Ring in the New Year at Moody Gardens with several different options for celebration. Whether it’s a special date night, couple’s retreat, or a family getaway that includes the kids, there are options for every occasion. Visitors can choose a fun-filled family night and hotel package at New Year’s Eve Palooza, a cruise aboard the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat that ends with a champagne toast at midnight or a night of entertainment and dancing at the Roaring Twenties New Year’s Eve Celebration in Shearn’s Lounge on the 9th floor of the hotel.

Family Celebration -

New Year Palooza at the Moody Gardens Hotel will be a night to remember full of games, amazing food and activities for all ages and interests. This is an important night that should be spent with family and from the time that individuals attending this special event arrive, to the time they leave, there will be fun activities lined up for the duration of their stay. Guests will receive text messages throughout the event to alert them of what activities are occurring so that they don’t miss out on any of the excitement. The weekend-long event will begin with light bites and a fun-filled journey through the Moody Gardens attractions, followed by dinner with the spectacular Cirque Joyeux Holiday Show. After the show, guests can explore the Festival of Lights trail and enjoy a wide variety of different games, music and activities inside the Convention Center. After exploring the holiday lights trail, individuals can stop to enjoy hot chocolate and warm cookies as they watch the fireworks light up the night sky. End the night with an early New Year’s Countdown for the kids with a Beach Ball Drop as hundreds of balls cascade from the ceiling to welcome the new year. Sparkling cider and champagne will be provided for the adults. Wake up early on the first day of 2022 and enjoy a spectacular breakfast accompanied by games and activities, including a Mimosa and Bloody Mary Bar for the adults.

The New Year Palooza hotel package includes two fun-filled nights of action-packed celebration. Guests will receive two-day passes for Moody Gardens attractions, tickets to Cirque Joyeux Holiday Dinner & Show and tickets to New Year Palooza. There will be plenty of family friendly activities including air hockey, foosball, bounce houses, arcade games, a beach ball drop and fireworks. This package is for two adults and two children. Registration will be from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, December 31st and snacks will be offered, including a Build-Your-Own Trail Mix Bar. Guests can enjoy the attractions until 3:30 p.m.. The Cirque Joyeux Preshow and dinner buffet opens at 4 p.m. with the show scheduled from 5 to 6 p.m. Guests can enjoy Festival of Lights followed by fireworks at 6:45 p.m. The celebration continues at the hotel with games, snacks, desserts, an adult lounge and a live DJ. The New Year’s countdown begins at 9:30 p.m. and the night will come to an end around 10:30 p.m.. The following day, Palooza will open with a breakfast buffet and games starting at 8 a.m. with a full day of fun at the Moody Gardens attractions from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m..

New Year’s Eve Cruise -

Cruise out of 2021 and celebrate the wonder and possibilities of this brand new year. Guests will have this opportunity aboard the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat, with spectacular water views of the Festival of Lights. There will be boat loads of music, dancing and a delightful menu featuring an array of heavy hors d’oeuvres ranging from Chilled Shrimp and Crab Cakes, to BBQ Short Ribs and White Cheddar Mac & Cheese, with two complimentary drink vouchers. Following a Midnight Champagne Toast, guests will return to shore to greet the New Year. Boarding for the New Year’s Eve Cruise will begin at 9 p.m. and the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat will sail at 10 p.m. Tickets for the cruise are $90 per person.

Roaring 20’s Party at Shearn’s Lounge at Moody Gardens Hotel -

Get dressed up and party the night away on the 9th floor in the hotel at the Roaring 20’s New Year’s Eve Celebration inside Shearn’s Lounge. Guests will have access to an open bar, live entertainment and plenty of hors d’oeuvres that are sure to satisfy. Live entertainment will be provided by a local favorite, The Slags. The 9th floor of the hotel will be transformed into a 20’s style speakeasy with access to multiple rooms filled with plenty to see and do. Dress in your most elegant flapper attire or top hats and be prepared to drink and dance into the new year. Doors open at 8 a.m. and the party doesn’t stop until 1 a.m.. Pricing starts at $150 for individuals and room packages will be available.

Last Chance for Festival of Lights -

The Festival of Lights one-mile walking trail decked with two million lights and filled with sound enhanced lighted and animated displays themed to everyone’s favorite holiday music, will be open regular hours (6 p.m. to 10 p.m.) on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, as well as the other holiday attractions at Moody Gardens, including Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer playing in the 4D Theater, other holiday 3D films, the Arctic Slide and train rides, and fireside s’mores. The year-round attractions will also be open New Year’s Eve and New Year’s day, ensuring that there will be plenty of fun to be had with the family or as a couple.

“With so many options to celebrate the New Year, Moody Gardens has become a place to celebrate for everyone from the little ones and families to that special date night for couple,” stated President & CEO John Zendt, who added, “As we all look forward to the opportunities that the excitement that the New Year brings.”

For more information call 409-744-4673 or visit www.moodygardens.org/newyears.

Moody Gardens® is a public, non-profit, educational destination utilizing nature in the advancement of rehabilitation, conservation, recreation, and research.