Westfield Old Orchard Mall in the northern suburbs is about to be decorated for the holiday season.
Starting Friday, the “Santa’s Trolley Experience” will return to Skokie Mall, featuring a historic trolley exhibit, a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music and more, the release said.
This year’s Holiday Experience will take place inside “The Cube,” located in front of Macy’s department store in the heart of the mall. The experience requires tickets and reservations and can accommodate up to five guests, according to the release.
Other festive events will be held at the mall during the holiday season, including nightly menorah lightning, starting on the first night of Hanukkah on Thursday, Dec. 7, the release added.
Officials say Old Orchard will have extended business hours. From Black Friday, November 24th to January 2nd. The mall will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, officials added.
The Old Orchard will also host “Downton Abbey: The Exhibition” for a limited time, giving guests the chance to tour some of the TV show’s most popular sets, the release added. According to a release, guests will be able to get up close and personal with more than 60 costumes from the show.
General admission and VIP tickets for the exhibition are open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and can be purchased here.
The mall is currently undergoing a “major” redevelopment, which will include apartments, green space and an event area. Additionally, over 15 new stores have opened in Old Orchard in the past two years.