Avalon's Holiday Experience Promises Something For Everyone

Avalon has released its 2015 holiday event lineup, and residents will not be disappointed at wide variety of events geared towards every member of the family.

This year’s events will include the Lighting of Avalon, Avalon on Ice and Santa at Avalon, presented by Northside Hospital.

The award-winning Santa at Avalon will use special RFID technology to create magical experiences for children of all ages.

RFID is an enabling technology that will help the mixed-use development seamlessly deliver personalized experiences.

Parents can stop by Concierge or go online to register their children and pick up an “I Am Santa’s Gift” tag. The registration form includes questions about the child’s name, age, Christmas wishes and even an option to enter requests such as: clean their room, stop fighting with siblings, etc.

When the child approaches with the tag, Santa’s iPad – hidden inside his Naughty or Nice book – populates with the child’s registration form, allowing for a magical conversation between Santa and the child.

Avalon successfully introduced RFID technology to its Santa House in November 2014. In May 2015, the innovative Santa experience won the highest honor of MAXI awards from the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC).

“We take great care in creating the perfect Santa experience for our guests,” said Carla Toro, director of marketing at Avalon. “This could be a child who has anticipated his or her first meeting with Santa with great wonder and excitement, or it could be a doubtful 8-year-old who needs his or her belief in Christmas magic restored. From the magic of Santa to our dazzling ice skating rink and 30-foot Christmas tree, the holidays at Avalon will surely delight guests and residents of all ages.”

Last year, Avalon’s ice skating rink saw five marriage proposals and the Lighting of Avalon welcomed thousands of guests. A full list of 2015 events is detailed below. For the most current information, visit experienceavalon.com.

The Lighting of Avalon

On Nov. 22, get in the holiday spirit with festive music and free activities for the whole family. At sunset, Avalon’s 30-foot Christmas tree will light up and the evening will culminate with the arrival of Santa Claus. Holiday activities include:

• 11 a.m. to noon: Children’s scavenger hunt to find Santa’s reindeer;
• noon to 4 p.m.: Activities on Avalon Boulevard and in participating retail locations, including ornament making, face painting, crafts, hot chocolate, reindeer and more; and
• 2:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Live entertainment in the Living Room by Yacht Rock Schooner, Bogey and the Viceroys, fireworks and more.

Avalon on Ice

Lace up your skates and glide on ice at Avalon’s very own skating rink starting Nov. 22 through Jan. 24. Inspired by The Rink at Rockefeller Center, Avalon on Ice is open weekdays from 3:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 7 p.m.

Admission is $18, and children under 12 can skate for $12 Monday through Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Price includes skate rental.

Santa at Avalon

Bring the little ones – and the older ones who may need a dose of Christmas magic - for an unforgettable Santa experience.

Remember to register your child for a personalized visit beforehand at Concierge or online. Photos with Santa begin Nov. 23 through Dec. 24. Special Santa events include:

• Story Time with Santa: Nov. 23 and Nov. 24 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.; $5 for children. Pre-registration required through Concierge.
• Breakfast with Santa at Goldberg’s: Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.; $10 for children, $15 for adults. Pre-registration required through Concierge.
• Santa Cares: Dec. 6 at 10 a.m.; Santa will visit with special needs children in a controlled, sensory-free environment. The event will benefit the Lionhart School.
• Pet Nights: Dec. 13 and Dec. 20 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Grab your fur baby and take a photo with Santa at dog-friendly Avalon.

Black Friday

Black Friday shopping doesn’t have to be a hassle. Come enjoy your shopping experience at Avalon on Nov. 27. With a bevy of retailers like Anthropologie, Madewell, Johnnywas and Bonobos, guests can do their holiday shopping then settle in for a meal or drink at The El Felix or Colletta, a coffee at Caffe Antico or relax in front of the fire in The Plaza. Visit Concierge for information on the best Black Friday deals.

The first 50 shoppers to visit concierge at 9 a.m. will receive a “not-to-miss” Black Friday survival kit filled with the essentials for a full day of shopping provided by Avalon’s retailers and restaurants.

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Photo credits: Avalon/The Wilbert Group