How Canadian Malls are Getting Creative for the Holidays

How are Canadian Malls getting creative for the Holiday Season?

Canadian shopping malls are working to balance the brigade of holiday shoppers with fun, but safe Christmas solutions. Finding new ways to reach customers, increase traffic, and bring holiday cheer, while still being mindful of COVID-19 safety restrictions has allowed Malls to be more creative in this year's event planning.

Mic Mac Mall Draws International Attention

We could not start this list without mentioning the iconic Woody, a talking tree that has drawn worldwide attention at Mic Mac Mall in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Woody has returned after a 15-year hiatus and caught the eye of people around the world, including Jimmy Fallon who included him in a segment.

Source: Halifax News - Woody the Talking Christmas Tree at Mic Mac Mall (Steve Gow)

Loved by children from the 80s and through the early 2000s, Woody's return has drawn a large audience for both nostalgia and curiosity. The 50ft tall talking tree has become a social media sensation and as a result, has improved mall traffic for the holidays.

West Edmonton Mall Shares Santa

Looking to experience the great winter wonderland? West Edmonton Mall has transformed into a snowy escape, with pop-up entertainment and performances every Saturday & Sunday. From magical indoor snow to a Sugar Plum Fairy trio, there is something special for everyone to enjoy while shopping the huge variety of stores. The Mall is also one of many hosting photo opportunities with Santa and his workshop.

West Edmonton Mall is also offering virtual Santa Chats for those who might not feel comfortable taking their kids to that mall at this time. On December 12th, the mall will host a Santa storytime through their Facebook Live event. The event will feature books appropriate for ages 2 and up so that the whole family can enjoy their time with Santa!

McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Hosts Ice Bar

The sales were hot but the bar was cold at Saturday’s holiday event for the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet. To kick off the holiday season, the outdoor mall invited guests to attend a one-of-a-kind Ice Bar, located at the centre plaza. Serving up Lavish Liquid cocktails, hot chocolate, and mulled wine, the event showcases the creative ways malls can involve guests in holiday promotions.

The Ice Bar allowed guests to be fully immersed in the winter wonderland and embrace the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping. This event was an excellent example of the various ways businesses are finding alternative ways to celebrate the holidays this year. Making use of ample outdoor space, McArthurGlen Designer Outlets were able to invite guests to celebrate the holidays and a safe and festive manner. As the holiday season progresses, we look forward to seeing the creative ways that businesses are celebrating this year.

CF Chinook Centre:

Chinook Centre is bringing Santa to the people through a virtual event on December 18th. A free storytime will be offered virtually through the mall's Facebook page, featuring classic holiday stories from the North Pole. Attendees can interact with Santa as well as with several featured guests, including ice hockey Olympians Marie-Philip Poulin and Natalie Spooner.

CF Chinook Centre is hosting this event free so that it can reach the families that might not be comfortable attending public spaces at this time. Families interested in attending in person can visit the mall Santa Clause with proper masks and safety precautions! Even if Christmas might look different this year, the mall is working hard to ensure Children do not miss out on the magic.

Written by Emma Whiten, Editor of Marketing News Canada