If you're wondering whether the holiday experience that combines Snowday Dallas and Santaland at Galleria Dallas is actually kid-friendly, the answer is yes.
As a family of four with a 5-year-old and a 7-year-old, I was a little hesitant as I thought perhaps the Snowday part was too adult. And, honestly, I also wondered if it was worth the ticket price.
Turns out that it really is kid-friendly, we had a blast and came out with some awesome family photos — including some super cute portraits with Santa!
It's important to note that Snowday and Santaland are two separate experiences that can be combined with a combo ticket. Below you'll find a quick summary of both as well as our experience.
What is Santaland at Galleria Dallas?
This experience includes your ride on the Santaland Express (simulated, of course), a walk through a magical forest and your photo opportunity and visit with Santa. Pricing varies depending on the number of photos you want but starts at $42.25 for one adult and a child for the experience, to add on the photos packages start at $19.99.
What is Snowday Dallas?
This is the "Instagram" museum experience, Christmas-themed. Here you will find lots of photo opps that you can take for yourself as well as professionally staged photobooth-style spots. Adult tickets are $34.99 and children 4-12 pay $19.99.
Santaland & Snowday at Galleria Dallas
There is a fun option to combine both experiences: first ride on the Santaland Express and visit with Santa and then explore Snowday and get even more great Christmas photos with your family (or friends!). Fortunately, there is a combo special price which saves 15%.
The below outlines our experience at Santaland and Snowday Dallas so that you can decide for yourself which option would be best for your family.
What to expect: Santaland Galleria
Santaland Galleria is more than your basic mall Santa experience. Here's what to expect:
The Train (Santaland Express)
All aboard! First up you step onto the Santaland Express, take your seat while the train engine revs and steam rises up around the windows. Once the train starts "moving" (this is all simulated, of course), a jolly conductor talks you through the journey as Christmas scenes with lots of snow can be seen through the windows. The simulation is really well done and while no adult will think the train is actually moving, your kiddos might and they'll squeal with delight! This isn't an official photo spot, but have your camera ready, we captured some adorable pictures of our little ones captivated at the scenes out the faux window.
Through the magical forest to Santa!
Stepping off the train, a pathway leads you through a glittery forest of Christmas trees. There's even snow! Then, the trees part to reveal ... Santa! Reclining in his chair, surrounded by presents and with bells on his big black boots, Santa awaits to hear what your little ones want for Christmas and to pose for a photo, of course!
The entire room is very well designed and the result is a super cute family photo that you'll cherish.
If you do not buy a combo ticket Santaland and Snowday and only buy a Santaland ticket, your experience ends here. After your visit and photos with Santa you will exit the experience to pick up your pre-purchased prints, or if you did digital only you'll be sent a link with the images.
What to expect: Snowday Dallas
The Snowday Dallas experience is designed for endless fun and uniquely Instagrammable photo opportunities.
While there are plenty of spots to take your own photos using your own camera, what we really liked was that there were multiple pre-designed photo ops that take a photo for you on a timer. These photos are professional quality, with perfect lighting and excellent framing. Plus they're automatically sent to your phone.
So, is Santaland / Snowday Dallas kid-friendly?
Santaland
Yes, Santaland is kid-friendly. Santaland at Galleria Dallas is the perfect option to get great photos with Santa. The price is comparable to all other Santa experiences and actually includes more since you get the fun simulated train ride plus the cute stroll through the magical forest.
Snowday
If you and your kids love posing for photos, Snowday is a lot of fun. However, if they are little it can be challenging to keep track of your kids since there are multiple rooms/areas. If you have older kids and have the money, Snowday is a really fun Christmas activity and you'll love the photos.
All in all, we really enjoyed our experience and Snowday and SantaLand. We left with some fun Christmas memories, a traditional Santa portrait as well as multiple other beautiful Christmas photos.
Reserve your tickets for Santaland and/or Snowday at Galleria Dallas at snowdaydallas.com.
For more places to meet Santa, visit the link here.
