Free Family-Friendly Events to Celebrate the Holiday Season

Eden Prairie Center announced today it is gearing up for the holiday season with a spectacular line-up of free family-friendly events, kicking off with Santa’s Arrival Party on Nov. 18.

“Our center is thrilled to be the holiday headquarters for Twin Cities’ residents to shop and spend quality time with family to create lasting holiday memories,” said Cecile O’Hagan, marketing manager at Eden Prairie Center. “From our Elves In The Mall event to the Blissfully Local Holiday Pop-Up Market, we have something for all ages to enjoy as we celebrate the season."

Eden Prairie Center holiday event line-up includes:

• Photos with Santa - Nov. 16 through Dec. 24 in SCHEELS Court

  • Capture holiday memories with the family. Families are encouraged to view Santa’s hours and make a reservation for VIP Extra packages including the Santa Special, Family Portrait and Santa Photo Prints.

  • Pet Photos with Santa are only available on Mondays.

***Walk-Ins are accepted but cannot guarantee wait time.

• Pet Adoption Day with Warrior Dog Rescue - Sat., Nov. 18 from 1:30 pm - 4:30 p.m. in Center Court

  • Help four-legged pals find their forever homes through Warrior Dog Rescue to adopt the perfect companion.

***Eden Prairie Center welcomes service animals only, and kindly requests that already owned pets stay at home.

• Santa’s Arrival Party - Sat., Nov. 18 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in Center Court and SCHEELS Court

  • Guests are encouraged to RSVP for holiday fun with storytime, singalongs and meet your favorite Ice Queen and Princess.

• Delightfully In Tunes: School Performance - Sat., Nov. 25 through Mon., Dec. 25 from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. in Center Court

  • Enjoy the beautiful sounds of school and community musical groups including performances by Spectrum High School, the Eden Prairie High School Orchestra, Flute Cocktail of Minnesota and more!

• Elves In The Mall - Sat., Dec. 9 from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. in Center Court

  • Mischievous elves bring holiday fun with balloon animals and face painting.

• Holiday Carolers - Fri., Dec. 22 - Sat., Dec. 23 from Noon to 2:00 p.m.

  • Join us for a delightful stroll through the mall with Dickens-style Victorian Christmas Carolers, as they sing their harmonious melodies and the season’s spirit.

• Blissfully Local – Holiday Pop Up Market - Sat., Dec. 9 spread across the mall

  • The Blissfully Local Pop Up Market is a unique shopping experience with a diverse range of handmade items, crafts, and unique products from local artisans, crafters and entrepreneurs. Great for gifting to anyone on your list!

• Noon Year’s Eve - Sun., Dec. 31 from 11:00 a.m. - 1 p.m. in Hi-Five Sports Zone, located in Center Court

  • Kids will enjoy their own party with a DJ, sports and countdown to the new year with a balloon drop at noon! The cost for attending is $25 per child. Hosted by Hi-Five Sports Zone.

Eden Prairie Center will welcome new tenants and local vendors to offer great holiday shopping and deals for gifts, including:

• Go! Calendars & Go! Games - Now Open in Center Court

  • A seasonal specialty store that offers a variety of calendars, toys and board games.

• Northwoods Boutique - Now Open through Dec. 23 located near Target

  • Offers fun gift ideas from local crafters including jewelry, kitchen items, antiques and garden decor.

• Lueur Boutique - Opening Nov. 1, 2023 through Jan. 7, 2024 in Center Court

  • Offers an extensive selection of designer clothing for men and women including apparel, accessories, shoes and home decor.

• Three Mad Poppers - Opening Nov. 2 in Center Court

  • A family-owned gourmet popcorn shop with a variety of delicious popcorn flavors, trail mixes and more.

• Holiday Sample Sale - Open weekends only Nov. 2 – 5 & Nov. 9 – 12 near Food Court

  • Shop items from a popup sale including holiday decorations, home décor, novelty gifts and more to benefit The Grief Club of Minnesota.

• Cutco Kitchen - Opening Dec. 7 through Dec. 23 near Brugen Jewelers

  • Offers brand kitchen cutlery, flatware, cookware and kitchen accessories.

***For a small fee, guests can stop by the Holiday Gift Wrapping Station on the Upper Level at Center Court. Proceeds from the gift-wrapping service will be donated to a local nonprofit organization as a goodwill gesture.