Magical Moments and Holiday Events this December at Westfield Old Orchard

CHICAGO, IL, December 01, 2012 (Press-News.org) Westfield Old Orchard Hosts Magical Moments Decor Preview Event and Tree Lighting Ceremony, December 1

In mid-November Westfield Old Orchard underwent its biggest holiday transformation yet, called Magical Moments. Oversized ornaments and 3 larger-than-life trees were setup throughout the shopping center to embrace the holiday spirit. The largest tree measures a towering 36 feet featuring a walk-through component including a touch screen interactive ornament, a wall of silver mirrored spheres, family photo booth and a light show display which runs every 30 minutes.

To formally launch the holiday season, Westfield Old Orchard is holding a Tree Lighting Ceremony, 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. December 1. The night's events will include an official tree lighting with NBC's very own Lee Ann Trotter guest hosting and a special appearance by Skokie Village Mayor George Van Dusen.

The evening will be filled with a flurry of holiday festivities. A special holiday parade led by Santa including the Niles North Marching Band and Maine East Cheerleaders will begin at 5:45 p.m. with your favorite holiday classics sung by the Niles North High School Choir. There will be a complimentary ice skating performance by Ice-Semble Chicago and Skokie Skatium at 7:15 p.m. in the shopping center's newly built ice skating rink located near Bloomingdale's. The spectacular event also will include the reduced ice skating price of $6 per person (5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.). (Regular skating prices are $12 with skate rental; $10 without.)

Additionally, those who attend this special event will have a chance to enter to win 4 tickets to see the North Shore Center's Saturday December 15 production of The Nutcracker.

There also will be sweet treats, warm beverages, retailer discounts and an opportunity to snap a family photo with Santa and his merry elves. Courtesy of partners the Museum of Science and Industry, you can meet Snoopy and Charlie Brown too!

Westfield Old Orchard also is offering a special gift with purchase during the event. Shoppers can receive a general admission ticket to Charlie Brown and the Great Exhibit (valid through February 18, 2013). Other promotions include complimentary goodie bags given to the first 250 people and the chance to receive a $10 Westfield gift card with a $250 purchase (see concierge for details).

Westfield Brings Back Wfamily's Story Time to Celebrate the Holidays December 1

Westfield Old Orchard's Wfamily event series is back yet again, striving to help introduce children to learning through literature and creativity. This month's event, Celebrate the Holidays, is held at Barnes and Nobles' lower level, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. December 1. 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 age children with no registration necessary. Children are required to be accompanied by an adult.

Visit Festival of Trees to Support a Local Charity Through December 24

During this special holiday season of giving, Westfield Old Orchard has partnered with ten local non-profits to give back to those who may be in need. The participating organizations have decorated trees, which are displayed near Macy's on the north end of the center. Throughout this holiday shopping season, join Westfield in the spirit of giving by voting for your favorite.

Participating non-profits include the American Cancer Society, the ALS Association, Make it Be tter, Alzheimer's Association, A Special Wish Foundation, North Shore United Way, Museum of Science and Industry, Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control, the Kindness Connection and Center for Independent Futures. To vote, retrieve your gold voting coin from the nearby machine and place it in the non-profits designated box. The winning decorated tree's organization will be announced on the Westfield Old Orchard Facebook page and will receive a $1,500 donation from Westfield.

Traditional Menorah Lighting Ceremony December 8

To celebrate the start of Hanukkah, Westfield Old Orchard will host a traditional lighting ceremony for patrons of the Jewish faith, 5:45 p.m. December 8. The 8 ft. menorah resembles other larger-than-life Magical Moments attractions displayed in the center's common area. The event will be facilitated by Beth Hillel of the Congregation Bnai Emunah. Enjoy the lively children's choir, hot beverages, sweet treats and a wonderful evening with family and friends.

Holiday Hunt Through December

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 Westfield holiday ornament redeemable at the concierge center.

Westfield Old Orchard 'Ice' Skating

For a truly winter wonderland experience, Westfield has opened an ice skating rink. The Ice rink is housed near Bloomingdales priced by the hour at $12 per person including skate rental or $10 per person if you bring your own personal skates. Hours are noon to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Holiday hours may be extended, visit westfield.com/oldorchard for details.

Love to Gift Sweepstakes

Westfield Old Orchard is offering a Love to Gift Sweepstakes for a chance to win $1,000 to spend on gifts for loved ones. Visit the Westfield Old Orchard Facebook page to register.

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. Additional activities will include face painting and a performance by the Niles North High School Choir. 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) 933-9572.

Throughout the season other Westfield Old Orchard retailers will host similar Breakfast with Santa events. Macy's offers numerous breakfast with Santa events at 9 a.m. on December 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23. The price is $17.95 for adults and $13.95 for children. Macy's reservations are accepted at (877) 556-2297.

New Trier H.S. Fashion Students Showcase Holiday Displays Through December 31

In a partnership with Westfield Old Orchard, local students from nearby New Trier High School have built and installed holiday displays at the shopping center to be shown through December 31. To see the displays, representing the shopping center's multitude of retailers, visit the best of home featured at Barnes and Noble, the food display in front of William Sonoma and the fashion showcase housed at the Concierge Center, symbolizing months of hard work by the students. The New Trier Holiday Showcase is the culmination of a business school partnership which began in the schoolroom during the fall semester.

Fashion Marketing and Merchandising students took part in a visual merchandising workshop led by Oak Street Design. The students gained insider knowledge and hands-on experience essential to improve their craft.

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 (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

Hugo Boss joined the list of Westfield Old Orchard's luxury retailers this past November. The world renowned men's and women's designer, known for its sleek and stylish collections, is located near Nordstrom.

Also new is C.D. Peacock, a leading jeweler in Chicago that 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 opened this past 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.

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.

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