With gas prices slipping below $2 a gallon, out-of-town holiday events seem closer than ever, within affordable driving distance of Southeast Texas.

Here’s a look at some well-known options for a Christmas season road trip:

• The 45^th Annual Dickens on the Strand/Galveston — Shows off downtown Galveston’s Victorian-era architecture with the sights and sounds of Charles Dickens’ work in this event that runs from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2.

This year’s event continues that tradition with parades, non-stop entertainment on six stages, strolling carolers, roving musicians, bagpipers, jugglers and a host of other entertainers. Costumed vendors peddle their wares from street stalls and rolling carts laden with holiday food and drink, Victorian-inspired crafts, clothing, jewelry, holiday decorations and gift items, according to information from the city’s website.

• Magical Winter Lights/Houston area — A 52-day festival is touted as one of the largest holiday lighting events in Houston and the largest lantern festival of its kind in the U.S.

This year there are eight themed sections including The Kingdom, The Village, The Dino, The East, Houston, The Globe and the newest sections, The Ice and The Sea.

“The Ice section will feature a second magical castle and show guests what it’s like living in the Ice Sisters’ world. The Sea will take visitors to an undersea world filled with coral, fish mermaids and hungry sharks,” according to information from the event.

There will also be a Holiday Market Square with a food court and shopping areas, photo opportunities with appearances by the Ice Sisters and Santa Claus and more.

Online advance ticket prices:

Adult tickets — $22

Children (ages 4t o 13) — $13

Senior citizens (65 and up) — $13

Children under 4 — Free

Family 4-pack — $76

Gulf Greyhound Park, 1000 FM 2004, LaMarque, Texas The event is nightly, with the exception of holidays, through Jan. 6.

(NOTE: entrance to the festival is on FM 1764, not FM 2004, enter “Magical winter Lights into GPS)

• Moody Gardens Festival of Lights and Ice Land/Galveston — has a lot to offer and is open daily through Dec. 20.

The Festival of Lights is a mile-long trail with more than 1 million lights and lighted scenes that take you around the Moody gardens property with views of Galveston Bay.

Tickets:

Adults — $15.95 or $10.95 on adult value days

Child/senior — $15.95 or $10.95 on child/senior value days

Ice Land and Festival of Lights combo tickets:

Adults — $30.95 or $25.95 for adult value days

Child/senior — $25.95 or $20.95 on child/senior value days

Inside Ice Land is a chilly 9 degrees and parkas are provided for the tour of the ice sculptures, which are returned as you exit.

According to information from Moody Gardens, it’s best to wear close-toed shoes and highly recommended to bring jackets, gloves and hats for the little ones. They will likely want to go down the Ice Slide several times and spend extra time inside this special venue. Hats and gloves can be purchased at Ice Land if you forget to bring your own.

There are a variety of other packages available that includes other features.

Moody Gardens is located at One Hope Boulevard, Galveston. Call 409-744-4673 for more information.

• Houston Zoo Lights/Houston — The Houston Zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland though Jan. 13.

This marks the seventh year for the event that allows visitors a chance to sip hot chocolate while strolling through the zoo grounds, according to information from the zoo.

There are 15 miles of earth-friendly LED lighting to illuminate the ancient oak trees and decorate the paths. Other features include the Holiday Train Village, the Enchanted Forest and Candy, the interactive talking zebra.

Prime Nights —
Open at 5p.m., last entry 9:30 p.m., close at 11 p.m.

Value Nights —
Open at 5 p.m., last entry 9 p.m., close at 10 p.m.

Tickets:

Value Nights: Member $12.95, non-Member $17.95

Prime Nights: Member $17.95, non-Member $22.95

Children 1 and under: FREE

This event is separately ticketed from general admission; daytime admission tickets may not be used for entry.

• Natchitoches, Louisiana Festival of Lights —

Over 300,000 Christmas lights and 100-lighted set pieces illuminate downtown Natchitoches and Cane River Lake every evening at dusk through Jan. 6.

All Christmas events take place in downtown Natchitoches along the riverbanks and historic district.