Dallas, September 5, 2025
News Summary
Galleria Dallas kicks off its holiday season with the installation of a towering 95-foot indoor Christmas tree, the tallest in the U.S. This year’s festivities include a series of immersive Santa experiences and snow-themed attractions. Running from mid-November through early January, the holiday program features advanced lighting technology, a themed train ride, and community events aimed at engaging visitors with special needs sessions and discounted ticket days.
Dallas — Galleria Dallas will open its annual holiday season with a lineup of large-scale displays and timed events beginning in early November, highlighted by the installation of a 95-foot indoor Christmas tree and a series of immersive Santa and snow-themed experiences running through early January.
Key facts and immediate details
The holiday program begins with installation work starting November 2 on what is being presented as the tallest indoor Christmas tree in the United States, standing at 95 feet. The tree is scheduled to be fully assembled by the evening of November 5 and will feature advanced LED lighting from Twinkly to produce animated and immersive light shows. The tree’s specifications include 850 branches (each the size of a small Christmas tree), over 15,000 ball ornaments, 24 super-size starburst ornaments with Twinkly lighting, 215,000 points of light, and a 100-pound, 10-foot-tall LED star at the top.
Holiday schedule and major attractions
The main holiday festivities run from November 14 to January 5. On November 14, Santa will arrive in Santaland on Level I near Banana Republic. The center is offering a technologically enhanced Santa experience that includes a themed train ride to a North Pole setting and wish-list technology intended to record children’s gift requests. Designated visit times will include pet-friendly sessions, sessions for families with children with special needs, and a Spanish-speaking Santa available on Thursdays from November 20 through December 18. Budget-minded guests can access discounted tickets on Mondays and Tuesdays; reservations are recommended through snowdaydallas.com.
SNOWDAY exhibit and supporting attractions
SNOWDAY, an immersive exhibit adjacent to Santa’s Workshop, returns for the season from November 14 to January 4. The exhibit contains a themed secret town for elves, Hollywood-grade sets, touch-free photo technology using AI image processing, an upgraded multimedia show with lights, sounds and video, and staged “real” snowfall. Popular rooms such as a reimagined Christmas lights maze will be part of the 2025 installation. Food and refreshment service inside the exhibit will include a themed spot called The Tipsy Elf.
Special events and community programming
Planned events include Black Friday sales beginning November 28 and a Grand Tree Lighting Celebration on November 28 at noon. The tree lighting program will include an ice-skating performance and a fireworks finale featuring a noted backflipping ice-skating Santa, with repeat lighting programming on November 29 and December 6 at noon. A Hanukkah Menorah Lighting is scheduled for December 14 with remarks and musical performances; traditional sufganiyots will be available during the ceremony. From December 1 through December 19, the center will host performances by more than 60 local groups at planned times of 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 6 p.m.
Charitable and community services
Seasonal charitable activities include The Salvation Army Angel Tree running from November 7 through December 5 and pet adoption events hosted by Operation Kindness from November 28 through December 24. The center will maintain extended holiday hours and will post event schedules and updates on its official site.
Logistics and visitor information
Tree installation begins November 2 and is scheduled to be complete by the evening of November 5. Public holiday programming opens November 14. SNOWDAY runs November 14–January 4, while broader shopping and event programming extend through January 5. Advance reservations are recommended for timed experiences. The venue has designated sessions to improve accessibility and accommodate pets. Ticket discount days are offered on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Background
The center has operated holiday programming for more than four decades and draws both local and out-of-town visitors during the season. This year’s schedule emphasizes technology-driven displays, immersive set design, and a range of community-oriented events alongside commerce-focused dates such as Black Friday.
Frequently asked questions
When will the 95-foot Christmas tree be ready for viewing?
Installation begins November 2 with completion scheduled for the evening of November 5; public lighting events start November 28 with ongoing displays throughout the holiday period.
What are the main dates for holiday programming?
Major public programming runs from November 14 to January 5. SNOWDAY runs November 14 to January 4. The Grand Tree Lighting is scheduled for November 28 with repeat events on November 29 and December 6.
How does the Santa experience work?
Santa visits take place in Santaland on Level I. The experience includes a themed train to a North Pole setting and digital wish-list technology. Designated sessions include pet-friendly times, sessions for children with special needs, and a Spanish-speaking Santa on Thursdays from November 20 to December 18.
Are there discounts or special ticket days?
Discounted tickets are offered on Mondays and Tuesdays. Reservations are recommended through the SNOWDAY reservation site to secure timed entries.
What community or charitable activities are scheduled?
Community activities include The Salvation Army Angel Tree (November 7–December 5) and pet adoption events by Operation Kindness (November 28–December 24). There are also community performances and a Hanukkah Menorah Lighting on December 14.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Indoor Christmas tree height | 95 feet |
| Tree components | 850 branches; >15,000 ball ornaments; 24 starburst ornaments; 215,000 points of light; 100-pound 10-foot LED star |
| Lighting technology | Twinkly LED animated and immersive shows |
| Primary holiday dates | Festival programming: Nov 14–Jan 5; SNOWDAY: Nov 14–Jan 4 |
| Santa arrival | Nov 14 in Santaland (Level I) |
| Special sessions | Pet-friendly, special-needs sessions, Spanish-speaking Santa (Thursdays, Nov 20–Dec 18) |
| Major events | Grand Tree Lighting: Nov 28 (repeat events Nov 29, Dec 6); Hanukkah Menorah Lighting: Dec 14 |
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Additional Resources
- Focus Daily News: Galleria Dallas Hosts North Texas’ Most Magical Holiday Celebration
- WFAA: Galleria Dallas Christmas Tree Lighting
- Local Profile: 5 Things to Know About America’s Tallest Indoor Christmas Tree at Galleria Dallas
- Dallas News: Grand Tree Lighting Celebration at Galleria Dallas
- Wikipedia: Christmas Tree
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.
