Holiday News

New holiday event Dallas Trail of Lights rolls Ferris wheel into town

Dallas Trail of Lights

The lawn outside Reunion Tower in downtown Dallas has a temporary new use: It will be home to Dallas Trail of Lights, a holiday limited-time event with carousel, drone shows, and even a Ferris wheel.

In a year when Christmas seems to be more over-the-top than usual, a Ferris wheel might be a new benchmark.

UPDATE 11-30-2024: The event has been pushed back one week: The current start date is December 6-December 25.
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The event will run from ~~November 29~~-December 25, which is mere days away. It seems like the team of elves will be working through the holiday. (Just like CultureMap!)

It's an all-ages event with Instagrammable photo ops galore and that includes what they're calling the World's Largest Light Tunnel, an awe-inspiring pathway glowing with millions of lights.

Other amusements include a classic Grand Carousel, the Ferris wheel, plus an Ice Slide and a Giant Snow Foam Pit.

A Drone Show will light up the night sky with holiday scenes three times per night, at 6:30 pm, 8:30 pm, and 10:30 pm. That'll be followed by a Projection Mapping Show that brings the spirit of the season to life. They'll also have an 80-foot-tall tree, a Santa on-site for photos, and hot cocoa.

The website does not divulge who is behind the event, and representatives from Reunion Tower were unavailable for comment.

There is a Trail of Lights that began in Austin in 1965 but organizers of that event say there is no connection. Other than Dallas Trail of Lights "borrowing" their name.

Tickets are $15 for 18 and older and $10 for 17 and under. (Children under three are free.) The official address is 700 Sports St. They also encourage you to sign up and make money on the event by sharing it on social media. If you get people to buy tickets, they promise you'll get 20 percent. You'll definitely see that money.

Let's pull out the bulleted list for a recap of all the amenities:

Drone Show - 3x a night 6:30, 8:30, 10:30 pm
Ferris Wheel
Ice Slide
Giant Snow Foam Pit
Projection Mapping Show
Grand Carousel
Fairybell Forest
Pictures with Santa
Instagrammable Photo Ops
Carolers
World's Longest Light Tunnel
Godswood Trees
Bouncy house village
80 ft tall tree of lights

For a long list of spectacular Christmas light events around Dallas, check out this story.

downtown event-planner holidays sponsored section2268697353

RIP Joe

Texas country music singer-songwriter Joe Ely dies at 78

Joe Ely/Facebook

Joe Ely was a major figure in Texas' progressive country scene.

Joe Ely, the legendary songwriter, singer, and storyteller whose career spanned more than five decades, has died from complications related to Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and pneumonia. He was 78.

According to a statement posted to his Facebook page, Ely died at his home in Taos, New Mexico, with his wife Sharon, and daughter Marie, at his side.

Born February 9, 1947, in Amarillo, Texas, Ely was raised in Lubbock and became a central figure among a generation of influential West Texas musicians. He later settled in Austin, helping shape the city’s reputation as a hub for live music.

"Joe Ely performed American roots music with the fervor of a true believer who knew music could transport souls," said Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

In the 1970s, Ely signed with MCA Records, launching a career that included decades of recording and touring around the world. His work and performances left a lasting impact on the music scene and influenced a wide range of artists, including the Clash and Bruce Springsteen, according to Rolling Stone.

"His distinctive musical style could only have emerged from Texas, with its southwestern blend of honky-tonk, rock & roll, roadhouse blues, western swing, and conjunto. He began his career in the Flatlanders, with fellow Lubbock natives Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock, and he would mix their songs with his through 50 years of critically acclaimed recordings."

Read the full story at KVUE.com.

obituary music country music celebrities deaths

Holiday News

New holiday event Dallas Trail of Lights rolls Ferris wheel into town

RIP Joe

Texas country music singer-songwriter Joe Ely dies at 78

Longtime Dallas restaurant Sevy's Grill to close after nearly 30 years

Colorado sandwich chain Snarf's makes Dallas debut with 5 locations

Dallas Crystal Charity Ball 2025 takes elegant expedition to South of France