Kickstart the Holidays with Festive Fun and a Grand Tree Lighting Ceremony
(Madison, WI): The North Pole Party at Hilldale will take place on November 23, 2025 from 3pm-6pm! Families are invited to the North Pole Party, an afternoon packed with festive activities for all ages—culminating in the lighting of Hilldale’s dazzling 30-foot tree.
Reindeer Encounters
Meet Santa’s trusted companions up close! Guests can sit in Santa’s sleigh and snap a photo with one of his reindeer on The Green near L.L. Bean. Two more reindeer will be grazing nearby at bartaco—making this a perfect stop for families and animal lovers alike.
Spread Holiday Cheer
Hilldale is teaming up with the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County to collect toys for local children and teens. Visitors are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped gifts suitable for ages infant to 18. Suggested donations include:
- Board games and toys
- Stuffed animals
- Flannel pants
- Earbuds or headphones
- Makeup or nail kits
Donations can be dropped off near The Tree during the event or given as monetary contributions via QR codes placed throughout Hilldale. You can also donate ahead of time through the event link.
Spirit of the Season
The North Pole Party is brimming with holiday fun from start to finish. Between 3 and 6 p.m., Santa will stroll through Hilldale, greeting families as local musicians perform festive tunes. Guests can enjoy:
- Photos with Nutcracker dancers from Dance Wisconsin
- Selfies by the 30-foot tree near Café Hollander
- Curling in The Plaza
- Winter crafts in the Macy’s Atrium Kids’ Corner
- Glitter tattoos or face paint at the Seasonal Sparkle Station by [solidcore]
- Elf on the Shelf storytime at LOVESAC (3:30, 4:00, 4:30, and 5:00 p.m.)
- Holiday crafts at Paper Source
Winter Warmers
Stay cozy while exploring the festivities. Hilldale will offer complimentary treats while supplies last, including:
- Hot chocolate and toppings bar near The Tree and Indochino (one cup per person)
- Toasty s’mores near Metcalfe’s
- Chocolate and mint delights from Lush
Tree Lighting Spectacular
As evening falls, follow Santa to The Plaza for the grand finale. Just before 6 p.m., WISC-TV’s Savanna Brito and Josh Spreiter will help lead the countdown to the lighting of Hilldale’s stunning 30-foot holiday tree—officially marking the start of the season.
Stroll and Shop
Alongside the festivities, Hilldale shops and restaurants will feature exclusive sales, previews, and charitable promotions, including:
- Paper Source: Buy 1, Get 1 50% off holiday boxed cards
- Kendra Scott: Donating 20% of event sales to Dance Wisconsin
- Allure: Gift wrapping donations benefit Boys & Girls Club; plus, 10% off when you donate 2+ non-perishable items for The River Food Pantry
- J.McLaughlin: 10% of sales donated to Boys & Girls Club + holiday treats and sips
- Macy’s: Black Friday Preview Sale
- Ulla Eyewear: $100 off full-price frames with prescription lenses in exchange for a food pantry donation + free goodie bag for event visitors
- Levi’s: Free tote with purchase (while supplies last) + 30% off regular-priced items
