The Galleria Dallas presents the “biggest, brightest, happiest holidays for all” celebration with a jam-packed schedule of events and experiences.
The festivities kick off at noon on November 24 with the Grand Tree Lighting Celebration, which includes an ice-skating show featuring Olympic skaters and an “ice-skating, back-flipping, pyrotechnic Santa,” according to the mall’s website. The show ends with a bang, thanks to a fireworks finale.
For those who can’t make it on Friday, the tree-lighting event repeats on Saturday, November 25, at noon.
The mall’s 95-foot-tall tree, billed as the nation’s tallest indoor Christmas tree, will be at the center of attention all season long, with an Illumination Celebration — a special music and light show — taking place every two hours from noon to 8 p.m. through December 24.
The Big Guy in red can be found Ho-Ho-Hoing each day in Santaland, located on Level 1 near the Banana Republic. He invites families to visit, share their wish lists, and take photos. This ticketed event requires reservations and includes a professional photo package.
On December 17, children with special needs are invited to a meet and greet with Santa during the Santa Cares event, where they can enjoy a private photo session “in an environment set up to support their sensory, physical, and other developmental needs.” Reservations are required, and time slots are available between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Fur babies can have their photo taken with Santa, too, during the Santa Paws event, beginning Wednesday, November 29, through December 20, from 6 p.m. till mall closing.
For those whose holiday wish is to have a fur baby of their own, the Operation Kindness Pet Adoption event gives potential pet parents a chance to meet dogs and cats in need of a good home. The event, located on Level 1 near Banana Republic, runs from November 24 through December 24, Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
Located next door to Santaland is SNOWDAY, an engaging, immersive photo experience. The interactive exhibit features imaginative rooms, such as a gingerbread man tunnel and a spaceship experience, along with hundreds of surprises and unique photo opportunities. Reservations and tickets are required for this exhibit.
During Storytime with Mrs. Claus, held each Saturday at 11:30 a.m., Santa’s significant other will share her favorite classic Christmas stories. She can be found on Level 3 near Play Place.
Holiday Circus is a free show featuring holiday-themed puppets, magicians, jugglers, clowns and contortionists. It debuts on November 24, with shows at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., with repeat performances each Saturday through December 23 at the same time slots. The circus event takes place on Level 1 near the Zara store.
To celebrate the first night of Hanukkah, a Hanukkah Menorah Lighting will take place on December 7 at 6 p.m. on Level 1 near Tiffany & Co.
The Salvation Army Angel Tree is located on Level 1 near Guest Services. From now until December 2, shoppers can select an angel from the tree and help fulfill that person’s wish list. Shoppers can deliver their gifts at the Drive Through Gift Drop-Off on December 1 and 2, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., in the driveway near the Grand Lux Cafe.
The Grand Holiday Ice Show, benefiting two worthy causes, will be held on two consecutive Sundays at 9 a.m. While the show is free and visible from all levels overlooking the ice rink, mall patrons can purchase special seating pods for their family or group. Proceeds from the December 3 show will support Broadway Dallas, and money raised at the December 10 show will go to The Family Place.
More than 70 local groups will participate in Holiday Performances, which will take place throughout the shopping center each weekday from November 27 to December 20 at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m.
In addition to the mall-sponsored activities, some mall tenants and vendors will be hosting their own special events. The American Girl store will offer a Gingerbread House Decorating activity at 5 p.m. on December 2 and a Holiday Teatime on selected dates through December 31. See the store website for reservations and details.
Kids can fill out their Letters to Santa and drop them at the mailbox at Nordstrom’s on Level 1 until December 20. The store is also offering holiday gift-wrapping services until December 24.
Shoppers can get their chocolatey fix at the Hot Chocolate Pop-Up kiosk by Tierra a Taza. The stand will be open on weekends in December, from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays.
For more events and happenings at the Galleria Dallas, click here.
