The holiday festivities are back at Southcentre Mall in Calgary, Alberta! To make it easy for you, I’ve put together this guide to Christmas at Southcentre Mall so that you don’t miss out on any of the fun! Read on to find out how to visit the Enchanted Forest, decorate a cookie in support of Meals on Wheels, and how to support local businesses right in the mall!
Christmas at Southcentre Mall
Santa’s back in town! Get your festive fix and holiday shopping all in one place. Southcentre Mall is now offering extended holiday hours so that you have more opportunities to shop at your convenience. After spending the day there last week, I was impressed by the amount of new and local storefronts. I must confess how much Christmas shopping that I completed in one trip! I was able to cross a lot of things off of my list for my boys, husband, and other family members. While walking through the mall, you’ll appreciate the holiday spirit that is evident throughout. The centre court cannot be missed!
Visit Santa at The Enchanted Forest
Santa’s Enchanted Forest is back in centre court and more magical than ever! In my opinion, this interactive tree garden is hands-down the best way to visit Santa this year in Calgary. Go here to reserve your spot online with Santa between November 12 – December 24. There are also special morning timeslots reserved for children with sensory sensitivities and mobility issues and evening timeslots for those wishing to include their family pet in the photo! All social distancing and sanitary protocols are being followed to keep you and your family safe. As always, photo packages are available for purchase. If you don’t have time to visit Mr. Claus, bring your child’s Christmas letter and have them mail it in the special North Pole mailbox.
Keep an eye out for the Elf on the Shelf elves hidden throughout. How many can you find?
Decorate a Cookie at the Cookie Kitchen
Beside the Enchanted Forest in centre court, you’ll find the Cookie Kitchen. For a donation in support of Meals on Wheels, you will receive an individually wrapped cookie decorating kit that you can take home or sit and decorate in the cute little pop-up. This year, all cookies were made by a local business: Bakeri by Jess. Southcentre Mall’s goal is to give out 8,000 cookies and raise $16,000. If you and your family or friends are looking for a way to give back this holiday season, the Cookie Kitchen is in need of volunteers. Anyone age 12 and up is welcome to volunteer. Details can be found here: https://www.mealsonwheels.com/events/2021/12/4/event-volunteer-opportunity-cookie-factory.
If you are like me and would rather have someone else do the wrapping for you while you sip on a coffee at Analog, have it done with “Wrapping for a Cure”! There will be a holiday gift wrap station available in the mall between December 1-24. All donations go to Cystic Fibrosis Canada. You’ll leave with all your gifts wrapped and feel good about giving back to a local charity. It’s a win-win!
Support New and Local
Southcentre has made it easy to identify and shop local retailers this year. Look for the blue tote bag sticker outside of each store and head inside to support small businesses. You may even discover a new favourite store like Lethbridge based, The Bomb Bar. They make the most adorable bath bombs that you’ve ever seen. Or visit Collab, a storefront where local makers can collaborate and sell their unique hand-made products. Other local operators include Oak & Tonic, Joydrop, Lamose, Lily by Lyla and Drops of Gratitude and many more.
There are also a few new noteworthy stores that shouldn’t be missed. Decathalon has just opened its doors and is a sports enthusiast’s dream. This store is different in that it houses equipment and apparel for 65 different sports, with over 7000 products. Bring your kids and have the opportunity to “try before you buy” items like scooters, bicycles, and basketballs. iLahui is your one-stop shop for affordable stocking stuffers that your kids will love. Lastly, make sure not to leave before you try a Brown Sugar Pearl Milk Bubble Tea from Truedan.
Southcentre Giveaway!
I’m so excited to announce that Southcentre Mall will be helping me give back this holiday season as a participant in my December Giveaways! Watch my Instagram for more updates or check back here next week to get a peek at the full lineup. In the meantime, go celebrate the spirit of Christmas at Southcentre Mall!
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