Kick off the most magical season at Hilldale. RSVP Here for free tickets
Jingle all the way to our North Pole Party with festive activities for all ages to enjoy, concluding with the tree lighting.
Aaron's note - we've been in the past (see pics below) and it's a terrific space and variety of activities. The green has fun craft activities and the chance to meet reindeer, plus wandering the center area is both beautiful spot with the lights, musicians, dancers and spots to warm up if it's a chilly day.
🦌 Reindeer Encounters
Sit in Santa's sleigh and strike a pose with one of Santa's reindeer on The Green near L.L. Bean. Two additional reindeer will be grazing near bartaco and elves will be present to answer all your reindeer-related questions.
🧸 Spread Holiday Cheer
Bring joy to the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County during their toy drive. Please consider donating new, unwrapped toys for children of all ages; click here to learn more about their holiday drives. Drop your donation with their team in the atrium in front of Macy's.
✍ Kids' Crafts and Letters to Santa
- From 3-5 PM, kids can stop by Creando Explorertorium's workshop on The Green featuring balloon artists, arts & crafts and goodie bags.
- In the atrium in front of Macy's, kids of all ages can get crafty creating festive ornaments adorned with jingle bells to welcome Santa and take home a piece of holiday magic.
- Visit Paper Source to write a letter to Santa and create crafts. Don't forget to drop your letter in the mailbox in the atrium in front of Macy's for delivery to the North Pole!
❄ Spirit of the Season
- Keep an eye out for Santa from 4-6 PM as he strolls through Hilldale.
- Sing along to classic songs with the Capitol City Theatre carolers from 3-5:30 PM.
- Meet Nutcracker dancers from the Monona Academy of Dance at Kendra Scott. 20% of sales during the event will be donated to the Academy.
- Find the Selfie Stand near the 30-foot tree by Café Hollander and capture your perfect holiday selfie.
☕ Winter Warmers
- Stay toasty with complimentary Crescendo hot chocolate and toppings bar, available at two stands near Indochino and Morgan's Shoes (one cup per person, while supplies last).
- Satisfy your sweet tooth with toasty s'mores outside of Metcalfe's, next to Paper Source (while supplies last).
- Stop by Wildewood for complimentary coffee and Rishi Tea samples (while supplies last).
- Head to the patio at Amara for hot mulled wine in a festive holiday mug and toast 'cheers' in front of their photo-op.
🎄 Tree Lighting Spectacular
Follow the serenade of saxophonist Jonathan Hoel from 5:30-6 PM as he leads Santa to The Plaza. Then, gather 'round just before 6 PM as Josh Spreiter from "In The 608" welcomes Santa to count down to the magical lighting of our 30-foot tree to officially kick off the holiday season!
🎁 Stroll and Shop
Enjoy Black Friday preview sales and special shopping & dining deals.
- Bluemercury: It's a Holiday Shopping Party! Clients receive 20% off $200, 25% off $800, and 30% off $1500 or more. Receive a Holiday Gift Bag with the purchase of $200 or more.
- FreshFin: Bring the little ones to FreshFin, where kids eat free with the purchase of a house-crafted bowl. Mention the promotion in-store to qualify.
- The University Book Store: Visit Booky and some holiday elves, munch on cookies and play a game to win prizes or shopping discounts.
- Check back as more great holiday shopping deals are added!
