Abercrombie, Lego and more stores to arrive along with holiday events at Old Orchard

A handful of new businesses will soon open in Westfield Old Orchard Mall in the coming weeks, just as the Skokie shopping center is set to host a variety of holiday-themed events. 

The clothing retailer Abercrombie & Fitch will open a store in a “newly refreshed space” inside the mall ahead of Thanksgiving weekend, according to a press release from Westfield Old Orchard. 

A “full-service” LEGO store and an eatery from the casual restaurant chain Sweetgreen will then join the mall in early December. Blue Bottle Coffee, a cafe chain, and Pop Mart, a collectible art toy chain, will each open a location in the mall in late December. 

See’s Candies, a confectionery, will also offer a “special pop-up” for a limited time throughout the holidays, a news release says. 

Old Orchard’s extended holiday hours will run from Nov. 28-Jan. 1, and the shopping center will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Outside the new arrivals, the mall will soon put on some family-friendly experiences, like the free Illuminate the Orchard from 4-6 p.m. on Nov. 29 near the mall’s koi pond.

That event will feature a tree lighting ceremony, live music, ice skating, giveaways and a fireworks display at 5:45 p.m.

Families can capture a photo with Santa Claus in the Candy Cane Station located near the Nespresso Boutique from Nov. 28 through Dec. 24

Santa Cares event will offer a “sensory-friendly Santa experience tailored for children and families with special needs” from 8:30-9:30 a.m. on Dec. 7. 

Santa Paws invites guests to bring their pets for a photo session with Santa Clause from 4-7 p.m. Dec. 8-15. 

Celebrate Chanukah with Skokie Chabad will take place nightly from Dec. 14-21 in the mall, with menorah lightings, crafts, hot cocoa and cultural celebrations. 

“This holiday season reflects Old Orchard’s ongoing commitment to creating a joyful and memorable destination for our guests,” said Maegen Akers, general manager of Westfield Old Orchard, in an email. 

“Alongside our signature holiday experiences, from Santa visits to the annual tree lighting, the addition of new brands like LEGO, Sweetgreen and Blue Bottle Coffee brings even more ways for families and friends to celebrate, connect and make lasting memories together,” Akers said.

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