Holidays on the Texas Gulf Coast
If the thought of “let it snow, let it snow, let it snow” has you saying “no, no, no” this year — we’ve got some good news for you. On the Texas Gulf Coast, the holiday season is filled with bright sunshine and mild temperatures. We prefer to spend our winter holidays on the snow-white sandy beach instead of the freezing cold snowbanks. We enjoy the gentle, offshore sea breezes to the blustering, chilly winter gusts. And we love to sink our toes into the sand instead of thick wool socks and snow boots.
For the holidays, escape to the oasis of the Texas Gulf Coast and let the sandy beaches and swaying palm trees create a different version of the traditional winter wonderland. Here, Santa Claus wears flip flops and arrives by boat. The twinkling Christmas lights are strung from the palm leaves. And your glass of egg nog may just have a tropical umbrella in it.
Check out some of these fun-in-the-sun holiday 2024 events on the Texas Gulf Coast, and imagine your Christmas with a beachy twist this year.
Christmas on the Kemah Boardwalk
About 25 miles north of Galveston lies the Kemah Boardwalk, a retro-themed amusement park that’s a must-visit for families. Originally a waterfront dining hotspot, this vibrant destination has grown into a premier attraction with thrilling rides, charming shops, fun games, and a variety of dining options.
During the holiday season, the Kemah Boardwalk truly shines. From December 1-22, Jingle on the Boardwalk brings festive cheer with daily Santa sightings, holiday music, a Christmas-themed movie festival, and a lively parade. Even on Christmas Day, the park remains open, offering a perfect blend of holiday spirit and family fun.
Extend the magic with the Polar Pass, available from December 25-29! This pass provides unlimited 5-day access to rides at the Kemah Boardwalk, the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, and the Downtown Aquarium—including its exhibits.
Make the Kemah Boardwalk a highlight of your holiday getaway along the Texas Gulf Coast—it’s a trip your family will treasure!
The Polar Express
This holiday season, immerse your family in the magic of The Polar Express Train Ride at the Galveston Railroad Museum, running from November 8 to December 23, 2024. A beloved annual tradition, this enchanting experience brings the classic story of The Polar Express to life as passengers board a beautifully decorated train, complete with a visit from Santa Claus, hot chocolate, and the joy of Christmas carols. Perfect for families, the train ride provides an unforgettable journey to the North Pole (or at least a close enough version for the holidays!).
Seats can fill up quickly, especially for prime departure times and certain cars, so it’s recommended to book as early as possible to secure the best spots for your preferred date. However, if you're in town and haven't made a reservation yet, don't worry! The Galveston Railroad Museum staff often has tickets available for same-day rides, so be sure to check in with them.
Dickens on The Strand
Hosted by the Galveston Historical Society, this beloved annual event will be held from December 3 to December 5.
The authentic Victorian ambiance of Dickens on The Strand is truly off-the-charts amazing and must be experienced first-hand to be believed. Hundreds of entertainers and vendors will be dressed in traditional clothing, selling unique and period-specific wares, and singing songs. Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for youth, while children six and under are free.
Lace-up your corset and find a suitable chapeau— you don’t want to miss this magical, time-traveling event.
The 60th Annual Christmas Boat Parade
Nothing captures the spirit of spending Christmas by the beach quite like a lighted boat parade. Each year, more than 100,000 people enjoy this fun family event from the shore or from a boat.
Hosted by the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce, The 63th Annual Christmas Boat Lane Parade features over 60 lighted boats that promenade by on Clear Lake. The sparkly boats can be viewed from the Kemah Boardwalk, Nassau Bay Lagoon, and the Shores of Clear Lake.
On December 14 at 6 PM, the brightly lit sailboats and powerboats will begin to make their way through the Clear Lake channel and out to Galveston Bay. Take the whole family and sip on hot cocoa as you ooooh and aaaah over the creativity and lights reflecting in the water.
A Texas Gulf Coast Christmas
If you want to spend your holidays this year by the ocean, BeachBox has just the spot for you. Gather the whole family together and relax by the seashore in one of our magnificent holiday home rentals.
Complete with gourmet kitchens and multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, there’s room for everyone to spread out and come together to celebrate the holidays on the Texas Gulf Coast. Our local experts will help you with food delivery, decorations, receiving packages, and will be happy to provide local dining options for your crew. Our homes are also equipped with lightening-fast WIFI for completing any work or school projects before the Christmas celebrating commences.
Boardwalk Bungalow is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking to catch holiday events in the Kemah area. Just steps away from the Kemah Boardwalk, this cozy Texas vacation home sleeps up to eight guests. It has a big outdoor lounge area with lots of seating, a fire pit, a charcoal grill, a sunken dining spot, and a grassy lawn. When you’re ready to explore, you’ll find the Kemah Boardwalk’s themed restaurants, shops, and fun amusement rides just around the corner.
Located in the Sea Isle beach community of Galveston’s west end, Big Tuna is a stunning 6-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom beach house that offers luxurious coastal living. This spacious and stylish home features a beautifully designed interior, top-quality appliances, and a delightful outdoor area, perfect for family gatherings. Just a short walk from the Sea Isle community beach access point, and just a 20 minute drive from the excitement of the Galveston Seawall and The Strand, Big Tuna is the perfect spot for a relaxing holiday getaway.
Enjoying the holiday season? No Agenda Hacienda is the perfect island escape for your small family! This cozy 3-bedroom Jamaica Beach house radiates island vibes and offers a fun getaway. When you feel like staying indoors, head to the downstairs game room, complete with arcade games and foosball, for hours of entertainment.
Any way you slice the fruitcake this year, a trip to the beach for the holidays is a real treat. Ditch the heavy winter coats and slip into your flip flops instead. Temperatures on the Texas Gulf Coast during the holidays are mild and pleasant — so leave the wool mittens at home.
Serve Christmas dinner on your beachfront deck, take long walks on the beach, enjoy dazzling holiday events, check out the delicious local dining, and make unforgettable holiday memories with your family and friends. Let BeachBox show you how to celebrate the 2024 holiday season by the sea in style. rephrase and include lakefront celebration
Give us a call or drop us a line today to start planning.