It’s only a few weeks until the tallest indoor Christmas tree in the United States will be on display for millions of visitors at Galleria Dallas. Beginning Nov. 11 and running through Jan. 6, 2016, the tree will be the centerpiece of five free ice skating shows during the holiday season. This is the 25th year for the Galleria to host ice skating shows. The shows feature Missile Toes, Galleria’s backflipping, ice skating Santa who shoots fireworks from his skates. Missile Toes is joined by featured national skaters as well as some of the top youth skaters in the region. This year’s celebrity skaters include 2014 Olympic Gold Medalists Charlie White and Meryl Davis, 2012 U.S. National Champions Caydee Denney and John Coughlin, two-time U.S. National Champion Alissa Czisny, U.S. Bronze Medalist and U.S. World Team Competitors Kim Navarro and Brent Bommentre, and 2011 U.S. Champion Ryan Bradley.

Angie Freed, General Manager of the Galleria Dallas, said that nearly 7 million people visit the tree each year and enjoy the ice skating shows, “and that number has grown steadily through the years." “The Galleria Dallas Christmas Tree debuted in the center in 1984, and has always been recognized as the tallest indoor Christmas tree in the U.S.”

Designed specifically for Galleria Dallas by what Freed called “a team of décor experts,” the tree is put up each year by 50 special “Santa’s Helpers” who work for more than 48 hours to erect and decorate the tree.

“Decorating for the holidays has become a beloved tradition for our team at Galleria Dallas,” said Cheri Donohue, Director of Operations for Galleria Dallas.  “There is a lot of pride that goes into the installation of the holiday decorations. For example, each branch on the tree is hand fluffed and handled by three different workers. Our team treats the décor with delicacy and precision, just like we would with the décor in our own homes.”   

The tree has more than 450,000 LED lights, 10,000 colored ball ornaments and a custom-designed 100 lb., 10-foot-tall LED star — the first of its kind in the US.

As the holiday season ends, the tree is stored offsite until next November’s holiday celebration.

“We are excited to host the millions of visitors during the holiday season,” Freed concluded. “Whether they are coming to check items off of their list, visit with Santa in his village, or enjoy one of our Macy’s Grand Tree Lighting Celebrations, we want every guest to feel warmly welcomed. We’re honored to be a holiday tradition for families, near and far.”

Visit Galleria Dallas at 13350 Dallas Pkwy in Dallas.