North Pole Party

Kick off the most magical season at Hilldale. Jingle all the way to our North Pole Party with festive activities for all ages to enjoy, concluding with our tree lighting.

 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.

 Spread Holiday Cheer

Bring joy to the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County during their toy drive. Please consider donating new, unwrapped toys suitable for ages infant to 18.

This year, we’re focusing on ages 12–18. Ideal donations include:

• Tech accessories
• Games & puzzles
• Arts & journaling
• Books
• Practical/Hygiene Kits

Guidelines: New and unopened; teen-friendly and unisex when possible; avoid items requiring accounts, Wi-Fi, or subscriptions.

Some popular items include board games, toys, stuffed animals, flannel pants, earbuds, headphones, makeup kits, and nail kits. In-store purchases of these items make great contributions as well! Drop your donation with their team at the event located near The Tree. They are also accepting monetary donations via QR codes at each activity station. OR donate ahead of time here.

 Spirit of the Season

• Keep an eye out for Santa from 3-6 PM as he strolls through Hilldale.
• Enjoy local musicians’ Sonora and Suzuki Strings perform classic tunes by the tree all evening.
• Listen to holiday carols from Capital City Theatre throughout Hilldale.
• Snap a photo with Nutcracker dancers from Dance Wisconsin at Kendra Scott
• Find the Selfie Stand near the 30-foot tree by Café Hollander and capture your perfect holiday selfie.
• Try your hand at a game of Curling at our lane in The Plaza.
• Make a winter craft at the kids’ corner inside of the Macy’s Atrium.
• Stop by the seasonal sparkle station in front of [solidcore] for face paint.
• Join LOVESAC at 3:30, 4, 4:30, and 5 PM for an Elf on the Shelf storytime with the Elf themself! Can’t make the storytime? Don’t worry, the Elf will be hanging out in between readings for photos. *capacity restriction at each reading. No strollers allowed in the space*
• Create a festive holiday craft at Paper Source.

 Winter Warmers

• Stay toasty with complimentary Crescendo hot chocolate and toppings bar (one cup per person, while supplies last). One near the Tree and one near Indochino.
• Satisfy your sweet tooth with complimentary toasty s’mores (while supplies last) near Metcalfe’s.
• Stop by Lush for chocolate and mint delights.

 Tree Lighting Spectacular

Follow Santa to The Plaza and gather ’round just before 6 PM as meteorologist Savanna Brito and news anchor Josh Spreiter, both from WISC-TV,  welcome 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.

• Buy 1, Get 1 50% off Holiday Boxed Cards at Paper Source.
• Kendra Scott is donating 20% of sales made during the event to Dance Wisconsin.
• Purchase a gift at Allure and get it gift wrapped – all donations will go to Boys & Girls Club of Dane County. Additionally, save 10% off your purchase when you donate 2+ non-perishable food items. Allure will be dropping off the donation to The River Food Pantry.
• Score a free kids meal with purchase of a bowl at sweetgreen during the event.
• 10% of sales made during the event at J.McLaughlin will be donated to Boys & Girls Club of Dane County + enjoy holiday treats and sips.
• Shop the Black Friday Preview Sale at Macy’s.
• $100 off a full price frame with prescription lenses in exchange for a donation to the River Food Pantry at Ulla Eyewear. Plus, stop in store and mention the event and receive a goodie bag.
• Free tote with purchase (while supplies last) at Levi’s + 30% off regular price items during the event.

 Please note that by taking part in this event, you grant the event organizers full rights to use the images resulting from photography/video filming. If you do not wish to be photographed, please let the staff and/or photographer know.

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