Holiday Cheer Starts Early in Galveston with Polar Express and Ice Land Attractions

With November on the horizon, two of Galveston's premier tourist destinations are embracing the festive atmosphere. The Polar Express at the Galveston Railroad Museum and Moody Gardens is gearing up to launch its festive events. 

The Polar Express, a cherished holiday tradition at the Galveston Railroad Museum since 2018, is gearing up for its 2025 season. Families can embark on an enchanting holiday experience with an interactive train ride, drawing inspiration from Chris Van Allsburg's beloved 1986 children's book and the 2004 animated film adaptation. The museum features six beautifully adorned trains, each reimagined every year, ready to take guests in their pajamas on a magical ride that combines the joy of childhood with the warmth of holiday memories.

“It’s a fantastic experience for fans of the film,” stated M.J. Naschke, a spokesperson for the museum. “For those who have experienced the film, witnessing it brought to life on our trains by the talented actors from the Island ETC. Theater company promises to be a delightful experience.”

The Polar Express is scheduled to operate on weekends from November 14 to December 7, with daily rides available during Thanksgiving week, excluding the holiday itself. 

Tickets are now on sale, with prices starting at $39 for coach class and ranging up to $225 for first class, which is available only in groups of four. The event is expected to draw a large crowd, similar to those seen in past years.

Relatedly, Moody Gardens has begun preparations for Ice Land, an indoor exhibit featuring holiday ice sculptures, which is recognized as the largest in the country. The upcoming event, which is a highlight of the broader Holiday in the Gardens festival, is scheduled to commence on November 22.

Ice Land is set to showcase more than 2 million pounds of ice, delivered in 7,000 blocks, with each block weighing approximately 300 pounds. Over the course of 37 days, construction teams will set up the tent in anticipation of 30 skilled carvers from Harbin, China, who will transform the blocks into festive artwork. 

This year's theme, "Christmas Around the World," will feature festive traditions from various countries, including Russia, Egypt, and China, with a standout attraction being an ice slide inspired by the Eiffel Tower.

A live webcam offers an exciting opportunity for those interested in tracking the developments as workers diligently prepare the enormous structure.

You can now purchase tickets for the Polar Express and Ice Land online. 

To discover additional details about the Polar Express or Ice Land, refer to the Galveston Railroad Museum website or the official page of Moody Gardens.

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