American Dream reveals extensive holiday schedule
One of America’s largest malls is gearing up for the holiday season in a big way.
American Dream, the 3 million-sq.-ft. Triple Five Group property in East Rutherford, N.J., is giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy the holidays with a host of activities, including Santa Claus appearances, holiday-themed attractions, extended Black Friday shopping hours, and more.
“American Dream is the place to be this holiday season if you’re looking for a unique shopping experience and unforgettable family fun,” said Bryan Gaus, senior VP and general manager of American Dream. “Our retail collection is unmatched in the area, featuring a wide array of fashion choices for every age group and wish list. Guests can also enjoy our fine dining and state-of-the-art attractions, making this holiday season one to remember.”
[READ MORE: Mall of America details holiday activations]
American Dream’s 2024 holiday events include the following:
Santa’s Debut at Holiday Dreamland Santa Claus will kick off the holiday season with a festive “Santa Spectacular” that includes a holiday performance followed by a celebratory parade led by St. Nick to his new home at Holiday Dreamland. Guests will receive a candy cane from It’sugar and can decorate cookies at Marcus Live!
Dates: Nov. 23 at 11 a.m.
Location: Dream Stage for the start of the parade; Marcus Live! For cookie decorating
Santa Photos and Santa Paws Guests can capture the magic of the season by taking a photo with Santa at Holiday Dreamland. Santa Paws Pet nights (dogs only) will take place on Mondays (Dec. 2, 9 and 16) from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Dates: Now – December 24, including Sundays
Location: Holiday Dreamland
Black Friday Weekend This Black Friday, American Dream guests can hunt for deals and discounts from over 250 retailers and 65 eateries with extended shopping hours (Friday, Nov. 29: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 30: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.). Early shoppers will also get to Spin to Win for instant prizes on Black Friday at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and Noon and on Nov. 30 from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. There will also be a special Characters of the Dream Parade on Black Friday at 9 a.m., featuring the various characters and personalities that call American Dream home.
Spin to Win Throughout the holiday season, shoppers can Spin to Win for Instant Prizes, including electronics, clothing/accessories, and gift cards.
Dates: Nov. 29-30; Thursdays and Fridays in December
Location: Court A
Breakfast with Santa Shrek Visitors can celebrate the holidays enjoying a delicious breakfast at Marcus Live! with everyone’s favorite ogre Santa Shrek.
Dates: Dec. 7
Location: Marcus Live!
Santa Brunch Join American Dream for a morning filled with holiday cheer as Santa joins visitors at Carpaccio for brunch.
Dates: Dec. 14, 15, 21, 22
Location: Carpaccio
Holiday-themed attractions
Nick The Halls Guests can get in the holiday spirit with Nick the Halls at Nickelodeon Universe. Santa SpongeBob will greet families and bring holiday cheer, and at the Elf Workshop, elves can help kids write a letter to Santa, decorate ornaments, and create festive crafts.
Dates: Daily beginning Nov. 10
Location: Nickelodeon Universe
Shrek The Halls At DreamWorks Water Park, Shrek will be decked out in Santa gear, ready for a photo op with the entire family.
Dates: Daily beginning Nov. 25
Location: DreamWorks Water Park
Holidays at Hasbro At The Gameroom Powered by Hasbro, the first-of-its-kind entertainment center featuring games, attractions, retail, and dining, guests can try the specialty Holiday Coca Cola Float in a commemorative cup, or one of the other unique milkshakes from the Candy Land shake bar.
Dates: Daily beginning Nov. 25
Location: The Gameroom Powered by Hasbro
Geoffrey’s Express Guests of all ages are welcome to enjoy a train ride through American Dream on Geoffrey’s Express at Toys”R”Us.
Dates: Running daily beginning Dec. 8
Location: Toys"R"Us
Angry Birds: Holiday Party Celebrate the holidays with Red the Angry Bird and win prizes for a hole-in-one, while working on arts and crafts projects and enjoying face painting and balloon artists
Dates: Dec. 21 from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Angry Birds
Mirror Maze: Theme Maze Guests can navigate their way through the holiday-themed maze as festive lights and music play throughout the attraction.
Dates: Dec. 8 – Jan. 4
Location: Mirror Maze
Tilt: Snack, Snap, n’Paint Classes American Dream guests can enjoy themed artistry days, creating your own turkey or holiday card.
Dates: Nov. 24 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.; Dec. 22 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Tit
Characters of the Dream Parade Guests can watch their favorite American Dream characters parade throughout the center and take pictures alongside their favorite friends.
Dates: Nov. 23 at 3 p.m., Dec. 22 at 3 p.m.
Location: Court A
Theme Night Public Skates The Rink gets in the holiday spirit with festive, themed nights. American Dream invites guests to come skate on its NHL regulation sized ice rink.
Dates: Throughout December
Location: The Rink
Legoland: Holiday Bricktacular Activities Families can enjoy a winter wonderland of activities, festive decorations, including: Build To Give, Miniland Winter Wonderland takeover, Meet Leg Santa or Lego Gingerbread, Seasonal Scavenger hunt, and more.
Dates: Nov. 29 – Jan. 1
Location: Legoland
Sealife: Twinkling Tides Guests can celebrate the holidays under the sea with thousands of lights under the seas. Enjoy over 10 interactive zones, spot Scuba Claus in the ocean tunnel, attend a Noon Years Eve celebration and a coldwater creature scavenger hunt.
Dates: Nov. 29 – Jan. 1
Location: Sealife
Festive entertainment, surprise and delight moments
The Dream Stage American Dream will welcome local bands, artists and performers to take center stage all season.
Dates: Select dates from Nov. 25 to Dec. 24
Holiday Greeters Experience the warmth of the season at American Dream with holiday greeters spreading cheer and treats throughout the center. Friendly elves will welcome guests with “smiles, guidance and sweet treats” this holiday season.
Dates: Fridays, Saturdays and peak shopping days
Winter Wonderland Guests can immerse themselves in a winter wonderland with a wintry landscape where snowflakes fall and twirl around.
Dates: All season
Location: The Garden
Other highlights
Gift Cards Guests who purchase an American Dream gift card valued at $250 or more throughout the holiday season will receive a complimentary pass to Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park or DreamWorks Water Park.
Gift Wrapping Visitors can stop by Guest Services for help wrapping holiday gifts. Each purchase results in a donation made to charity.
Dates: Dec. 7, 14, 21, 23 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
In addition to the holiday activations, American Dream is touting its new stores, including Amouage, Balenciaga, Francesca’s, Garage, Gentle Monster, Gucci, Miniso, Rent the Runway, and Time Vallee. The dining collection has expanded with Around the Clock Diner, H Mart Food Hall, Kung Fu Tea, and Little Sheep. The attractions lineup has also grown with the arrivals of Bubble Planet, The Gameroom Powered by Hasbro, New Jersey Hall of Fame, and Sesame Street Learn & Play. Additionally, Nickelodeon Universe has added the popular Paw Patrol Hero Academy.
