The East End Historic District in Galveston is a Christmas gold around the holiday season. Stunning Victorian homes are all decked out in beautiful lights, traditional garlands, fresh wreaths, and Christmas decor.
With many elaborate historical details, pastel colors, and ornate trims on facades, these magnificent homes don't need much work to be festive. They are a sight to behold in themselves.
Displays of artfully decorated front porches start spreading Christmas cheer right after Thanksgiving. Iconic nutcrackers, meters of classic garlands, and red bows galore adorn almost every facade.
Many homes remain decorated during the 12 days of Christmas through January 6, The Epiphany. But regardless of the season, there's plenty of historic colorful homes all year round to explore. And the best way to do it is on foot.
Many homes remain decorated during the 12 days of Christmas through January 6, The Epiphany. But regardless of the season, there's plenty of historic colorful homes all year round to explore. And the best way to do it is on foot.
Frederick William Beissner House
1702 Ball St., Galveston, TX
Arguably, it's the most beautiful and elaborately decorated house on the block. Ornate porch trimmings and spandrels give this beauty a very unique gingerbread-like look. What a ray of sunshine!
Isaac Heffron House
1509 Postoffice Street, Galveston
You cannot make your porch more inviting than decorating it with evergreen garlands and red bows. Complementary blue and green with a splash of red is a perfect color combo.
1715 Ball St, Galveston, TX
East End is a magical place, so don't be surprised to encounter a unicorn on your way.
George Fox House
1402 Ball Street, Galveston, TX
This majestic house looks like it could belong to The Red Queen herself from the Lewis Carroll's fiction.
1426 Market St, Galveston
Not a very orthodox way to decorate the entryway for Christmas, but oh my, if those pink pastel roses are nothing but a nod to a Victorian era. If there’s a flower, it screams Victorian and the secret beauty language every Victorian was fluent at.
I can only imagine how pretty their Christmas tree is if matched to the pink flowery theme.
1302 Post Office St, Galveston, TX
I must confess, it's a warm-toned pink exterior and not the decor itself that I couldn't resist. Doesn't a charming pink facade make everything look another-era festive?
The 1868 Charles and Susan Hurley House
1328 Ball St, Galveston, TX
Nestled amongst the old oaks, this imposing house is a classic beauty, conjuring up the images of an ancient Greek temple with white columns and the symmetrical design. Perhaps it would be a crime against good senses to overdo it with the Christmas decor. Less is more.
1622 Ball Street, Galveston, TX
White vintage porch posts with red accents on the trimmings nicely complement the holiday decor and create a bright space that speaks joy and cheer.
1219 Ball St, Galveston, TX
Doesn't this little gem stand out in a crowd? Its symmetrical bay windows, inviting pink, and ornamental siding details boast the charm of a dollhouse. And the Nutcracker Prince at the door is ready single-handedly to take on the Mouse King's army to protect this magical home.
804 Saint Marys Blvd, Galveston, TX
Okay. Okay. This house probably doesn't belong to the list of Victorian homes, but it's such a happy corner of East End to pass it. Many shades of sea and brightly colored ceilings combined with the palm tree holiday decor and flamingos in a Santa's hat remind you it's okay to enjoy the season while wearing flip flops and shorts.
The best of two worlds – a beaded Palm tree from the Mardi Gras season and a nicely decorated front porch for Christmas. Can it get any more festive than that?
1416 Ball St, Galveston, TX
The Historic Easter Egg Cottage
1709 Ball St, Galveston, TX 77550
Even though you cannot help but think all things Easter looking at this home, it's still worth a stop to admire its beauty and intricate colorful siding details regardless of the season.
1016 Church St., Galveston, TX
On top of holiday front porch decor, you can also enjoy the "Where Have All The Flowers Gone" tree sculpture on the corner. After Hurricane Ike hit Galveston in 2008, there was little left intact on the island, including the woody plants. Since then, local artists have been turning dead trees into elaborate sculptures.
1715 Ball St, Galveston, TX
A steep-pitched roof with beautiful flowers and elaborate siding drew all my attention at first. But it's the neatly-arranged and evenly-spaced little red bows on garlands that complete the holiday decor. After all, it's the little details that can make or break the look.
1711 Ball St, Galveston, TX
That's the porch I'd more than enjoy sitting on.
East End Holiday Homes Tour
Hosted by the East End Historical District Association, a Christmas home tour gives you an incredible opportunity to peek into lavishly decorated historic homes you wouldn't see otherwise.
Stop at each home provides you with a behind-the-scenes story of mansion building and the remarkable wealth and vision that went into each architectural style. There, just beyond the other side of the door, the sparkle and magic of a bygone era still live.
The money raised from this event goes to the EEHDA and its efforts to preserve and maintain this historic neighborhood. Tickets go on sale sometime in the late summer, so, if interested, purchase early as it often sells out quickly.
It's the season of beautifully holiday-decorated houses, so you may just get out there and experience it for yourself. And the East End Historic District is hands down the best place to start on the island.
Which of these houses are you most excited to see? Leave your comments below.
Be sure to check out 15+ Best Things to Do In Galveston During The Holidays which includes many other free and family-friendly activities on the island.
Christmas Craft
Here are some font articles to get you inspired for all your design projects:
- Free Christmas Font Pairings For Commercial Use
- 10 Free and Heartwarming Christmas Fonts With a Classic Twist
- Free and Decorative Winter Fonts for Every Project
The holiday season is around the corner, and if you want to add a fun twist to your gifts, use this printable PDF – Free Funny Gift Tags For Any Occasion. It's guaranteed to make your gift exchange memorable, thoughtful, and hands down fun.
As the twinkling lights adorn every nook and cranny and the festive spirit fills the air,
let me extend the best wishes of joy, peace, and love to you and your loved ones this holiday season.
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3. 15+ Fun and Free Things to Do in Houston
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