Upper Canada Mall is ready for the festive season with new holiday events, experiences and decor, including Santa's arrival at the Holly Jolly Lodge this week.
Santa officially arrived on Nov. 12 and for the first time, visitors to the Newmarket mall can mail their letters to Santa at the new Holly Jolly mailbox.
Another addition this year is Storytime with Santa Saturdays from Nov. 16 to Dec. 21. Santa is partnering with the Newmarket Public Library to read stories from 10 to 10:20 a.m.
The Holly Jolly Lodge has been renovated with a new cozy, rustic design, according to an Upper Canada news release, however the iconic 30-foot walk-in tree remains.
You can book a photo with Santa online. On weekdays from Nov. 12 to 28, customers can save 20 per cent off on photo packages by using the code 'November20!'.
The Holly Jolly Lodge is also hosting Pet Nights in support of the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Guests are welcome to bring in furry friends for photos on Nov. 13, 20 and 27 from 5 to 8 p.m. Reservations can be made on the holiday website for this special event (no discount code.)
Experience JOY in Market Court
There will be free family-focused activities and performances in the Market Court Nov. 15 to Dec. 23, including five weekends of entertainment:
Nov. 15 and 29 — Experience the JOY of Reading
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Newmarket Public Library hosts holiday-themed origami crafts and storytime.
Bonus — On Dec. 5 from 1 to 5 p.m., Newmarket Public Library returns to host again.
Nov. 23 and 24 — Experience the JOY of Traditions
10 a.m. to noon: holiday family acoustic music
Noon to 4 p.m.: Write and mail a letter to Santa
Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 — Experience the JOY of Creating
Noon to 4 p.m.: friendship bracelet making
4 to 6 p.m.: holiday music
Dec. 7 and 8 — Experience the JOY of Entertaining
11 a.m. to noon: figure skater snow globe shows
Noon to 4 p.m.: mocktail making and sampling
Plus, butter tart and sweets sampling with The Sweet Oven
Dec. 14 and 15 — Experience the JOY of Coziness
Noon to 4 p.m.: holiday beanie hat decorating
4 to 6 p.m.: holiday carollers
Dec. 21 and 22 — Experience the JOY of Magic
10 a.m. and 11 a.m.: magician
Noon to 4 p.m.: cookie decorating
YRP Holiday Heroes
’Tis the season to give. From Dec. 7 to 8, York Regional Police are collecting gift cards, cash, new toys, children’s clothing and non-perishable food items in support of the thousands of York Region individuals and families that could benefit from a Holiday Hero. Holiday Heroes will be located on the upper level by H&M.
Put a bow on it
For the second year in a row, Southlake Foundation will be Upper Canada Mall’s gift-wrapping partner. Starting Dec. 9, customers can get all their gifts beautifully wrapped, with all proceeds going to Southlake. This festive gift-wrapping station will be located on the upper level, just outside of Winners.
Extended holiday hours and key dates
Starting Nov. 30, Upper Canada Mall will be extending hours to accommodate the community’s holiday shopping needs. The updated timings are as follows:
Monday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Regular hours resume Jan. 2, 2025, with Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Key dates:
- Black Friday (Friday, Nov. 29): 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Christmas Eve (Tuesday, Dec. 24): 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Christmas Day (Wednesday, Dec. 25): mall closed
- Boxing Day (Thursday, Dec. 26): 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- New Year’s Eve (Tuesday, Dec. 31): 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- New Year’s Day (Wednesday, Jan. 1): 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For more information and updates, visit uppercanadamall.com.
