Santa Photos, Tree-Lighting, Fireworks Mark Holiday Season Celebration At Old Orchard Mall

SKOKIE, IL — With a tree lighting, fireworks and a string of scheduled holiday events set to kick off this month, Old Orchard shopping center management invited suburban shoppers to celebrate the season at the Skokie mall, which will feature extended hours after Thanksgiving.

“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.

Extended holiday shopping hours will begin Nov. 29 and continue through Jan. 1. The center will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Scheduled holiday events begin with the opening of Santa Photos and The Candy Cane Station in Trolley Park on Nov. 29. That is set to be followed by the “Illuminate the Orchard” tree-lighting, which is scheduled for Nov. 30 — the Saturday after Thanksgiving — in the center’s square.

During the event, which concludes with a fireworks display, guests will have access to holiday-themed treats, giveaways and activities like wreath-making, a 360-degree photo booth and a appearance from Santa. The event is free and open to the public, and reservations are recommended.

Chanukah celebrations, organized in partnership with Skokie’s Chabad, will start on Dec. 22 and continue through Jan. 1 with nightly Menorah lightings, hot cocoa, crafts and appearances by Dreidel Man, according to Old Orchard management.

“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," Aker said.

Mall representatives touted the arrival of new retailers and restaurants, such as jewelry brand Mejuri, electric car manufacturer Rivian and Umaka Ramen. A new location of the all-day cafe chain Cupitol is also set to soon open at the mall.

Westfield Old Orchard is also collaborating with Northwestern Athletics to hold a food drive supporting Family Focus of Evanston. Donation locations will be open from Nov. 1 through Nov. 15.

This year’s event series includes “Illuminate the Orchard” on Nov. 30, featuring

Visitors to Old Orchard can book photos with Santa at Trolley Park from Nov. 29 through Dec. 24, with visits to Santa free of charge.

Additionally, a sensory-friendly event called “Santa Cares” will be held on Dec. 8 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., offering a quieter environment for families with special needs.

Pet owners can take part in “Santa Paws” on Dec. 9 and Dec. 16 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Nightly Menorah lightings and Chanukah activities with the Skokie Chabad will run from Dec. 22 through Jan. 1.

The shopping center is also offering seasonal promotions. On Black Friday, shoppers who spend $300 will receive a personalized ornament with same-day receipts required.

“Winter Wednesdays” on Dec. 4, 11, and 18 provide a $25 AMEX gift card to those who download the Westfield App, redeemable at The Candy Cane Station outside Trolley Park.

And “Super Saturday” on Dec. 23 offers a gift card incentive for purchases over $300, with increased gift card values for larger spending amounts.

The events and seasonal activities come as the shopping center prepares for a significant redevelopment approved by the Skokie Village Board in October.

The $100 million project, led by mall owner Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield in partnership with Chicago-based developer Focus, includes a plan to add luxury apartments and additional retail space. The first phase is expected to break ground in 2025 and will include a mix of retail and residential buildings.

This development is set to include approximately 400 residential units and 15,000 square feet of retail space. Plans also call for a public event space for community activities.

The redevelopment, approved after debate about affordable housing mandates, will reserve a portion of units as affordable housing for the first 25 years of the project, though village officials determined it is not subject to Skokie's recently passed inclusionary housing ordinance.

Read more: Despite Debate Over Affordable Housing Mandates, Village Board Approves Old Orchard Revamp