Tips for Planning Your January Visit for Galveston

If you’re wondering what to do and where to go on Galveston Island. Here are some tips for planning your January visit to Galveston.

Galveston January Events to Add to Your Calendar

Shows at The Grand 1894 Opera House. There’s nothing better than dinner and a show. And, The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice, is a “must.” 

• Friday, Jan. 7, 8 p.m. – Marvis Staples 
• Saturday, Jan. 22, 7:30 p.m. & Sunday, Jan. 23, 3 p.m. – The Oak Ridge Boys
• Sunday, Jan. 30, 3 p.m. – Neil Berg’s 50 Years of Rock & Roll II

Galveston Mardi Gras Pageantry & Revelry Exhibition at The Bryan Museum

Yes, Galveston is gearing up for Mardi Gras on Feb. 18 thru March 1, 2022. But, how about a bit of history of Mardi Gras in Galveston. The Bryan Museum, 1315 21st Street, is offering an exhibition focusing on the pageantry of the costumes from various Mardi Gras krewes over the years. The exhibit is from Jan. 22 thru March 13. 

Doubt at Island ETC 

One of Galveston’s hidden gems is a small repertory theatre called Island ETC, 2317 Mechanic, located in The Strand Historic District. Island East-End Theatre Company (ETC) offers shows year-round and is presenting the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award (Best Play) winning DOUBT: A Parable by John Patrick Shanley Jan. 21 thru Feb. 12. Due to the subject matter, ETC recommends this production to ages 14 and up. They switch from drama in March with The Full Monty. 

Battle of Galveston Strand Walking Tours January 8

Attention Civil War Buffs! Are you familiar with the Battle of Galveston? The Galveston Historical Foundation is offering walking tours on Saturday, Jan. 8 and Sunday, Jan. 9. Author and historian Ed Cotham, Jr is leading tours at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday and noon Sunday. 

Yaga’s Chili Fest and Beer Quest January 14 & 15

Calling all chili lovers! Do you need an excuse to sample chili from some of the best cooking teams in the area? And, how about pairing that with a beer? We’ve got you covered. So, book your Galveston getaway for the weekend of January 14. The fun begins with a 5K fun run on Saturday followed by the chili tasting from noon to 3 p.m. Tip: You can buy a chili and beer tasting combo ticket and enjoy both. 

Galveston Restaurant Week January 17 thru February 13

Here’s a bonus, Galveston restaurants are offering prix fixe meals as part of Galveston Restaurant Week beginning January 17 thru February 13. Look for two and three-course dinners for $20 to $45 and two-course lunches and breakfasts for $10 to $20. Plus, a portion of the price benefits charity. 

Live Shows at Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe

One of Galveston’s best-kept secrets is a little-known live music venue called Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe, 413 20th Street. Only serious music lovers know it. Now that you’re in on the secret add it to your bucket list. Old Quater is a listening venue so go for the music, not for socializing. You’ll love this quaint venue. 

January shows are as follows:

Jan. 1, midnight – 25th Annual Townes Van Zandt Wake LIVE

Jan. 8, 8 p.m. – Lisa Morales

Jan. 14, 8 p.m. – Jeff Plankenhorn

Jan. 20, 8 p.m. – My One and Only

Jan. 21, 6:30 p.m. – Reverend Horton Heat

Jan. 21, 9 p.m. – Rich O’Toole

Jan. 27, 8 p.m. – Leslie Mendelson

Jan. 29, 8 p.m. – Rachael Kilgour, Scott Cook

Galveston Symphony Orchestra at The Grand 1894 Opera House

If you’re a classical music lover, then grab your tickets to see the Galveston Symphony Orchestra at The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice. Galveston Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1979. The Symphony performs a mix of compositions ranging from the baroque to the contemporary. Plus, the venue adds to your experience. 

Where to Shop and Where to Eat

Every trip to Galveston should include time for shopping and dining. Here are some shops that should be on your list.

Magpie’s Nest Galveston, 2002 Postoffice, offers a variety of unique gift items, including rope art. The artist cleans old fishing rope and designs it into framed works of art like palm trees and other themes. In case you were wondering, magpies are birds that collect baubles and jewels for their nest. We’re sure you’ll find your next treasure for the new year in this cute shop. 

Wagabonz, 2002 Strand, Ste. 100, is a stop for your favorite pet. Your loving pets have patiently dealt with the hectic holiday, so now it’s time to reward them with some treat. Wagabonz is a pet bakery along with a pet store. We’re pretty sure you’ll find some cute fashions too. 

Tina’s on The Strand, 2326 Strand, specializes in women’s clothing, jewelry, candles, and home decor. We’re sending you their way for the candles. It’s a new year, so pamper yourself with new candles. You’ll love their signature scent, Tina’s Blend. 

Fun Fact: January 6 is King’s Day. So, you must pick up a King’s Cake to celebrate the day and your visit to Galveston. 

Maceo Spice and Import Company, 2706 Market, orders their King Cake direct from Louisiana. King Cakes are available in assorted flavors, including Blueberry Cream Cheese, Voodoo (Chocolate Coconut with Cream Cheese), and Cinnamon. We highly recommend you pre-order. 

The Sunflower Bakery & Cafe, 512 14th, offers housemade King Cake along with a massive selection of sweets. January 23 is National Pie Day, so there’s no better reason than to treat yourself to pie.  

Navarro Bakery, 3803 Broadway, should be on your list if you’re on the hunt for fresh Buñuelos. In case you don’t know, a buñuelo is a fried dough fritter covered in cinnamon sugar and it’s popular for the holidays and new year. 

We hope you enjoy these tips for planning your January visit to Galveston. Remember, Ryson Vacation Rentals is ready to help you make the most of your vacation rental. The island is ideal for a weekend stay, weekly rental, or month-long getaway.

Ryson Vacation Rentals offers more than 250 properties across the island that provide plenty of reasons to visit Galveston this year. If you need help planning your visit, Gulf Coast Concierge is available to assist.

Book Your Galveston Vacation Now

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christine Hopkins is a proud BOI, meaning she was “Born on the Island.” She is the co-author of the newly released “100 Things to Do in Galveston Before You Die,” published by Reedy Press. Before the book, she wrote more than 300 blogs on Galveston offering travel tips on what to see and do. Over the years, she’s given hundreds of tours for visiting travel writers showcasing the sites on the island. Currently, she’s a Galveston guide for ToursByLocals.com.