27th Annual Ice Spectacular

(Photo: Simon) 

The Galleria will officially kick off the holidays as it hosts the 27th Annual Tree Lighting and Ice Spectacular on Saturday, Nov. 14, 6 p.m. at ICE at The Galleria.

The 55-foot Christmas tree, featuring 450,000 twinkling lights and 5,000 ornaments in a variety of colors and shapes, will light up the mall during the annual 45-minute tree-lighting show. The holiday event will feature a performance by Ren Patrick from the Los Angeles-based dance-pop group Stamps, as well as dynamic ice routines by five popular professional skaters. The event will culminate with the lighting of the tree by Skating Santa and a fireworks display.

The skating component of the evening will be highlighted by a spectacular group of professional skaters including Ashley Clark, Erin Reed, Scott Smith, Kim Navarro and Brent Bommentre. 

Ice Spectacular is a day packed with free holiday entertainment beginning at noon. Family-friendly activities will include face painting, balloon artists and special retailer promotions. Santa Claus will also pose for pictures and listen to holiday wishes.

Ice Spectacular is free of charge, and guests should arrive early to claim a spot around the rink.  A very limited number of tickets for reserved seating for sale starting at 5 p.m. near the Ice at The Galleria entrance. Tickets are $10 and all proceeds go to MD Anderson Children's Cancer Hospital.