Holiday Magic Returns To Dadeland Mall With the Santa Photo Experience

The Santa Photo Experience at Dadeland Mall began its annual run on Nov. 18 when children can be photographed with Santa Claus through Dec. 24 in the Center Court.

Santa’s Photo Experience hours can be found by visiting www.simon.com or on Facebook.

“There is always a great deal of entertainment and fun at Simon malls during the holiday season, but the Santa Photo Experience is something generations of families count on every year,” said Humberto Maldonado, director of mall marketing for Dadeland Mall.

Dadeland Mall

Something extra fun this season is the Cutest Santa Photo Contest, designed to find the most adorable children’s photo with Santa! The Cutest Santa Photo Contest will be hosted on Dadeland Mall’s Facebook page.

Entering the contest is easy; simply post your favorite photo of your kid with Santa on the Santa Photo App on Dadeland Mall’s Facebook page between Nov. 1 and Dec. 14 at noon. The winner gets a visit from Santa Claus before Christmas Eve, with a sleigh full of prizes valued at more than $2,000. (Details, important guidelines and Official Rules for the contest can be found at Dadeland Mall’s Facebook page.)

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The 15th Annual “Miracle On 136th Street” Holiday Parade at The Falls

The Falls 15th annual Miracle on 136th Street Holiday Parade will soon be marching its way into South Florida to kick off the most wonderful time of the year with a special guest starring as Grand Marshal.

Miracle on 136th Street takes place Saturday, Nov. 19 at 4pm at The Falls (Center Court), 8888 SW 136 St., Miami. More info at 305-255-4571, www.simon.com or on Facebook. The event is free and open to the public.

The celebration will include Santa’s first appearance of the season, along with internationally recognized costume characters, marching bands, motorcycles, clowns, vintage cars and local celebrities.

Parade starts at the east end of The Falls in front of Bloomingdale’s and will travel the entire length to the center, west to Macy’s.

Following the parade, The Falls officially kicks off the holiday season with the lighting of their more than one million white lights in the gardens that line the shopping area. The holiday lights will be on display through Jan. 6, 2012.

This year, the parade will benefit the United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education, an innovative learning, teaching and training initiative dedicated to elevating the quality of early care and education in Miami-Dade County and beyond.

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Holiday Wishes & Aventura Mall Dreams! Shopping Centers Unveils Another Magical Holiday Season

 Aventura Mall, South Florida’s largest super regional shopping center, will welcome another exciting holiday season with the return of its sensational seasonal décor on November 1. Throughout the season, shoppers also will enjoy Santa’s arrival, attractions, events and the top gifts from Aventura Mall’s fashion retailers.

Santa Claus comes to town Saturday, Nov. 12 through Friday, Dec. 24 at Santa’s Village in Fountain Court. Kids (and grownups) can visit Jolly Old St. Nick, whisper their wishes to him and then pose for a photo  Monday through Friday, 11am-8pm, Saturday, 10am-8pm, and Sunday, noon-7pm. Santa will be feeding his reindeer daily at the posted time. Photos with Santa are an additional charge.

From October 31 through January 8, children will be delighted to ride through a magical landscape of make-believe on Aventura Mall’s Holiday Train in Center Court. Visitors can purchase one ticket for $2, four for $6, nine for $12 and 15 for $20.

Youngsters also enjoy “Aventura’s Model Train Station,” which includes a miniature town, amusement park, old time mill, and snow capped mountain ranges. Measuring 16' by 29', the display is built and designed by Smartt, Inc. and features MTH Electric Trains. Assistance is provided by Ready to Roll Train Store.  The Model Train station is located in the JCPenney Court.

In addition, Aventura Mall’s 300 retailers are getting in the holiday spirit from exclusive collections to cute stocking stuffers. Can’t decide on the perfect gift? The MasterCard Concierge Center sells Aventura Mall gift cards. Holiday hours begin November 25 through December 26. Visit www.aventuramall.com  or call 305-935-1110 for exact times.

Aventura Mall is South Florida's Number 1 shopping destination among locals and international visitors, Aventura Mall ranks as one of the top five highest grossing malls in the country in sales per square foot.  Anchored by Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom and Macy’s, Aventura Mall boasts 300 specialty stores, ranging from chic, internationally renowned names such as Louis Vuitton, Herve Leger by MaxAzria, Burberry, Faconnable, Henri Bendel, Michael Kors and Hugo Boss to many of the most popular and recognized retailers, including Abercrombie & Fitch, Apple, Calvin Klein, Forever XXI, True Religion and Diesel. Aventura Mall is also home to 10 full-service restaurants and an exclusive contemporary art collection featuring 10 installations positioned throughout the shopping center.

Located at 19501 Biscayne Boulevard, the mall is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 8 p.m. For more information call 305-935-1110, visit online at www.aventuramall.com, like the Facebook page or follow on Twitter.

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Celebrate the Holidays With Exciting Events at Zoo Miami Starting Friday Night!

Enjoy 12 nights of Zoo Lights, Dinner with Diego, Dinner with Santa, and watch the animals open their special holiday gifts every weekend in December

This holiday season, Zoo Miami is hosting a myriad of exciting and fun activities for the entire family. Guests can enjoy beautiful animal-shaped lights as they stroll zoo walkways during the 12 nights of Zoo Lights, have Dinner with Santa, delight during Dinner with Diego, and watch the animals open their specially-prepared gifts during Holiday Gifts for the Animals.

The zoo's glorious grounds come to light for 12 brilliant nights during Zoo Lights, December 17–30 (excluding December 24 and 25) from 7–10 p.m. (ticket booths close at 9:30 p.m.). Guests can enjoy dozens of bright animal-shaped lights along our walkways, while sipping hot chocolate, munching on delicious cookies, and listening to wonderful holiday music. Included with admission is a pair of 3D glasses, which will make the Zoo Lights experience even more engaging and amusing. General admission is $8.95 plus tax per adult and $6.95 plus tax per child. Zoo members are $7.95 plus tax per adult and $5.95 plus tax per child.

Another fun family activity is Holiday Gifts for the Animals! Every weekend in December, including Christmas Day, watch the animals joyfully open holiday gifts prepared by zookeepers and volunteers. The animals enjoy opening up their enriching gifts and guests will be entertained watching them.

Dinner with Santa on Thursday, Dec. 23 from 7:30–9:30 pm gives the kids a chance to meet the Big Guy before he has to rush back to the North Pole! Enjoy a delicious dinner with the family at Wings of Asia in view of diving ducks, fish and turtles. Children receive a holiday plush gift and will get to make their own holiday ornaments! Don't forget to bring the camera to take lots of pictures with Santa.

Dinner with Santa admission includes parking, entry to Zoo Lights with unlimited carousel rides from 7–10 pm and a classic holiday menu of fresh roasted turkey with homemade gravy, baked ham, candied sweet potatoes with melting marshmallows, herbed buttery carrots, homemade cranberry sauce, dinner rolls with butter, homemade seasonal pumpkin cake with cream cheese icing, strawberry-infused lemonade, and cranberry mint-infused water. General admission is $42.95 per adult and $39.95 per child ages 3-12. Zoo members are $38.95 per adult and $36.95 per child ages 3-12. Children ages 2 and under are free.

Younger kids will love Dinner with Diego, December 28, from 7:30–9:30 pm, also at the Wings of Asia building. Diego will be available to take his picture with guests between 8:30–8:50 pm. Dinner with Diego's admission includes parking, entry to Zoo Lights with unlimited carousel rides from 7–10 pm and a wonderful dinner including a fresh garden salad with dressing, pan seared chicken breast with herbed shallot cream sauce, chicken tenders with dipping sauce, honey glazed carrots, macaroni and cheese, dinner rolls with butter, chocolate fudge brownies, chocolate blondies, fresh tropical fruit salad, cucumber and lemon infused water, lemonade, and iced tea. This event is ideal for families with children under eight years of age.

Every paying child also receives a Diego beanie baby plush gift and a meet and greet and photo with Diego! General admission is $39.95 per adult and $43.95 per child ages 3-12. Zoo members are $35.95 per adult and $38.95 per child ages 3-12. Children ages 2 and under are free.

Zoo Miami is located at 12400 SW 152 Street, Miami, FL 33177. General zoo admission is $15.95/adult and $11.95/child (3 -12) plus tax. Children under three, Zoo members and parking are free. Zoo Lights, Dinner with Diego and Dinner with Santa have separate admission prices. Save money and time - buy tickets online at www.zoomiami.org. Zoo Miami's regular hours are 9:30 am-5:30 pm; ticket booths close at 4:00 pm.

Ruff! Meow! Santa Is Calling All Dogs and Felines for Dolphin Mall's Annual Pet Nights

For the fourth straight year, Dolphin Mall invites pet owners to bring their dogs and cats to visit Santa on Wednesday evenings from 7:30pm to 9pm on December 8 and 15 at The Ice Palace featuring The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader located on 2nd floor of the Ramblas area.

Visitors can choose from the state-of-the art digital photographs offered during the traditional photos with Santa. Dolphin Mall's holiday partnership with SeeHere.com by Fujifilm offers customers a unique online comprehensive digital photo experience that is user-friendly. The site allows shoppers to quickly share, organize and design photo gifts including holiday cards, calendars, ornaments and photo books. Shoppers can use their photos with Santa and the Ice Throne to create photo gifts. Each photo package available at The Ice Palace includes a special free offer from SeeHere.com by Fujifilm – a canvas photo tote bag or an 11 oz. photo mug.

Pet Owners will receive a free bowl with the purchase of a photo package on the dates/times indicated, while supplies last. Pets must be up-to-date on their shots and must either be on a leash or carried in a lightweight, portable pet carrier with harness.

The Falls Rings In the Holiday Season with 7AM Opening on Black Friday

The Falls, one of the largest open-air shopping, dining and entertainment complexes in the United States, will be the best place to shop the day after Thanksgiving with an early opening at 7am, giving eager shoppers enough time to find all the gifts they need and to get the first pick of the season's hottest items. Shoppers will also benefit from the return of Shop Smarter, a national effort to help make holiday shopping a festive and rejuvenating experience for all.

As part of Shop Smarter, shoppers will be greeted with a wide array of special offers and entertainment options, both on Black Friday and throughout the season.

In addition to the following, shoppers will have greater access to retailer sales updates online, through email blasts and guest services:

• Santa's Arrival: Santa Claus is in South Florida! Through December 24, families will have the chance to visit with everyone's favorite person and take memorable holiday photos. Santa will be available for photos throughout the holiday season. For a list of dates and times, visit www.simon.com or become a fan on Facebook.
  
• Cookies with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2pm-4pm.(Center Court): Children will have the opportunity to make sure they are on Santa's 'nice' list as they mingle with Santa during a milk and cookies social.
• The Falls' Rejuvenation Station: Shoppers can visit our new Rejuvenation Station to relax, refresh and renew. Located near Simon Guest Services, The Falls' Rejuvenation Station will be available through Friday, December 31 and will feature The Falls Holiday Coupon Book filled with savings at participating retailers, holiday gift ideas, complimentary massages, product sampling, restaurant reservations, and much more. Programming may vary. Visit Simon Guest Services for details.
• One Million Sparkling Holiday Lights Spectacular! The Falls features more than one million white lights in our gardens throughout the holiday season. Beautiful animal topiaries enhance the already spectacular scenery at The Falls.
• Give A Little This Holiday Season: The season of giving is here and The Falls is pleased to announce the "What CAN You Do" canned food drive to benefit Feeding South Florida. A canned food collection bin will be at Simon Guest Services from Sat., Nov. 20 through Tues., Dec. 14. People who donate five or more cans at one time will receive a special coupon incentive from Pollo Tropical that is valid for one free wrap or sandwich, plus an order of their yucca cheese bites (while supplies last).
• Holiday Entertainment: Throughout the holiday season, shoppers will enjoy the winter music concert series, sponsored by Mercedes-Benz of Cutler Bay, which will allow music lovers to enjoy and experience a multicultural mix of free, open-to-the-public performances under the moonlight every Friday in November and December, including rock, jazz, bossanova, blues, funk, world music, flamenco, classics, pop melodies, R&B, contemporary Latin grooves and marching band classics. For a list of dates and times, visit www.simon.com or become a fan on Facebook.
• Free Gift Wrap (Space 383 by Bloomingdale’s): Christ Fellowship Congregation will be donating their gift wrapping services from Fri., Dec. 10 through Fri., Dec.24. They are offering all shoppers free gift wrap for up to two shirt-size boxes. For a list of times, visit www.simon.com or become a fan on Facebook.
• Shopkick Launches at Simon Malls in Miami: Mon., Nov. 15 marked the launch of 'Shopkick' at Simon Malls in Miami. The FREE app, which allows shoppers to earn rewards and special offers by simply walking through the mall, provides shoppers with the opportunity to earn 'kickbucks' – loyalty rewards that can be redeemed for instant gift cards, savings certificates and more. By downloading and registering the 'Shopkick' app, shoppers will receive customized offers that can be redeemed at participating retailers. To learn more about 'Shopkick' or to download the free app, visit Simon Guest Services.
• Gift Cards: Special gifts with qualifying purchases of the American Express/Simon Giftcard (at selected properties) will be available. The Simon Giftcards, which are available in festive holiday designs, can be purchased in denominations from $20 to $500 and can be used wherever American Express (U.S. only), respectively, is accepted. With no monthly fees or an expiration date on the funds, the Simon Giftcard is a gift that everyone can enjoy.

For more information about The Falls and its holiday programs and retailer offers, please visit www.simon.com or become a fan on Facebook!

Sawgrass Mills' Shoppers Experience "The MORE Factor" During Black Friday Midnight Opening

Thousands of eager holiday shoppers will benefit from "The MORE Factor" at Sawgrass Mills this holiday season, by taking advantage of exclusive social media bargains, interactive shopping tips and a midnight opening on Black Friday, November 26, with 22 consecutive hours of shopping. As the largest outlet, value retail and entertainment destination in the United States, Sawgrass Mills will provide shoppers with a marathon jump-start on their holiday gift giving with incredible savings throughout the weekend.

As part of The MORE Factor, shoppers will enjoy invaluable social media tips and up-to-the-minute deals constantly posted on Sawgrass Mills' Facebook and Twitter pages. Each letter in MORE (M for Maximize time, O for Optimize savings, R for Revitalize a wardrobe and E for Energize while shopping) will come to life in the form of several helpful videos and tips as an added value and convenience this holiday season.

"The MORE Factor is another reason why Sawgrass Mills is the place to shop for holiday gift giving with more stores, more brands, more savings and more fun," said Carol Henderson, director of marketing and business development at Sawgrass Mills. "By making it even easier for our shoppers to find the gifts they want at prices they will love, we know this will be another successful holiday season."

At Sawgrass Mills, shoppers will be greeted with a wide variety of special offers and entertainment options, both on Black Friday and throughout the holidays:

• Complimentary Holiday Shuttle Service: Sawgrass Mills' complimentary shuttle service will kickoff at 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving and run during high traffic periods throughout the holiday season. The shuttle will circulate around the mall, making stops at all major entrances for the convenience and safety of shoppers and employees.
• Live Musical Entertainment: Enjoy live holiday musical selections in The Colonnade Outlets from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Thanksgiving courtesy of cellist, Robert Devere Moore.
• Nestle Tollhouse Cookie Sampling: Stop by the Nestle Tollhouse stand near Last Call by Neiman Marcus for a delicious treat! Cookie samples will be available weekends throughout the holiday season starting at 5 a.m. on Black Friday.
• South Florida's Surfer Santa: Hang ten surfers! Sawgrass Mills will unveil its unique nostalgic Santa beach set, and South Florida's own Surfer Santa at 11 a.m. on Black Friday. Children of all ages are invited to meet Santa Claus and pose for a great holiday keepsake through December 24 in the Last Call by Neiman Marcus Court. Photos with Santa are available Friday, November 26 through Friday, December 24. (Monday–Friday: 11am– 8pm; Saturday: 10am-8pm; Sunday: noon-7pm; Christmas Eve: 9am-5pm). Visits with Santa are complimentary; photo packages are available for purchase.
• Extended Holiday Shopping Hours: Check out www.sawgrassmills.com for a list of special holiday shopping hours.
• Giftcards: Visa Simon Giftcards and the American Express Simon Giftcard are the perfect gift for anyone this holiday season. The Simon Giftcard is available in denominations from $20 to $500 that can be used wherever Visa debit (worldwide) and American Express (U.S. only), respectively, is accepted. The American Express Simon Giftcard is available in festive holiday designs and has no monthly fees or an expiration date on the funds.

For more information and to find details about all special Black Friday discounts and holiday events and promotions at Sawgrass Mills, call (954) 846-2350, visit www.sawgrassmills.com or find us on Facebook!

Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Among Many Merry Festivities at Village of Merrick Park

Visit the Village of Merrick Park in Coral Gables for great family holiday festivities and pleasurable shopping enhanced by live music and entertainment this holiday season.

Holiday Tree Lighting – Thursday, November 18, 6:30pm - 8:30 pm. For a second time, the Village of Merrick Park “Goes Green,” as its 50-foot tree is lit with 55,000 LED light bulbs. The night’s festivities will include a musical performance by the Coral Gables High School Choir and a holiday greeting from holiday characters including Santa Claus and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. The Master of Ceremonies for this magical evening will be Belkys Nerey, Head News Anchor at FOX WSVN Channel 7.

See live entertainment throughout The Garden, including stilt walkers and jugglers. Other children’s activities include a sugar cookie decoration station provided by Whole Foods Market Coral Gables. Gather your family around the breath-taking tree for your first memorable photograph of the season. The tree will be lit at approximately 7:45 p.m. Bring an unwrapped toy to donate to the Voices of Children Foundation, an organization dedicated to raising funds for abused and neglected children in Miami-Dade County. The tree will be up from November 18, 2010 to January 6, 2011.

Thanksgiving Weekend Shopping Event –
Friday, November 26 and Saturday, November 27, 2pm-6pm.
Enjoy live music, in-store special offers and live entertainment including our holiday stilt walker and juggler.

Deck the Halls Shopping Event Series –
Saturdays: December 4 , December 11 and December 18, 2pm-6pm.
Enjoy live music, in-store special offers and live entertainment including our holiday stilt walker and juggler.

Live Music Series –
Saturdays and Sundays, 2pm-6pm, through May, 2011.
Village of Merrick Park hosts a mix of Jazz, Bossanova, World Music, Flamenco, Classics, Pop Melodies, Contemporary and Latin Grooves. Guests can listen to the light musical stylings while enjoying all the shopping center has to offer including world-class boutiques and an assortment of desirable dining options.