Westfield Old Orchard Announces 2026 Holiday Lineup Featuring Black Friday, Seasonal Events and More

Westfield Old Orchard, Chicagoland’s premier shopping center and lifestyle destination, will offer a full lineup of seasonal experiences throughout November and December, giving guests more ways to gather, shop and celebrate.

With its open-air setting transformed for the season, Westfield Old Orchard offers a unique backdrop for holiday traditions, from festive lights and visits with Santa to Hanukkah celebrations and community events. Seasonal décor will be featured throughout the center, including the Westfield Holiday Trolley and a variety of festive photo opportunities. Beyond checking gifts off their lists, guests can make a day of the experience, shopping together, enjoying a meal, discovering new retailers and spending time with family and friends during one of the most festive times of year.

“Westfield Old Orchard is especially meaningful during the holidays because it’s a place where shopping and spending time together naturally go hand in hand,” said Maegen Akers, general manager of Westfield Old Orchard. “Whether families are continuing an annual tradition, gathering with friends or simply enjoying the atmosphere while finding the perfect gifts, we want the center to feel like a destination to celebrate the season together.”

Holiday programming at Westfield Old Orchard includes:

• Illuminate the Orchard | Nov. 21, 4–6 p.m.: Westfield Old Orchard will kick off the holiday season with its signature celebration featuring festive entertainment throughout the center. Guests can enjoy a DJ, holiday characters, seasonal treats and activities from participating retailers, plus appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus. The evening will culminate with a fireworks display at the holiday tree outside Sephora at 5:30 p.m.

• Visits with Santa | Nov. 27 – Dec. 24: Guests can stop by the Candy Cane Station, a festive indoor destination across from Bloomie’s, for holiday photos, festive moments and a chance to share their wish lists with Santa.

• Santa Cares | Dec. 6, 9:30–10:30 a.m.: Designed for children who benefit from a quieter and more comfortable environment, Santa Cares will offer families a sensory-friendly opportunity to visit and take photos with Santa at the Candy Cane Sation.

• Santa Paws | Dec. 7 and 14, 4–7 p.m.: Four-legged family members can join in the holiday fun during Santa Paws, when guests are invited to bring their pets to the center for photos with Santa at the Candy Cane Station across from Bloomies.

• Hanukkah with Skokie Chabad | Dec. 6 – 10: The center will once again partner with Skokie Chabad for Hanukkah celebrations featuring a menorah lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. each evening, along with music, hot cocoa and donuts. Programming will take place from 1–5:15 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 6, and 3–5:15 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7 through Thursday, Dec. 10.

• Holiday Blood Drives | Dec. 24 and 31, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.: Guests can give back during the holiday season through community blood drives on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

With more than 150 retailers, restaurants and experiences, Westfield Old Orchard gives shoppers plenty of ways to check off their gift lists in one visit. Guests can browse in person, see and try products firsthand and stop for a meal, coffee or seasonal treat along the way. Stay tuned for updates related to retailer activations and popups. 

On Black Friday, Westfield Old Orchard will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The center will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day and will operate on adjusted holiday hours on Christmas Eve from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., New Year’s Eve from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and New Year’s Day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Individual retailer and restaurant hours may vary.

For more information about Westfield Old Orchard, its upcoming holiday events and priority retailer activations and pop-ups, visit https://www.westfield.com/en/united-states/oldorchard/events.

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