Westfield Old Orchard, Chicagoland’s outdoor shopping and lifestyle destination, is welcoming the holiday season with a vibrant mix of new retailers, festive events and programming designed to delight shoppers and families alike.
This holiday season, guests can indulge in a special See’s Candies pop-up, offering the beloved brand’s classic confections for a limited time throughout the holidays. Abercrombie & Fitch will open in a newly refreshed space ahead of the Thanksgiving shopping weekend, bringing the latest seasonal styles just in time for Black Friday. In early December, a full-service LEGO® store will open next to Cupitol, introducing a hands-on, family-friendly shopping experience perfect for holiday gifting. That same day, Sweetgreen, the chef-curated fast casual brand, will open its doors, offering fresh and flavorful meals for guests on the go. Looking ahead, Blue Bottle Coffee, known for its high-quality brews, will open in late December, followed closely by POP MART, the global collectible and lifestyle brand, also anticipated for a late December debut.
“This holiday season reflects Old Orchard’s ongoing commitment to creating a joyful and memorable destination for our guests,” said Maegen Akers, General Manager of Westfield Old Orchard in a statement. “Alongside our signature holiday experiences, from Santa visits to the annual tree lighting, the addition of new brands like LEGO, Sweetgreen and Blue Bottle Coffee brings even more ways for families and friends to celebrate, connect and make lasting memories together.”
In addition to its growing retail lineup, Westfield Old Orchard invites the community to take part in a variety of holiday-themed events and family-friendly experiences. This year’s seasonal highlights include:
- Illuminate the Orchard on November 29 from 4PM – 6PM near the koi pond, featuring a festive tree lighting ceremony, live music, ice skating, giveaways, and a grand fireworks display beginning at 5:45PM. This event is FREE for all attendees.
- Santa Photos beginning November 28 through December 24, located in the Candy Cane Station near Nespresso, offering families a chance to capture special holiday memories with Santa.
- Santa Cares on December 7 from 8:30AM – 9:30AM, a sensory-friendly Santa experience tailored for children and families with special needs.
- Santa Paws on December 8 and 15 from 4PM – 7PM, inviting guests to bring their pets for a memorable photo session with Santa.
- Menorah Lighting with Skokie Chabad, taking place nightly from December 14 to 21, including traditional menorah lightings, crafts, hot cocoa, and cultural celebration.
The center’s extended holiday hours will start on November 28 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 https://www.westfield.com/
