GALVESTON -- Two months after Hurricane Ike devastated Galveston Island, tourism is beginning to pick back up.

"Galveston Island has been through a lot, and the tourism industry in general is such an important part of the community here," said Jerri Hamachek from Moody Gardens.

The holidays typically give the island a big boost during the winter months.  At Moody Gardens, preparations are already under way to transform the park into a winter wonderland.

The 7th annual Festival of Lights hopes to once again delight the crowds. 

Dickens on The Strand

The first week of December, The Strand will be transformed to the Victorian Era.

It will be a week later than usual because of storm damage and repairs, but the festival will go on as planned.

The park is also cutting the cost to the event to $3.95 to draw in more people.

Hurricane Ike dealt Galveston Island’s tourism industry a big blow. But city officials are determined not to let it become the Grinch that stole Christmas.

Dickens on The Strand will also be back this year, but on a smaller scale.

"We are taking it back to the roots to how it was 35 years ago," said Rochelle Gaskin from Galveston Island’s Visitor Bureau.

Ike emptied shops and sidewalks along the Strand. But beginning the first weekend of December, it will be transformed into a Victorian festival.

"They're still continuing with special events such as hand bell concerts, the Dickens Feast, the Dickens Ball, and the English Breakfast. All the regular activities are still taking place," said Gaskin.

Ike may have taken some homes from the island, but it didn’t take away the holiday traditions.