Westfield Old Orchard kicks off holiday festivities
Westfield Old Orchard, the outdoor shopping and lifestyle destination in Skokie, welcomes the holiday season with beloved holiday traditions and a lineup of family-friendly events and seasonal decor.
Alongside wintertime festivities, Old Orchard is also celebrating new additions to its retail lineup including fine jewelry brand Mejuri, electric car manufacturer, Rivian and Umaka Ramen, as well as the upcoming opening of all-day café Cupitol.
The shopping center will usher in the holiday season with Illuminate the Orchard, a tree lighting in the center’s square on Saturday, Nov. 30. The lighting will follow the official opening of Santa Photos in Trolley Park and accompanying lounge, The Candy Cane Station, on Friday. Nov. 29.
Illuminate the Orchard will provide a night of twinkling lights, festive music, holiday-themed treats, activities and giveaways, concluding with celebratory fireworks display. Guests can also enjoy festive activities, refreshments and nightly Menorah lightings in partnership with the Chabad of Skokie starting the first night of Hanukkah, Dec. 22 through Jan. 1.
“Our lineup of holiday activations rings true to our mission of transforming Old Orchard into a fun and memorable winter wonderland for every one of our shoppers,” said Maegen Akers, general manager of Westfield Old Orchard. “With a focus on holiday happenings at the Orchard, we have more opportunities for friends, families and groups to get into the festive spirit together and find the perfect gifts for loved ones.”
In addition to holiday activations, Westfield Old Orchard is also hosting a food drive in partnership with Northwestern Athletics. The center will provide donation locations from Nov. 1-15 with collections benefiting Family Focus of Evanston.
A full list of holiday events include:
• Illuminate the Orchard (Nov. 30): Enjoy an enchanting evening of twinkling lights, festive music, holiday spin wheel prizes, cookies, mocktails and cocoa. Activities include wreath making, a 360-degree photo booth, meet-and-greets with favorite ice princesses and a special visit from Santa at 6:30 p.m., followed by a festive fireworks display at 6:45 p.m. — all in support of Make-A-Wish. The free event is from 5 to 7 p.m. and reservations are recommended and can be made on the website.
• Santa Photos in Trolley Park (Nov. 29-Dec. 24): Book photos with Santa and enjoy The Candy Cane Station outside of Trolley Park. Visits with Santa are always free and photo packages are available HERE.
• Santa Cares (Dec. 8): From 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., this sensory-friendly event invites families with special needs to enjoy a comforting visit with Santa, with accommodations for sensory, physical, and developmental needs. Appointments are available, and walk-ins are welcome.
• Santa Paws (Dec. 9 and 16): From 4 to 7 p.m. pet photos are available with Santa to celebrate the holiday spirit together.
• Celebrate Hanukkah with the Skokie Chabad (Dec. 22 to Jan. 1): Join the center for nightly activities and a Menorah lighting offering hot cocoa, cookies, music, crafts and a visit from the Dreidel Man mascot. Timing can be found on the website.
• For more details, visit www.westfield.com/united-states/oldorchard/events.
The center will also be hosting select seasonal promotions including:
• Black Friday Gift with Purchase: Spend $300 on Black Friday at any retailer or restaurant and receive a personalized OOR ornament. Same-day receipts required; exclusions apply.
• Winter Wednesdays: Download the Westfield App on Dec. 4, 11 and 18 for a free $25 AMEX gift card, redeemable at the Candy Cane Station outside the Santa Trolley.
• Super Saturday Gift with Purchase: Spend $300 to get a $25 gift card, $500 for $50, or $700+ for $100 AMEX gift card, from 2 to 4 p.m. Must show same-day receipts and redeem at the Candy Cane Station.
The center’s extended holiday hours will start on Nov. 29 through January 1. The center will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. To learn more about Westfield Old Orchard’s holiday events, new store openings and special holiday hours, visit www.westfield.com/oldorchard.
About Westfield Old Orchard
With a growing offering of more than 150 retailers, dining options and event spaces including Louis Vuitton, Bloomie’s, Bar Siena and Pottery Barn, the center is transforming the in-person shopping experience for Chicago’s North Shore and beyond. In tandem with its ever-evolving roster of partners and ongoing community engagement, Westfield Old Orchard is undergoing a transformative redevelopment with plans to create a vibrant, multifaceted destination soon to be home to modern residences, gourmet markets, green spaces and outdoor lounges. Learn more about Westfield Old Orchard, its retailers, upcoming events and initiatives at www.westfield.com/oldorchard, or visit the center at 4905 Old Orchard Center at the intersection of Skokie Blvd. and Old Orchard Road in Skokie, Ill.