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 19, 2023 from 3pm-6pm!
The most wonderful time of the year is fast approaching, and what better way to usher in the holiday season than the 2023 North Pole Party at Hilldale? On Sunday, November 19, from 3 PM to 6 PM, you and your family are invited to a magical extravaganza that promises to be an enchanting experience filled with merriment, reindeer, crafts, and the lighting of a magnificent tree!
Reindeer Encounters: A Dash of Magic
Imagine sitting in Santa’s sleigh and striking a pose with one of Santa’s real reindeer on The Green near L.L. Bean. Two more reindeer will be grazing near bartaco, and Santa’s cheerful elves will be there to answer all your reindeer-related questions. It’s a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with these legendary creatures.
Kids’ Crafts and Letters to Santa: Creativity and Magic
From 3 PM to 5 PM, young ones can visit Creando Exploratorium’s creation station, where they’ll enjoy balloon artists, arts and crafts, and take home goodie bags. Meanwhile, kids of all ages can get crafty in the atrium in front of Macy’s, creating festive ornaments adorned with jingle bells and they can write letters to Santa at Paper Source, which can be dropped in the mailbox for delivery to the North Pole.
Spirit of the Season: Festive Entertainment
Keep an eye out for Santa as he strolls through the event from 4 PM to 6 PM. Join in the caroling with the Capitol City Theatre carolers from 3 PM to 5:30 PM. Plus, meet Nutcracker dancers from the Monona Academy of Dance at Kendra Scott, where 20% of sales during the event will be donated to the Academy! And don’t forget to find the Selfie Stand near the 30-foot tree by Café Hollander to capture your perfect holiday selfie.
Winter Warmers: Stay Cozy
As the weather turns colder, warm up with complimentary Crescendo hot chocolate and a toppings bar, available at two stands near Indochino and Morgan’s Shoes (one cup per person, while supplies last). Satisfy your sweet tooth with toasty s’mores outside of Metcalfe’s, next to Paper Source (while supplies last). Stop by Wildewood for complimentary coffee and Rishi Tea samples (while supplies last). For those looking for something a bit warmer, head to the patio at Amara for hot mulled wine in a festive holiday mug and toast ‘cheers’ in front of their photo-op.
Tree Lighting Spectacular: A Magical Moment
The grand finale of the North Pole Party is the Tree Lighting Spectacular. Follow the serenade of saxophonist Jonathan Hoel from 5:30 PM to 6 PM as he leads Santa to The Plaza. Gather ’round just before 6 PM as Josh Spreiter from “In The 608” welcomes Santa to count down to the magical lighting of a 30-foot tree, officially kicking off the holiday season.
Spread Holiday Cheer: Giving Back to the Community
The holiday season is a time for giving, and at the North Pole Party, you can spread joy by participating in the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County’s toy drive. Bring new, unwrapped toys suitable for children of all ages and drop them off in the atrium in front of Macy’s. Your generosity will make a difference in the lives of local children.
Stroll and Shop: Black Friday Preview
To make the event even more special, you can enjoy Black Friday preview sales and special shopping and dining deals. Bluemercury invites you to a Holiday Shopping Party with discounts for clients. FreshFin is offering a treat for kids—eat free with the purchase of a house-crafted bowl. Keep an eye out for more great holiday shopping deals as the event approaches.
The 2023 North Pole Party at Hilldale is set to be a memorable start to the holiday season, packed with activities and magic for all ages. Don’t forget to register for the event, and prepare for a day of joy and wonder that the whole family can enjoy.
