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    Video Tale

    See The Galleria's massive Christmas tree get decorated in a mere 25 seconds: A 55-foot holiday wonder

    Barbara Kuntz
    Nov 14, 2014 | 9:02 am
    See The Galleria's massive Christmas tree get decorated in a mere 25 seconds: A 55-foot holiday wonder
    play icon

    If this brisk winter-like weather isn't getting you into the celebratory spirit, then the video above will fast-forward you into that magical mood.

    It's a sneak peek at the Christmas tree at The Galleria being decorated in a flash of 25 seconds.

    The 26th Annual Ice Spectacular and Official Tree Lighting is set for 6 p.m. Saturday, with the yearly tradition free and open to the public. The fun begins at noon that day and is packed with holiday entertainment. Face painting, balloon artists and pictures with Santa Claus are on the schedule, and B.A.R.C. staff members will be on site to host pet adoptions.

    Kree Harrison, American Idol Season 12 finalist, will perform near tree-lighting time and five popular professional skaters will perform dynamic ice routines. A skating Santa Claus will light the tree, and a fireworks display follows.

    Guests are encouraged to arrive early to claim a spot around the rink. Reserved seating will also be available for purchase from 3 to 5 p.m.. All proceeds benefit the M.D. Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital.

    Here are some facts to know and share about the 55-foot-tall wonder:

    • The Galleria tree has more than 450,000 twinkling lights
    • More than 5,500 ornaments in a variety of colors and shapes hang from the tree each year
    • The installation takes more than 13 hours of work by 50 men and women
    • The Galleria tree is the largest hand-installed Christmas tree on top of an ice rink
    • The tree's more than 1,000 branches are hand fluffed by individuals starting in September

    Now, just click on the video, and you're sure to feel some holiday joy — and a smile growing on your face. (Reverse is pretty fun, too.)

    unspecified
    news/city-life

    Hot Headlines

    New owner of Texas Renaissance Festival revealed in our top 5 stories

    CultureMap Staff
    May 17, 2025 | 11:01 am
    Amid scandals covered by multiple documentaries, the nation's largest Renaissance festival opens for its golden season.
    Photo courtesy of the Texas Renaissance Festival
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    Editor's note: It's time to look back at the top Houston news of the week. Details emerge on the new owner of the Texas Renaissance Festival, plus high profile restaurant openings are on the horizon. Catch up on our five most popular stories below, then visit this guide to plan your weekend.

    1. Winner of Ren Fest lawsuit plans to keep the event mostly unchanged. Following a recent court ruling, the Texas Renaissance Festival will soon be under new ownership, but much will remain the same as it has for the last half century. CultureMap has the details.

    2. Houston's most pretty-in-pink restaurant quietly closes in Upper Kirby. PostScript, the posh pink restaurant that opened to considerable fanfare in early 2024, has closed for good.

    3. Massive, German-inspired beer garden coming to new Energy Corridor project. One of Houston’s most successful bar operators is bringing his talents to the Energy Corridor with a new beer garden slated for early 2026.

    Katy Beer Garden outdoor patioThe new beer garden will be similar to Katy Beer Garden. Photo by Eric Sandler

    4. Houstonians will get the royal treatment at this lively new steakhouse. Mark your calendar for Houston’s newest steakhouse, opening May 21.

    5. Luxury bus service Vonlane adds new departure from The Woodlands. The Texas-based luxury motor coach will roll out daily service between Dallas and The Woodlands in June.

    hot-headlinestexas renaissance festivalclosingsopeningsbeer gardenenergy corridorsteakhousevonlanetravelmost popular stories
    news/city-life
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