Celebrate the magic of the holidays together at Mall of America®
From time-honored traditions to innovative new experiences, the Mall brings families and friends together to share the joy of the season
BLOOMINGTON, MN — November 6, 2025
The holidays have arrived at Mall of America®, and the magic shines brighter than ever. Each year, the nation’s largest retail and entertainment destination reimagines what it means to celebrate, transforming into a dazzling winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, joyful music, and countless ways to make memories. From timeless traditions to fresh, innovative experiences, Mall of America is where the joy of the season truly comes alive.
This year’s theme, Holidays Together, honors the heart of the season, connection. It’s about celebrating the moments that bring family, friends, and community closer, whether you’re continuing cherished traditions, discovering new favorites, or simply sharing in the wonder that fills every corner of the Mall.
Deck the Mall Together
Each November, as the first hints of winter begin to appear, the MOA Elves set to work weaving their holiday magic. Mall of America transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland where twinkling lights dance throughout the Mall, music fills the air, and the spirit of the season comes alive.
- Two 44-foot silver trees in the Huntington Bank Rotunda create a stunning photo backdrop and centerpiece for countless holiday celebrations, each featuring 385 branches and glowing with 32,000 LED lights.
- 12 handcrafted snowflakes, varying in size from five to 11 feet weighing from 70 to 110 pounds hang suspended in the North Atrium, illuminating every 30 minutes in a captivating light show set to contemporary holiday music.
- Massive ornaments weighing between 200–300 pounds hang from the ceilings in every court, each requiring an hour of careful installation.
- Nearly 5,000 strands of lights illuminate the Mall’s walkways, casting a magical glow over every corner.
- Over 100 MOA team members join forces to decorate 500 trees throughout the Mall, marking the official start of the holiday season.
- Seven 11-foot nutcrackers stand proudly at the Mall’s North entrance to extend a seasonal greeting.
- Throughout the Mall, visitors will discover oversized toy installations, including a View Finder, Rocket Ship, Robot, and Toy Car, perfect for fun photo ops.
- Nickelodeon Universe® joins in on the festivities, featuring more than 20 themed trees and giant ornaments, plus a cheerful surprise from SpongeBob’s pet, Gary the Snail, dressed for the holidays.
- 14 dedicated MOA Elves bring the holiday spirit to life on the Yule Log Chute, transforming this classic attraction into a magical adventure for all ages.
Black Friday Together: November 28
Mark your calendars for one of the biggest shopping days of the year at Mall of America! On November 28, the Mall will open at 7 a.m., welcoming thousands of guests for another unforgettable Black Friday celebration. This year’s Black Friday Together features over-the-top doorbusters, exclusive offers, and tens of thousands of dollars in prizes. Guests can expect live entertainment, festive surprises, and high-energy excitement throughout the Mall, turning the day into a full-scale holiday celebration. Black Friday Together at Mall of America is the ultimate kickoff to the holiday season. For all event details, visit mallofamerica.com/holiday.
- Mystery Cards presented by Minnesota Lottery: Kick off your morning with a surprise! Thousands of guests who line up at the North Entrance will receive a Mystery Card revealing a Silver prize that can be redeemed at participating stores throughout the Mall or they will receive the coveted Doorbuster prize!
- Doorbuster Zone: The fan-favorite Doorbusters are back and bigger than ever! Guests who receive a “Doorbuster” on their Mystery Card can head to the Doorbuster Zone, where one of our lively Doorbuster characters will literally bust through a door to reveal their prize worth up to nearly $600!
- Spot it! Sweepstakes: The first 200 shoppers in line at the North Entrance will start their Black Friday adventure with their own Spot it! game, a $25 Mall of America gift card, and one lucky guest will win the grand prize of $5,000 (double last year’s prize) courtesy of Asmodee®! Participants must be 18 years or older to be eligible for prizes.
- Black Friday Pre-Opening Celebration: New this year, early risers have even more to look forward to. The pre-opening celebration will feature music from DJ Hayes and Nur-D, live carolers, complimentary hot chocolate, and hand warmers to keep spirits bright as guests gather for one of the most anticipated mornings of the year.
- Stay tuned for more exciting Black Friday details next week!
Meet Santa Together
Santa Claus has officially set off from the North Pole and is making his way to Mall of America. Excitement fills the air as he prepares to welcome visitors from near and far, sharing smiles, laughter, and the joy of the season. This year, there are many festive ways to meet the man in red and create memories that will last long after the holidays:
- Santa’s Arrival Ceremony: November 25
Get ready for Santa’s grand entrance as he officially kicks off the holiday season at Mall of America. Guests are invited to join the celebration filled with cheerful MOA Elves, sweet treats, joyful music, dazzling décor, and of course, a warm welcome for Old Saint Nick himself.
- Candy Cane Institute: November 28–December 24
The beloved, Elf-run, Santa-approved “holiday research lab” is back! Santa’s trusted Elves invite guests to explore the Candy Cane Institute and uncover the secrets behind the spirit of the season. Guests are encouraged to make an online reservation to purchase photo packages, which also includes a personalized call from Santa before their visit and a festive e-postcard. Prefer to explore without photos? Free walk-up visits are welcome based on availability. Learn more at mallofamerica.com/cci.
- The Santa Experience: November 15–December 24
This year, The Santa Experience celebrates 10 years of Santa Larry at Mall of America, marking a decade of spreading joy and championing representation as one of the first Black Santas to appear at a major U.S. shopping center. Since then, the experience has grown to feature a range of multicultural Santas, creating a welcoming and inclusive holiday tradition for families of all backgrounds. This season introduces three new Santas, including a bilingual Hispanic Santa. Families can enjoy holiday movies, photos, and exclusive merchandise. Pet photo nights will take place on November 23, November 30, December 7, and December 14. The Santa Experience also offers sensory-friendly visits, providing extra time and a quiet, private setting at no additional cost for children who may benefit from a more calming environment. Book your appointment at www.TheSantaExperienceMN.com.
Earn Holiday Rewards Together
With nearly 25 new retailers opening by the end of 2025, there's never been a better time to shop and earn at Mall of America. From SKIMS, Samsung, and Alo Yoga to POP MART, NBA Store, New Balance, and Läderach, MOA continues to expand its diverse lineup of shopping and dining destinations. With the MOA Holiday Rewards program, guests can earn points just by uploading receipts through the Mall of America app then redeem those points for perks like attraction passes, VIP Tour tickets, dining perks, and VIP experiences.
The more you shop, the more you earn:
- Earn 100 bonus points when you upload your fifth purchase.
- Earn an additional 500 bonus points after your tenth purchase.
- Double Point Tuesdays run from November 11 through December 16, allowing you to earn double points on up to five purchases made each Tuesday.
From the hottest new stores to rewards that give back, Mall of America is your ultimate destination for holiday shopping. Because here, checking off your list comes with a little something extra for you. Learn more at: mallofamerica.com/rewards.
Enjoy Nickelodeon Universe Winter Break Together
Take a break from the cold and celebrate the season with holiday fun around every corner! Enjoy more than two dozen rides and attractions for all ages. Paul Bunyan is dressed in his festive best at the Yule Log Chute, and your favorite Nickelodeon friends are ready to celebrate in their holiday outfits too. The Park shimmers with giant ornaments and twinkling trees, plus hands-on holiday workshops and a dazzling nightly light show. Come join the fun and make magical memories all season long! For more details on Nickelodeon Universe Winter Break, visit nickelodeonuniverse.com/home.
Take Flight Together
Mall of America takes festive fun to new heights with the Elf Air Express, an exclusive Sun Country Airlines® flight and the only nonstop charter from Chicago to Minneapolis this season. Departing December 13, guests can Take Flight Together with in-flight entertainment before arriving at a winter wonderland with attraction passes, a private Santa experience, behind-the-scenes tours, tax-free shopping, and more. Tickets start at $299 per person, including airfare, checked baggage, attractions, and exclusive events. The weekend wraps up December 14, making this a magical, unforgettable holiday getaway. For more information, visit mallofamerica.com/charters.
Other Holiday Events
- Crayola Experience Handmade Holidays: November 1 – December 31
- Nickelodeon Universe Winter Break: November 5 – January 11
- Holiday Light Shows: November 7 – January 5
- Enchanted Snowflake Experience: November 7 – January 5
- Festival of Trees: November 19 – January 5
- The Santa Experience: November 15 – December 24
- Union Gospel Mission Radiothon: November 18
- Santa’s Arrival Ceremony: November 25
- Candy Cane Institute: November 28 – December 24
- Black Friday Weekend Entertainment featuring Bells 2 Go: November 28 – 30
- Salvation Army Bell Ringers: December 1 – 24
- WCCO CBS Minnesota’s Home for the Holidays Community Tree: December 3 – January 4
- KS95 for Kids Radiothon: December 12
- Toddler Tuesdays™ LIVE – Winter Wonderland: December 9
- Holiday Music Together: December 5 – 21
- Be the Change Winter Wonderland: December 7
- Holiday for Heroes: December 14
- Catholic Charities Giving Tree: December 20 and 21
Holiday Mall Hours
November 1 – November 30:
Monday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Thanksgiving Day: CLOSED
Black Friday: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
December 1 – December 11:
Monday – Thursday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
December 12 – January 1:
Monday – Sunday: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Christmas Eve: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Christmas Day: CLOSED
New Years Eve: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
New Years Day: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
For more information on all things holiday at MOA, please visit mallofamerica.com/holiday.
ABOUT MALL OF AMERICA
At 5.6 million square feet, Mall of America is the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America with up to 520 world-class retail stores and restaurants; Nickelodeon Universe, a 7-acre indoor theme park; SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium; FlyOver America; Crayola Experience; and more. The Mall opened in 1992 and is located in Bloomington, Minn., minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul and adjacent to MSP International Airport. Follow Mall of America on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok. Listen to So Much More – a Mall of America podcast, on all major platforms or watch on YouTube. Download the Mall of America app from the App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android.
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