Each holiday season, Galleria Dallas becomes one of North Texas’ most festive destinations, offering families multiple ways to celebrate in a single visit. This year, the iconic indoor ice rink earned national recognition, with the Galleria Dallas Ice Skating Center named one of the best ice skating rinks in the United States by USA Today. An impressive distinction in a state better known for sunshine than snowfall.
Located beneath the mall’s soaring glass atrium, the rink has been a seasonal staple since 1982, welcoming skaters of all ages. Over the years, it has hosted more Olympians than any other rink in Texas, blending elite skating history with family-friendly accessibility.
A Nationally Recognized Ice Skating Experience
Ranked No. 10 on USA Today’s list of Best Ice Skating Rinks, the Galleria Dallas Ice Skating Center offers a unique setting where beginners and seasoned skaters share the ice beneath a towering Christmas tree. The rink’s central location inside the mall makes it easy to pair skating with shopping, dining or other holiday activities.
For many families, skating at the Galleria has become a tradition, returning year after year to experience the atmosphere that feels both grand and welcoming.
Photo: Galleria Dallas
Santaland Turns A Santa Visit Into A Holiday Journey
Just steps from the rink, Santaland at Galleria Dallas transforms a classic Santa visit into an immersive experience. Often considered the top Santa experience in Texas — and possibly in the country — Santaland begins with a ride aboard the Santaland Express to the North Pole, complete with a singing conductor.
Families then stroll through an enchanted forest filled with snow before arriving at Santa’s beautifully appointed chalet for a private visit. The experience is intentionally unrushed, creating meaningful moments rather than quick photo stops.
Photo: Brian Ashcraft | Local Profile
A Special Opportunity For Spanish-Speaking Families
This week also marks the final Thursday offering of the Spanish-speaking Santa experience, giving Spanish-speaking families the chance to enjoy the full Santaland journey in their preferred language.
Why Visit
What sets Galleria Dallas apart during the holidays is how seamlessly it brings everything together. Both the ice rink and Santaland are located inside Galleria Dallas in North Dallas, making it easy to skate, visit Santa and enjoy the festive atmosphere without hopping between locations.
Between its nationally recognized ice skating center and its thoughtfully designed Santa experience, Galleria Dallas continues to be a destination families return to year after year — offering holiday magic that feels polished, memorable and easy to enjoy.
For more places to ice skate in North Texas, visit Local Profile’s guide here.
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