Published on
October 24, 2025
As the holiday season approaches, Galleria Dallas is preparing to unveil what has become an iconic Christmas tradition: the tallest indoor Christmas tree in the United States. Towering at 95 feet, this magnificent tree has stood as a symbol of festive cheer in Texas for decades. Starting on Sunday, November 2, the team at Galleria Dallas will begin its intricate process of constructing this holiday masterpiece, with the tree set to be complete by Thursday, November 6. This holiday season marks the 2024 edition of the awe-inspiring tree, which will stand as a centerpiece of holiday celebrations until Monday, January 5.
A Monumental Creation
The Galleria Dallas Christmas tree is not just a spectacle—it’s a carefully crafted work of art that takes nearly 50 of Santa’s best helpers five days to assemble. The tree begins with a massive steel frame weighing an impressive five tons. Once the frame is up, teams work meticulously to install over 700 branches, each ranging from 3 to 5 feet in length. These branches are a sight to behold, having been hand-sewn with twigs over the course of 14,000 hours. This attention to detail ensures that every inch of the tree exudes the warmth and wonder of the holiday season.
Technological Marvel: LED Lights and Animated Displays
What sets the Galleria Dallas Christmas tree apart from other holiday trees is its use of cutting-edge technology to enhance its visual impact. The tree features over 200,000 programmable LED lights provided by Twinkly, an Italian lighting company known for creating the famous light displays at the Vatican. These lights are not just for show; they enable a range of animated effects that bring the tree to life. From dancing reindeer and a jolly Santa Claus to floating candy canes and twinkling holiday gifts, the animated lights create a dazzling light show that enchants visitors young and old.
Topping off the magnificent display is a 10-foot LED star that weighs an astounding 100 pounds. This star was the first of its kind in the United States and remains one of the most striking features of the tree.
A Showcase of Holiday Performances
While the Galleria Dallas Christmas tree is an impressive sight in itself, the real magic happens during the Grand Tree Lighting shows. These annual events, which will take place on Black Friday (Nov. 28), Saturday, Nov. 29, and Saturday, Dec. 6, are free to attend and feature an array of exciting performances.
The Grand Tree Lighting ceremonies are famous for their incredible ice skating shows. This year, the audience will be treated to performances from some of the most talented skaters in the world, including two-time national champion and 2022 Olympian Ashley Cain, 2022 Olympians Kaitlin Hawayek and Jean-Luc Baker, U.S. National Champion Ryan Bradley, and 2024 Youth Olympic Champion Jacob Sanchez. In addition to these world-class athletes, nearly 100 students from the Galleria Dallas Ice Skating Center will showcase their skills with whimsical group performances.
The Grand Tree Lighting shows culminate in a thrilling pyrotechnic finale. Missile Toes, the backflipping Santa who shoots fireworks from his skates, makes his grand entrance, marking the official start of the holiday season. This explosive performance is accompanied by a countdown and a dazzling firework display, which has been a part of the event since 1993. Each year, the event evolves with new features and improvements, ensuring a fresh and exciting experience for every visitor.
The Illumination Celebration
A highlight of the holiday season at Galleria Dallas is the daily Illumination Celebration. This magical event sees the Christmas tree’s 200,000 Twinkly LED lights dance in perfect synchronization with specially orchestrated music. The tree’s lights create a mesmerizing display, delighting visitors as they skate around the rink beneath the glowing tree. The Illumination Celebration occurs daily at noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 6 p.m., beginning on Black Friday. This event has become a favorite for families, couples, and anyone looking to experience the magic of the holidays.
In 2024, for the first time, the Illumination Celebration will be mirrored on two 36-foot trees in the north and south nodes of the shopping center, expanding the holiday spectacle to new heights.
A Holiday Wonderland at Galleria Dallas
Beyond the towering Christmas tree, Galleria Dallas transforms into a winter wonderland, with stunning decorations and festive displays throughout the shopping center. Forty-four palm trees lining Level 3 are wrapped in an additional 50,000 lights, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere. In total, ten additional Christmas trees—ranging from 9 feet to 36 feet in height—are adorned with 40,000 lights, adding to the center’s holiday charm.
Even the exterior of the shopping center gets into the holiday spirit, with 30 trees along the Dallas North Tollway illuminated by 100,000 red LED lights, creating a festive and welcoming sight for all who drive by.
A Place for Memorable Holiday Moments
The Galleria Dallas Christmas tree and its surrounding festivities offer an unforgettable holiday experience for visitors of all ages. With more skaters circling the tree each season than at the famed Rockefeller Center in New York City, it’s clear that Galleria Dallas has become a beloved destination for families, couples, and visitors from all over the country.
Whether you’re skating beneath the tree, enjoying the Illumination Celebration, or attending one of the Grand Tree Lighting shows, Galleria Dallas offers a variety of experiences that make it a must-visit holiday destination.
Additionally, many couples choose this iconic setting to pop the question, making the holiday season even more special for those looking to celebrate love and joy. The atmosphere at Galleria Dallas is perfect for creating lasting memories with loved ones.
A Full Calendar of Holiday Events
In addition to the daily Illumination Celebrations and the Grand Tree Lighting shows, Galleria Dallas offers a full calendar of events throughout the holiday season. From free skating shows to special performances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The holiday season at Galleria Dallas is a time to come together, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and create new traditions.
