GALVESTON — Moody Gardens is marking the start of 2026 with a series of New Year’s Eve events ranging from family-oriented activities to late-night celebrations for adults.

Among the offerings is “New Year’s Palooza,” a family-focused event scheduled for Dec. 31 at the Moody Gardens Hotel. The event includes games and activities for children, an adult lounge for parents, and an early fireworks display planned for 6:30 p.m. Organizers say the earlier timing is intended to accommodate families with young children.

Moody Gardens is also offering hotel stays tied to the New Year’s festivities, with options for one- and two-night stays. Some packages include access to attractions such as the Aquarium Pyramid, Rainforest Pyramid, ICE LAND, and Holiday Lights, as well as admission to the New Year’s Palooza event.

For adults 21 and older, a separate New Year’s Eve celebration will take place from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., featuring live music by the Mambo Jazz Kings, food service, a champagne toast, and a midnight balloon drop.

Guests looking for a quieter evening can also celebrate with a New Year’s Eve dinner at Shearn’s Prime Seafood & Steak, located on the ninth floor of the Moody Gardens Hotel. The restaurant will offer a special holiday menu and views of Galveston Bay, including the evening fireworks.

The New Year’s events are part of Moody Gardens’ broader “Holiday in the Gardens” season, which runs through Jan. 3. The seasonal programming includes light displays, live entertainment, and ICE LAND: Christmas Around the World, featuring large-scale ice sculptures created by artists from Harbin, China.