Tag Archive for: holiday events

ATLANTA-AREA SIMON CENTERS RING IN THE SEASON WITH HOLIDAY EVENTS 2019

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/10/19

Families invited to get festive with activities at Lenox Square, Mall of Georgia, North Georgia Premium Outlets, Phipps Plaza and Town Center at Cobb

Atlanta-area communities can soon get into the spirit of the holidays at Lenox Square, Mall of Georgia, North Georgia Premium Outlets, Phipps Plaza and Town Center at Cobb. Throughout November and December, the five Simon centers are decking the halls with Santa photos, tree lightings, festive family-friendly events and even blood drives to give back.

Lenox Square

  • Photos with Santa/Macy’s Court: November 1 – December 24
    Families are invited to capture special holiday moments with the jolliest man in town! For hours and Santa’s full schedule, visit simon.com/lenoxsquare. Guests can save time and avoid the line with Santa’s Fast Pass!

    • Pet Photos with Santa/Macy’s Court: December 8 from 7:30-9:30 p.m.
      Calling all festive, four-legged friends! On December 8, families may bring their pets for an unforgettable picture with Santa. Main mall entrance near Nike (no reptiles or exotic animals permitted).
    • Caring Santa/Macy’s Court: December 1 from 8-10 a.m.
      ​​​​​​​Caring Santa is a private photo event designed for children and young adults with special needs and their families. Lenox Square has made adjustments to the environment to support the sensory, physical and other developmental needs of children of all abilities for this special event. Caring Santa will be held during private mall hours to provide a more sensory-friendly environment. Guests are encouraged to enter through the Main Mall Entrance by Nike. Advanced registration on simon.com/caringsanta.
    • Macy’s Pink Pig: November 2 – January 5 *closed Thanksgiving + Christmas*
      Atlanta’s most renowned holiday tradition! Children can climb aboard Priscilla the Pink Pig for a train ride through a life-sized storybook filled with friends and fun beneath the signature 170-foot, 1950’s themed Pink Pig tent. Tickets will be available at the Macy’s Pink Pig kiosk between Abercrombie & Fitch and Godiva on the Upper Level. For the full schedule, visit simon.com/lenoxsquare.
    • Santa’s Celebration: November 2 from 10 a.m. – noon
      Guests of Lenox Square are invited to visit Macy’s Court and join Santa and his elves for story time, snacks, giveaways and more to help kick of the most wonderful time of the year! Register for this fun filled day on Eventbrite.
    • Macy’s Great Tree Lighting: November 24 at 7 p.m.
      The 72nd annual Great Tree Lighting event will feature live musical performances, holly jolly entertainment and fun! The holiday spectacular will conclude with a festive fireworks finale set to fan-favorite music. The Great Tree will be on display November 24 – January 7.
    • The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program: November 22 – December 6
      Lenox Square will host The Salvation Army’s annual Angel Tree program, which provides new clothing and toys for children of families in need. This year’s Angel Tree will be located on the Plaza Level near Urban Outfitters. Representatives will be available Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
    • Marcus Autism Center Quiet Shopping Hour: December 1 from 11 a.m. – noon
      Lenox Square will host a “quiet hour” with the Marcus Autism Center for families with children on the Autism Spectrum Sunday, December 1 from 11 a.m. – noon. At participating stores, dimmed lights, muted music and reduced crowd sizes will provide shoppers on the Autism spectrum with a more comfortable and subdued shopping experience.

Mall of Georgia

  • Photos with Santa/Belk Court: November 1 – December 24
    Families can visit jolly St. Nick from November 1 – December 24 and join Papa Elf for a special appearance at Santa’s workshop on December 1, 7, 14 and 21! Visit simon.com/mallofgeorgia for Santa’s daily schedule. Save time and avoid the line by reserving a magical moment with Santa’s Fast Pass.

    • ​​​​​​​Pet Photos with Santa/Belk Court: November 24 from 7-9 p.m. and December 8 from 8-10 p.m.
      Pet parents are invited to get the paw-fect photo of their four-legged friends with the jolly man in red! Use the mall entrance between Belk and Von Maur. Reptiles and exotic animals are not permitted.
    • ​​​​​​​Caring Santa/Belk Court: December 1 from 8-10:30 a.m.
      Caring Santa is a private photo event designed for children and young adults with special needs and their families. Mall of Georgia has made adjustments to the environment to support the sensory, physical and other developmental needs of children of all abilities for this special event. Caring Santa will be held during private mall hours to provide a more sensory-friendly environment. Guests are encouraged to use the mall entrance between Belk and Von Maur. Advanced registration on simon.com/caringsanta.
  • Marcus Autism Center Quiet Shopping Hour: December 1 from 11 a.m. – noon
    Mall of Georgia will host a “quiet hour” with the Marcus Autism Center for families with children on the Autism Spectrum Sunday, December 1 from 11 a.m. – noon. At participating stores, dimmed lights, muted music and reduced crowd sizes will provide shoppers on the Autism spectrum with a more comfortable and subdued shopping experience. This will follow the Caring Santa event from 8-10:30 a.m.
  • Tree Lighting: November 9 at 3 p.m.
    St. Nick kicks off the merry season at 3 p.m. in The Village! Families can enjoy holiday-themed performances from a DJ; live entertainment by The Xperience; the annual 50-foot Christmas tree lighting; visits from Santa and Papa Elf; a special Movie Under the Stars presentation of “The Grinch;” festive activities and more! Chairs and blankets and welcome and guests are encouraged to come early, grab a seat, sip a cocktail and celebrate the start of a cheerful season!
  • Disney Holiday Play Date: November 23 from noon – 2 p.m.
    Disney Junior spreads cheer in JCPenney Court, with festive activities from noon – 2 p.m.!
  • Red Cross Blood Drives: November 29 – December 1 from noon – 5 p.m.; December 26 – 28 from noon – 5 p.m. Trained Red Cross staff will collect donations from noon-5 p.m. in the Upper Level near Dick’s Sporting Goods. Visit redcrossblood.org to schedule an appointment in advance, and enter code ‘moga’ for Mall of Georgia.
  • The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program: November 22 – December 6
    The Salvation Army will again visit Mall of Georgia for its annual holiday Angel Tree program, providing new clothing and toys for children of families in need on the lower level near Gap. Representatives will be available Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Sounds of the Season: December 5 and 6 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
    Local community and school groups will lead festive holiday performances in the Dining Pavilion to get shoppers in the spirit of the season.
  • Holiday Giftwrap: December 4-24
    Shoppers looking to save some time to spend with family can have their gifts wrapped in JCPenney Court!

North Georgia Premium Outlets

  • Photos with Santa/Food Pavilion: November 15 – December 24
    Families are in for a holiday treat with the brand-new Santa photo experience at Atlanta’s premier outlet shopping destination! For Santa’s day-to-day schedule, please visit premiumoutlets.com/outlet/north-georgia. Save time and avoid the line by reserving a magical moment with Santa’s Fast Pass.

    • Pet Photos with Santa/Food Pavilion: December 8 from 7-9 p.m.
      Pets need photos with the jolly man in red, too! Four-legged best friends are invited to get the paw-fect photo with Santa. Food pavilion main entrance (reptiles and exotic animals are not permitted).
  • Get Holiday Ready: November 1-17
    It’s never too early to begin shopping for the most wonderful time of the year! Fashionistas are invited to get advance access to the best deals on the season’s hottest gifts – including clothing, shoes, accessories, home goods and more.
  • The Ultimate Holiday Outlet Sale: December 6-24
    North Georgia Premium Outlets is taking the guesswork out of gifting during The Ultimate Holiday Outlet Sale! The center will offer a digital savings guide providing even more deals on over 140 premier brands – perfect for last minute gift-giving.

Phipps Plaza

  • Marcus Autism Center Quiet Shopping Hour: December 1 from noon-1 p.m.
    Phipps Plaza will host a “quiet hour” with the Marcus Autism Center for families with children on the Autism Spectrum Sunday, December 1 from noon-1 p.m. At participating stores, dimmed lights, muted music and reduced crowd sizes will provide shoppers on the Autism spectrum with a more comfortable and subdued shopping experience.
  • Sounds of the Season/Holiday Community Day: December 7 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
    As part of Phipps Plaza’s Tenth Annual Holiday Community Day, families are invited to celebrate the season with a day of live entertainment from local Atlanta organizations in Monarch Court.

Town Center at Cobb 

  • Santa Arrival Celebration: November 1 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
    Santa is riding his sleigh to Town Center at Cobb for the county’s best Santa Arrival Celebration! Shoppers can gather outside the Main Entrance to the Food Court between Belk and JCPenney at 6 p.m. to welcome Saint Nick with a festive parade of reindeer, other special guests, an enchanted snowfall and even photos with live reindeer! Activities include face painting and giveaways; and photos will be available from 6-9 p.m. in Center Court. The first 200 people to visit with Kris Kringle will receive a special gift courtesy of Town Center at Cobb. This is sponsored by WellStar Pediatrics.
  • Photos with Santa: November 2 – December 24
    Say “jingle bells” and smile with the jolly Mr. Claus himself! The man in the red suit will be stationed at holiday headquarters in Center Court for photo opportunities. Check simon.com/towncenteratcobb for his schedule! Save time and avoid the line by reserving a magical moment with Santa’s Fast Pass.

    • Pet Photos with Santa/Center Court: November 24 from 6-8 p.m. and December 15 from 8-10 p.m.
      On November 24 and December 15, shoppers can bring their beloved furry friends to pose with Santa Claus! Food Court’s main entrance between Belk and JCPenney; no reptiles or exotic animals will be permitted.Caring Santa/Center Court: December 1 from 10 a.m.-noon and December 8 from 9-11 a.m.
      Caring Santa is a private event designed for children and young adults with special needs to have a photo opportunity with Santa in a quieter setting along with their families. Town Center at Cobb will make adjustments to the environment to support the sensory, physical and other developmental needs of children of all abilities. Register online at simon.com/caringsanta to attend.
  • Marcus Autism Center Quiet Shopping Hour: December 1 from noon-1 p.m.
    Town Center at Cobb will host a “quiet hour” with the Marcus Autism Center for families with children on the Autism Spectrum Sunday, December 1 from noon-1 p.m. At participating stores, dimmed lights, muted music and reduced crowd sizes will provide shoppers on the Autism spectrum with a more comfortable and subdued shopping experience. This will immediately follow the Caring Santa event from 10 a.m. – noon.
  • The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program: November 22 – December 7
    Town Center at Cobb will once again host The Salvation Army for the annual Angel Tree program, which provides new clothing and toys for children of families in need. This year’s Angel Tree will be located in the Upper Level Center Court, and representatives will be available Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Red Cross Blood Drives: November 27 and 29 from noon-5 p.m.; December 22-23 from noon-5 p.m.
    Join in the spirit of giving at Town Center at Cobb’s annual holiday blood drives. Trained Red Cross staff will be collecting donations on the Upper Level JCPenney Wing. Visit redcrossblood.org to schedule an appointment in advance, and enter the code ‘tcac’ for Town Center at Cobb.
  • Sounds of the Season: November 29 – December 23
    Local organizations and schools will lead holiday performances throughout the season for shoppers. Visit simon.com/towncenteratcobb or facebook.com/towncenteratcobb for a list of scheduled appearances.
  • Holiday Giftwrap: December 5-24
    Newly purchased gifts can be wrapped at the Oakwood Gift Wrap booth – located on the Lower Level Macy’s wing – and have them complete by the time they are finished shopping. Visit simon.com/towncenteratcobb for schedule and pricing
  • PJ Party with Santa/Disney Jr. Holiday Event/Upper Level JCPenney Wing: December 7 from 1-3 p.m.
    ‘Tis the season to cozy up in holiday PJs! Town Center at Cobb’s PJ Party welcomes all kids on the nice list to enjoy activities, games and giveaways. During a special appearance, Kris Kringle will read a story to all of the good little boys and girls! For more information: simon.com/towncenteratcobb. This event is sponsored by WellStar Pediatrics.

THE SHOPS BUCKHEAD ATLANTA HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS 2019

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/3/19, updated 11/18/19

‘TIS THE SEASON TO FETE THE HOLIDAYS AT THE SHOPS BUCKHEAD ATLANTA

Featuring the Buckhead Bake Off to Kick Off the Season, Holiday Block Parties with Spontaneous Performances, Festive Window Displays & More

This holiday season, the streets at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta will transform into a festive holiday destination, complete with merry window displays, holiday block parties, a gift-wrapping station and the Buckhead Bake Off to kick off this joyous time of year. Dazzling art deco decor and holiday lights will thread throughout the shopping and dining destination’s winding streetscape, welcoming kids and adults alike to join in the celebration all season long.

From noon to 4pm on Saturday, November 30, merriment will be all around at the Buckhead Bake Off, launching the holiday season at The Shops. Free and open to the public, the celebration will include spontaneous performances and a friendly baking competition featuring delicious treats from some of Atlanta’s finest bakeries and restaurants. Judged by attendees, the Bake Off will culminate with St. Nick crowning the winner. Plus, there will be lawn games for the whole family to enjoy.

On December 7 and 14, The Shops Buckhead Atlanta will throw holiday block parties from noon to 4pm where guests will be invited to decorate a holiday cactus to take home, enjoy live entertainment and bring their furry friends to snap a festive pet portrait.

More information 11/18/19:

  • Buckhead Bake Off (Saturday, Nov. 30, Noon – 4pm) – Merriment will be all around at the Buckhead Bake Off, launching the holiday season at The Shops. Free and open to the public, the celebration in the streets will include spontaneous performances and a friendly baking competition featuring delicious treats from Atlanta bakeries and restaurants including Georgetown Cupcake, The Southern Gentleman, Root Baking Co., Spiller Park Coffee and King + Duke, among others. Guests will each receive seven complimentary tastings and a Best in Show coin to vote for their favorite treat. Judged by attendees and special guests, the Bake Off will culminate with St. Nick crowning the winner for Best Sweet, Best Savory, Best Classic and Best in Show. Plus, there will be a decorate-your-own holiday succulent station, a cupcake decorating tutorial by Young Chef’s Academy and lawn games for the whole family to enjoy. Commemorative Buckhead Bake Off totes and additional tastings will be available with a donation to Giving Kitchen, the local nonprofit providing emergency assistance to food service workers through financial support and a network of community resources.

 

  • Holiday Block Parties (Saturday, Dec. 7 & 14, Noon – 4pm) – The Shops Buckhead Atlanta will throw two Holiday Block Parties throughout the destination’s streets, inviting guests to enjoy live performances, bring their furry friends and cameras to snap a festive pet portrait and check off a holiday chore at a gift-wrapping station located in the Center Plaza.

 

Details on festivities, specials and complimentary offerings at shops and restaurants during the Buckhead Bake Off and Holiday Block Parties can be viewed here. Highlights include:

  • Bites, Sips & Fashion Illustrations at TOD’S (Saturday, Nov. 30, Noon – 4pm) – Guests can enjoy sips of prosecco, espresso and hot chocolate while browsing Italian shoes and leather goods. A fashion illustrator will be creating Tod’s personalized sketch art for shoppers purchasing gifts for others or themselves.

 

  • Small Business Saturday at Bella Cucina (Saturday, Nov. 30, 11am – 7pm) – Join Bella Cucina for Shop Small Saturday! The premiere artisan specialty food brand and shop offering all-natural, artful foods and gifts will have refreshments and a photo booth to celebrate a special pop-up open through December, featuring clothing, tabletop items and Heath Ceramics from Alabama Chanin. Peroni will be pouring beer and will give away a special glass to shoppers, while supplies last.

 

  • Home-Baked Treats & Gourmet Beverages at Abbey Glass (Saturday, Nov. 30, Noon – 4pm) – Shop Abbey Glass’s seasonal collection during the Buckhead Bake Off, and enjoy home-baked treats and gourmet beverages from Abbey’s favorite holiday recipes. Shoppers will receive free gift wrapping and a gift with purchases over $150.

 

  • The Southern Gentleman (Saturday, Nov. 30 and Saturday, Dec. 7 & 14, Noon – 4pm) – Cozy up at the New-American-meets-Southern restaurant and enjoy a complimentary hot chocolate bar during the Buckhead Bake Off. Guests can add a “spike” to the hot chocolate for an additional cost. 

 

  • Holiday Market at Buckhead Art & Company (Saturday, Dec. 7, Noon – 7pm & Sunday, Dec. 8, Noon – 3pm) – Sponsored by Wyndy – a free app helping parents find, book and pay trusted college babysitters – the Holiday Market will feature works from Buckhead artist moms including Emma Bell, Lindsay Von, Parrish Hoag and Christine Sommerville. On Saturday, December 7, the gallery will host a Holiday Happy Hour from 4 – 7pm.