Neiman Marcus Unveils the 2007 Holiday Tree

Around 7 p.m. the crowd anticipated the unveiling of Newman Marcus' Annual holiday tree. Every year the department store creates a new holiday tree according to the years theme. This year as the store celebrates its 100th Anniversary, they decided to go with a futuristic theme. The 2007 holiday tree is made of chrome and steel, there are two identical miniature trees on both sides of the 100 foot holiday tree. It is decorated with stained glass orbs and there are mechanical arms surrounding the scene (such as a robotic family).

The Neiman Marcus building was also decorated with a wide variety of lights and illuminated butterflies.

The unveiling took place at approximately 7 p.m. where there was also a public fashion show (outside of the department store on Ervay Street) and a meeting with the Neiman Marcus Santa Claus. Upon the holiday tree unveiling people applauded, threw confetti and steamers. One participant, Mr. R. McDaniel, said that, "This is the 'real Dallas' this is why we live here and love living here." "When events like this take place, the people awaken with a new sense of purity and excitement," he concluded.

Multiple streets were blocked off for vehicle travel during the festivities, which lasted until 11 p.m. Those streets included, Ervay and Main to Field Street and Main Street. There were a large number of police present at the event.

Besides the unveiling of the annual holiday tree, there were also a host of other festivities, which included Christmas Caroling (where the carolers dressed up in 17th century attire) on Main Street, a downtown square Holiday tree lighting ceremony on Main Street and Akard Street, music at numerous posts throughout the festival, and mega screen video at numerous posts throughout the festival.

Over 10,000 people gathered to witness this special event and surprisingly there were no reports of violence or any other suspicious activities. All in all it was a great time for the entire family. The only downfall of this event was the long lines and congestion of people confined in this small area outside of Neiman Marcus as where other parts of the festival were not as congested.

The 2007 Neiman Marcus Holiday Tree, in this reporter's opinion, does not surpass the 2006 holiday tree (which was made of approximately $1 million shredded to create the tree itself). Some people reported that they cannot wait until next year's unveiling.