Hendley Green
November 29 | 4 - 5 PM
Join the Galveston Historical Foundation for Holiday at Hendley Green, a downtown celebration kicking off the holiday season. Enjoy live performances, shopping, crafts, and family-friendly activities—all set against the charm of Galveston’s historic Strand District.
Hendley Green Park, 2028 Strand St, Galveston, TX | Free Admission
Nov. 29 – Dec. 31
Galveston Christmas Light Tours
November 29 - December 31 | 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Take in the sparkle of the season with a Galveston Christmas Light Tour by Carriage Haus Rentals. Cozy up under the lights as you glide through the island’s historic downtown and East End neighborhoods, beautifully decorated for the holidays.
Tours run nightly from November 29, 2025, through January 4, 2026. Reservations required.
Tours depart from Saengerfest Park, 2302 Strand St, Galveston, TX | Starting at $90 per carriage (2–6 passengers)
November 29
Official City of Galveston Tree Lighting
November 29 | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Celebrate Galveston’s holiday kickoff at the Official City of Galveston Tree Lighting in historic downtown. The evening features appearances by Santa Claus and Queen Victoria, performances by Galveston Ballet, an official welcome and tree lighting ceremony, and beer and wine sales in Saengerfest Park—all set beneath the glow of the city’s towering Christmas tree.
Saengerfest Park, 2302 Strand St, Galveston, TX | FREE
Voices from the Community
“All of the areas that have made Galveston so attractive for people to live here and visit, I see all of those improving.” ~ Mayor Craig Brown
Craig Brown & His Amazing Wife Angela
Mayor of Galveston
“We fight like cats and dogs when things are good, but we show up for each other when we’re needed. Always have. Always will.” ~ David Landriault
David Landriault & His Much Better Half Christy
Co-Founder and Editor in Chief – The 1839
Exploring Galveston's Vibrant Culture — Coming Soon!
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Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Galveston. From art exhibits to live performances, there’s always something happening on the island. Stay updated with the latest events and stories that shape our community’s cultural landscape.
