Holiday Fun and More This November at Westfield Old Orchard

SKOKIE, IL, October 28, 2012 (Press-News.org) Westfield Old Orchard's (Skokie Blvd. & Old Orchard Rd.; 847-673-6800) Wfamily event series is back yet again, striving to help introduce children to learning through literature and creativity. This month's event, Turkey Tales, is held at Barnes and Nobles' lower level, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. November 3. Kids are invited to explore their imaginations during story time with the Skokie Public Library and get creative, with a make-it-and take-it craft. The hour-long event is open to pre-school aged children with no registration necessary.

Westfield Partners with New Trier High School Fashion Students

Westfield's commitment to community, education and learning is displayed with its partnership with Oak Street Designs and New Trier High School. During this fall school semester, students in New Trier's Fashion Marketing and Merchandising classes have been given the unique chance to connect directly with industry professionals and take part in the holiday visual displays for a selection of Westfield retailers.

These students have participated in a Visual Merchandising Workshop, where they learned the essential tools needed to conceptualize and design effective visual merchandising displays. They will then use their newly acquired expertise to create three indoor sculptures representing the best in home, fashion and culinary arts from top retailers at Westfield Old Orchard. Each sculpture will be displayed at select retailers during the holiday season, beginning November 13 through December 31.
By providing this experience to local students, Westfield Old Orchard hopes to energize shoppers, retailers and surrounding communities by creating a fresh visual experience for the center during the holiday season. To view more photos of the New Trier student's Visual Merchandising Workshop press here.

Westfield Old Orchard Unveils its Magical Moments Celebration and Events, Beginning November 17

Westfield Old Orchard is going through a larger-than-life transformation for the holidays.To capture the whimsy, nostalgia and tradition of the holidays, Westfield will unveil its Magical Moments decor, November 17. Filled with grandiose attractions in gold, silver and bronze throughout the center, Westfield Old Orchard guests will truly get into the holiday spirit. Adjacent to Macy's in the fountain will be giant ornamental display. Anchoring the entire holiday design are three over 25 foot trees, at Nordstrom, Macy's and Bloomingdales. The trees display light shows set to music, creating a multi-sensory experience.

To continue the interactive experience a walk-through tree will be located near the Koi Pond. As you approach, the lighting changes creating a welcoming effect. Once inside, you become surrounding by the holiday decor, with a touchscreen interactive ornament, and a wall full of silver mirrored spheres, creating a twist on funhouse mirrors.

Holiday Hunt
Also during the holiday season, Westfield will host a special Holiday Hunt. Customers will search for ornaments placed on the windows of a select group of Westfield Old Orchard retailers. To claim your "found" ornaments, customers are being asked to take photos with their smart phones. Only 5 ornaments need to be found to secure your limited edition holiday ornament; redeemable at the concierge center.

Westfield Old Orchard Ice Skating
For a truly winter wonderland experience, Westfield will be hosting a skating rink for guests. The skating rink will be housed near Bloomingdales, and launches November 17 (weather permitting). The price to skate per person is $12 and $10 if you bring your own personal skates. Hours are Monday through Thursday noon to 9 p.m., Friday noon to 10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Holiday hours may be extended, visit westfield.com for details.

Westfield Teams Up With Area Non-profits to Celebrate Festival of Trees

Westfield Old Orchard has partnered with 9 local non-profits to help give back to those in need. The organizations will decorate trees to be displayed in the shopping center. During the festival, launching November 17, shoppers will vote on their favorite trees. The tree with the most votes will receive a $1500 donation from Westfield. The American Cancer Society's tree will be themed Relay for Life and The ALS Association will create a "Step up to the Sleigh Fighting Lou Gehrig's Disease" tree. Other participating non-profits include Make it Better, Alzheimer's Association, A Special Wish Foundation, North Shore United Way, Museum of Science and Industry, Friends of Chicago Animal & Care Control and Center for Independent Futures.

To formally launch the Festival of Trees, a special preview event will be held, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. December 1. The festivities will include an official tree lighting with NBC's very own LeeAnn Trotter guest hosting. Additionally, those who attend this special preview event will have a chance to enter to win tickets to see the North Shore Center's production of The Nutcracker. Westfield Old Orchard will give away 5 sets of family four-packs (performances December 15-16). For more information on the North Shore Center, visit northshorecenter.org.

There also will be gifts with purchase, entertainment, food, beverage samples, retail offers and goodie bags. Kids will also get the chance to get their photo taken with Santa.

Menorah Lighting- December 8
For Westfield Old Orchard patrons of the Jewish faith a special menorah lighting ceremony will take place, 5:45 p.m. December 8. It will be facilitated by Beth Hillel of the Congregation Bnai Emunah. The menorah will resemble other larger-than-life Magical Moments attractions, in the center's common area.

Enjoy a Special Breakfast with Santa at Westfield Old Orchard - December 8
Kids visiting Westfield Old Orchard are in for a special treat this year. Maggiano's Little Italy will be hosting Breakfast with Santa, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. December 8. Santa will be jolly and ready to read a special holiday story and visit with the kids. Breakfast will be a delicious buffet of pastries, fruits, eggs, sausage and beverages at $14.95 a person. Reservations can be made with Maggiano's at (847) 933-9555.

Treat Yourself to a Special Shop and Stay Package When Visiting the North Shore

The Orrington Hilton
Partnering with The Orrington, guests have the opportunity to stay at a four-diamond luxury hotel situated in the heart of Evanston, IL. Upon check-in patrons will receive a $25 Westfield Gift Card by American Express, along with the exclusive Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Privileges card. This special package also includes complimentary parking and breakfast for two in the Globe Cafe. For more information and reservations call (888) 677-4648, and ask for reservation code P2; this unique package is available through March 31, 2013.

Hampton Inn and Suites
Treat yourself to a Shop and Drop package at the Hampton Inn and Suites. Relaxation, shopping and dining are on the agenda for a perfect weekend, this holiday season. This package starts with a $25 Westfield Gift Card by American Express at check-in, along with the exclusive Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Privileges Card, and continues with a complimentary shuttle to Westfield Old Orchard. Next, check everyone off your holiday shopping list at the more than 140 specialty shops, department stores, restaurants and more. Plus hotel guests receive a complimentary On the House hot breakfast. For reservations and more information call 1-800-HAMPTON and ask for reservation code SAD or visit northshoresuites.hamptoninn.com. The special package is available through May 31, 2012.

DoubleTree Hilton
Relax in comfort right across the street from Westfield Old Orchard at the Doubletree by Hilton Chicago-North Shore Conference Center. Guests immediately feel at home in the warm, inviting atmosphere. Indulge in the Shop and Stay in Style package, which includes a $50 Westfield Gift Card by American Express, along with the exclusive Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Privileges Card and a full hot American breakfast buffet for two guests. For reservations and more information call (800) 222-TREE and ask for reservation code WSP or visit chicagonorthshore.doubletree.com. Package is based on availability through March 31, 2013.

New Store Openings at Westfield Old Orchard

C.D. Peacock a leading jeweler in Chicago and has been part of the city's history since its inception. Founded back in 1837, when Chicago became incorporated as a city, C.D. Peacock has been a premier name in Chicagoland jewelry ever since. C.D. Peacock first came to Old Orchard Shopping Center in 1957, and Westfield welcomes the jeweler back to one of its original location. The 3,500 square foot store is located next to Tiffany & Co. near Nordstrom. The world renowned timepiece crafter and the Chicago-based jeweler will have its grand opening in early November.

This year the new retailer is celebrating its 175th anniversary and Rolex watches also are available in the new namesake boutique opening within the C.D. Peacock location.

Hugo Boss will be added to the list of Westfield Old Orchard's luxury retailers this Novemb er. The world renowned men's and women's designer, known for its sleek and stylish collections, will be opening near Nordstrom.

About Westfield Old Orchard
Westfield Old Orchard is conveniently located in Skokie, Illinois at the intersection of Skokie Boulevard and Old Orchard Road. The center is home to Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom Lord & Taylor and Macy's, along with 140 specialty shops, restaurants and cinemas. The center abounds with fantastic choices now including Henri Bendel, Timberland, Madewell, L.L. Bean, Tiffany & Co. and William Sonoma to name a few. Dining options include California Pizza Kitchen, The Cheesecake Factory, Maggiano's Little Italy, McCormick & Schmick's, Wilde & Greene, as well as fast casual options including Johnny Rocket's, The Corner Bakery, Potbelly Sandwich Works and more. For more information call (847) 673-6800 or visit westfield.com/oldorchard.