Mall of America® announces the return of the Candy Cane Institute holiday experience with Santa and his elves
Beginning November 26, the elf-run, Santa-approved holiday experience will be available for families in person this year after being only a virtual experience in 2020
BLOOMINGTON, MN— November 22, 2021
Mall of America is excited to announce the return of the 
Candy Cane Institute holiday experience, this year in person, available for families and guests of all ages. The one-of-a-kind ‘holiday research lab’ launched last year at Mall of America exclusively as a virtual experience for families, but this year, beginning November 26, Santa and his top team of elves are looking forward to welcoming guests to step inside their research lab as they continue seeking assistance to help design the perfect holiday season.
Ticket reservations for the Candy Cane Institute (CCI) will offer guests a guided and interactive experience with Santa’s merry mischief elves to aid in continuing the mission of CCI: find the true meaning of the holiday season and use those findings to make each year merrier than the last.
Inspired by the onset of the information age, the often-misguided elf analysts of CCI believe the answers to finding more joy can be found by collecting data and using in-depth research. Guests will interact with the elves throughout the experience to identify everything from the optimal candy cane shape and size to the best holiday sweater design. They can even check their naughty or nice status. Additionally, the boss of CCI, AKA Santa, will make an appearance to check in on the elves and their new research assistants visiting CCI.
“At long last, guests can help Santa’s team of data driven elves, in person, research the most awesome and efficient ways to bring forth holiday cheer,” said Chris Grap, Vice President of Experiential Entertainment for Mall of America. “Santa and the elves are looking forward to discovering the magic of the holiday season with all who step inside Candy Cane Institute. We can’t wait to welcome families and have them experience this new holiday tradition that is guaranteed to be both merry and bright.”
Reservations are required for a visit to the Candy Cane Institute. The cost for the holiday experience is $25 + tax per group of up to 8 people. Time slots are limited. Guests should expect their Candy Cane Institute experience to last 15 – 30 minutes. To learn more, visit mallofamerica.com/holiday and view a sneak peak of the Candy Cane Institute Experience here.
Important CCI Information
Dates: November 26 – December 24, 2021 (see specific hours of operation on website)
Location: Level 1, North Atrium
Cost: $25.00 per group/family up to 8 people ($20 early bird pricing if you purchase your tickets before November 26)
ABOUT MALL OF AMERICA
At 5.6 million square feet, Mall of America is the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America with more than 520 world-class retail stores and restaurants; Nickelodeon Universe, a 7-acre indoor theme park; SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium and more. The Mall opened in 1992 and in Bloomington, Minn., minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul and adjacent to the MSP International Airport.
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