American Dream unveils holiday plans highlighted by giveaways, activations
American Dream’s holiday schedule has been revealed.
The East Rutherford, N.J. megamall has announced its slate of activations and promotions of the holiday season, including live entertainment, winter festivities, and more.
“American Dream is unmatched compared to other shopping and entertainment destinations in the world, and this will once again be on full display this holiday season,” said Adam Petrick, chief marketing officer of American Dream. “Where else can you meet Santa, cross off your holiday shopping list, hit the slopes, make gingerbread houses, ride a roller coaster and win an incredible prize giveaway - all in the same day? This will be another epic holiday season at the Dream, where lasting memories will once again be created with friends and family.”
[READ MORE: Mall of America announces Black Friday festivities]
American Dream’s holiday festivities include the following slate of events:
Santa’s Debut at Holiday Dreamland Santa Claus will kick off the holiday season with a festive “Santa Spectacular,” including a celebratory parade led by St. Nick to his new home at Holiday Dreamland.
Dates: Nov. 15 at 10:30 a.m.
Location: Starting at Coca Cola Bubble (Court A)
Apollo Theatre at American Dream The Apollo Theatre will bring its famous Amateur Night to American Dream with open auditions for its annual Amateur Night Holiday Special – a festive version of the classic talent competition that has been launching artists’ careers since 1934. Pop-up performances from Amateur Night alumni, an Apollo/Coca-Cola giveaway with soda sampling, and behind-the-scenes interviews with artists and performers will accompany the first-come, first-served auditions. Up to 125 vocalists will audition.
Dates: Nov. 15 from Noon – 4 p.m.
Location: Court D
Santa Photos and Santa Paws Guests can capture the magic of the season with holiday photos with Santa at Holiday Dreamland. Additionally, The Signature Santa Experience is available for purchase, including an extended 15-minute visit with Santa, elevated photo sessions, Story Time with Santa and special keepsakes.
Dates: Nov. 15 – Dec. 24, open seven days a week
Location: Holiday Dreamland
Special Santa Paws Pet Nights allow guests to bring their furry friends (dogs only) for photos.
Dates: Nov. 17, 24; Dec. 1, 8, 15 from 4 - 7 p.m.
Location: Holiday Dreamland
Max McNown Concert and Dream Big. Give Bigger In collaboration with Audacy’s new 102.7’s Karen Carson In The Morning, American Dream will host a three-week holiday toy drive benefiting New York City foster kids, culminating in a live performance by rising musical star Max McNown on Dec. 15.
Toy Drive Dates: Nov. 24 - Dec. 15
Concert: Dec. 15 at 6 p.m.
Location: Dream Stage
** Ticket information to be released on a later date
Black Friday Weekend American Dream transforms Black Friday into more than just a day of shopping, featuring prize giveaways with the Black Friday Dream Grab at both the Human Crane and Spin-to-Win Wheel, with line up starting at 5 a.m. Guests can also enjoy free skating at The Rink and free roller coaster rides on Shellraiser and free admission to the Paw Patrol Hero Academy at Nickelodeon Universe from 6 - 8 a.m., and purchase early-morning tickets to catch waves at Skudin Surf.
Dates: Nov. 28, beginning at 6 a.m.
Breakfast with Characters Guests can celebrate the holidays with Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob over breakfast at Marcus Live!
Dates: Dec. 7 at 9 a.m.
Location: Marcus Live!
Merry Mondays at Marcus Live! On Monday nights in December, visitors can enjoy dinner, decorating and festive fun, including gingerbread cookie decorating and hot cocoa bars.
Dates: Dec. 1, 8, 15
Location: Marcus Live!
Friday Night Lights On Friday nights in December, various American Dream brands will take the Dream Stage, offering interactive experiences, entertainment and exclusive product sampling.
Dates: Dec. 5, 12, 19, 3 – 9 p.m.
Location: Dream Stage
Santa Brunch Visitors can enjoy a magical morning with Santa at Carpaccio for brunch, featuring festive activities and delicious treats.
Dates: Dec. 13, 14, 20, 21
Location: Carpaccio
Noon Year’s Eve American Dream’s youngest guests can welcome the New Year early with a daytime celebration at Nickelodeon Universe, including a special countdown to noon.
Date: Dec. 31 at 11 a.m.
Location: Nickelodeon Universe
Nick The Halls Guests can get in the holiday spirit with Nick the Halls at Nickelodeon Universe, where characters will be dressed in their holiday best, and kids can ask an Elf to help them write a letter to Santa, decorate ornaments, or make a festive crafts in the Elf Workshop.
Dates: Daily beginning Nov. 22 (Weekend only Dance Parties)
Location: Nickelodeon Universe
Gamenights at The GAMEROOM Visitors can enjoy the holiday season at Hasbro with specialty shakes, a prix-fixe family-style menu and board games that bring everyone together.
Dates: Dec, 4, 11, 18 from 5 – 9 p.m.
Location: The GAMEROOM Powered by Hasbro
Rink Remix Guests can skate to the music with food, fun and festive getaways.
Dates: Dec. 5, 12, 19
Location: The Rink
Geoffrey’s Express Guests of all ages can enjoy a train ride through American Dream on Geoffrey’s Express, decorated with festive Christmas Lights.
Dates: Running daily beginning December 8
Location: Second floor outside of Toys"R"Us
Angry Birds: Holiday Party Visitors can celebrate the holidays with Red the Angry Bird and win prizes for a hole-in-one while enjoying arts and crafts projects, face painting and balloon artists.
Dates: December 21 from Noon – 4 p.m.
Location: Angry Birds
Mirror Maze: Theme Maze Visitors navigate their way through the holiday-themed maze as festive lights and music fill the attraction.
Dates: Dec. 8 – Jan. 4
Location: Mirror Maze
Characters of the Dream Parade Guests can watch their favorite American Dream characters parade throughout the center and take pictures.
Dates: Dec. 20 and 21 at 3 p.m.
Location: Begins in Court A
Winter Wonderland Visitors can immerse themselves in a winter wonderland with a wintry landscape where snowflakes fall around them.
Dates: All season
Location: The Garden
Coca Cola Gift Wrapping Guests can bring holiday gifts to Holiday Dreamland for free gift wrapping, courtesy Coca Cola.
Dates: Nov. 28, 29; Dec. 12, 13, 16, 20, 22, 23, 24, Noon – 8 p.m.
American Dream, developed by Triple Five Group, spans more than 3 million sq. ft. and features more than 400 retail, food and beverage, and entertainment attractions.
