Dallas, September 10, 2025
News Summary
Dallas is welcoming the holiday season with a variety of events and attractions, including light displays, community services, and performances. Notable activities include Coca-Cola’s Classic Christmas, the grand unveiling of America’s tallest indoor Christmas tree, and special charity drives. Families can enjoy Santaland at Galleria Dallas and the Dallas Trail of Lights. The season includes opportunities for pet adoptions and various performances benefiting local charities, creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the city.
Dallas — The city’s holiday season opens with a wide range of festive events, large-scale light displays and community services running from early November through late December. Major attractions include immersive light shows, the installation of a record indoor Christmas tree, seasonal shopping and entertainment programming at Galleria Dallas, multiple holiday performances, and community-focused activities such as pet adoptions and charity drives.
What’s happening now and soon
Coca-Cola’s Classic Christmas is scheduled at Dallas Midtown (the former Valley View Mall) from November 21 to December 28, featuring an immersive holiday light show. At Galleria Dallas, the holiday calendar begins with the installation of America’s tallest indoor Christmas tree on November 2, described as having 850 branches and more than 215,000 points of light.
Galleria Dallas will open Santaland on November 14, where Santa will greet guests and special sessions will accommodate families with children who have special needs and Spanish-speaking visitors. Also beginning November 14, the Galleria will host SNOWDAY, an immersive exhibit running through January 4 that uses AI technology to create interactive holiday photos and experiences.
On Black Friday, November 28, Galleria Dallas plans a Grand Tree Lighting Celebration featuring an ice-skating show and scheduled fireworks. Holiday music performances by more than 60 local groups will take place at the Galleria from December 1 to December 19. Additional Galleria events include a Menorah Lighting on December 14, ongoing holiday entertainment, and an Angel Tree charity run from November 7 to December 5 to connect donors with families in need.
Major seasonal attractions and special events
- Dallas Trail of Lights runs from December 6 to December 25 at Reunion Tower Lawn, featuring a light tunnel, carousel and drone displays. Ticket prices are set at $15 for adults and $10 for children.
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra is scheduled to perform two shows at American Airlines Center on December 20 as part of its Winter Tour, with proceeds benefiting local charities.
- Pet adoption drives by Operation Kindness will be held at Galleria Dallas from November 28 to December 24, offering multiple opportunities to adopt pets during the season.
- A local restaurant has returned a seasonal menu item, bringing back pumpkin cinnamon rolls for the fall and holiday dining season.
- A seasonal food item rollout includes Blue Bell Ice Cream’s Classic Pecan Pie flavor, which has been in stores since September 4 and is reportedly being offered in free samples to Dallas residents.
- A guide to black-tie balls and fall bashes for 2025 highlights nonprofit fundraisers and key social season events across the city.
Public health and animal services update
Dallas Animal Services remains closed to accepting stray dogs and cats due to an ongoing canine distemper virus outbreak. The facility is limiting intake to animals that are sick, injured or pose a danger to public safety. Residents are advised to check current city guidance and use alternative resources for non-emergency animal issues while the closure remains in effect.
Community and charity activities
The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program will operate at Galleria Dallas from November 7 to December 5, enabling donors to adopt gift requests for children in need. Multiple nonprofit groups are participating in Galleria programming and related holiday drives throughout the season.
Practical details and timing
Event dates span the full holiday season. Key dates to note:
- November 2 — Galleria tree installation
- November 14 — Santaland opens; SNOWDAY begins
- November 21 – December 28 — Coca-Cola’s Classic Christmas at Dallas Midtown
- November 28 – December 24 — Operation Kindness adoption events at Galleria
- December 6 – December 25 — Dallas Trail of Lights
- December 20 — Trans-Siberian Orchestra performances
Admission and accessibility
Some events list admission or ticket prices, such as the Dallas Trail of Lights. Galleria Dallas is offering specific accommodations, including sensory-friendly Santa sessions and Spanish-speaking Santa experiences. SNOWDAY includes interactive, AI-driven photography experiences that may require separate access or timing; attendees should plan ahead for scheduling and any additional fees associated with exhibit features.
Background and seasonal context
Dallas’ holiday lineup reflects a combination of large commercial attractions, community-led charity efforts and cultural programming. The season’s offerings include traditional tree lightings and Santas, immersive technology-driven exhibits, charitable adoption and gift programs, and a range of music and stage performances. Health and safety measures are influencing animal services and some public interactions during this period.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the holiday season programming begin in Dallas?
Major programming begins in early November with the Galleria tree installation on November 2 and continues through at least January 4 with SNOWDAY and other seasonal events running through late December.
Where and when is Coca-Cola’s Classic Christmas taking place?
The Coca-Cola Classic Christmas light show runs at Dallas Midtown (the former Valley View Mall) from November 21 to December 28.
Is Galleria Dallas offering special accommodations for visitors?
Yes. Galleria Dallas has scheduled special Santa sessions for families with children who have special needs and will offer Spanish-speaking Santa experiences. Other accessible programming details may be available through venue resources.
What is the status of Dallas Animal Services?
Dallas Animal Services is currently closed to accepting stray dogs and cats due to a canine distemper outbreak and is limited to handling sick, injured, or dangerous animals.
Are there holiday charity and adoption opportunities?
Yes. The Salvation Army Angel Tree will operate from November 7 to December 5 at Galleria Dallas, and Operation Kindness will hold adoption events at the Galleria from November 28 to December 24.
| Event | Dates | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coca-Cola’s Classic Christmas | Nov 21 – Dec 28 | Dallas Midtown (former Valley View Mall) | Immersive holiday light show |
| Galleria Christmas Tree Installation | Nov 2 (installation) | Galleria Dallas | America’s tallest indoor Christmas tree; 850 branches, 215,000+ lights |
| Santaland & SNOWDAY | Nov 14 – Jan 4 (SNOWDAY) | Galleria Dallas | Santa meet-and-greet, AI photo experiences, special sessions |
| Dallas Trail of Lights | Dec 6 – Dec 25 | Reunion Tower Lawn | Light tunnel, carousel, drone displays; $15 adults / $10 children |
| Trans-Siberian Orchestra | Dec 20 | American Airlines Center | Two shows; proceeds benefit local charities |
| Pet Adoptions (Operation Kindness) | Nov 28 – Dec 24 | Galleria Dallas | Seasonal adoption events |
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Additional Resources
- Focus Daily News: Galleria Dallas Holiday Celebration
- Visit Dallas: H-E-B’s Feast of Sharing
- Dallas News: Holiday Activities in DFW
- D Magazine: 104 Things to Do in DFW This Christmas
- Mommy Poppins: Must-Do Holiday Activities for Kids in Dallas
- Wikipedia: Dallas
- Google Search: Dallas Holiday Events
- Google Scholar: Dallas Holiday Celebrations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dallas
- Google News: Dallas Holidays 2024
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
