POLARIS FASHION PLACE CELEBRATES THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH MAGICAL SANTA EXPERIENCES, SPECIAL EVENTS, SHOPPING DEALS AND COMMUNITY GIVING | POLARIS FASHION PLACE

From a Winter Wonderland Santa experience to festive family events, holiday entertainment and opportunities to give back, Polaris Fashion Place invites Central Ohio families to make lasting holiday memories throughout the season.

The holiday season is arriving at Polaris Fashion Place, bringing with it the magic, traditions and experiences that make this time of year so special. From memorable visits with Santa and festive family-friendly events to Black Friday shopping, live holiday entertainment and meaningful opportunities to give back, Polaris Fashion Place is making the 2026 holiday season one to remember!

Whether guests are checking off their holiday shopping lists, enjoying special experiences with the family or embracing the spirit of giving, Polaris Fashion Place offers something for everyone throughout the season.

A MAGICAL WINTER WONDERLAND WITH SANTA

One of the season’s most anticipated traditions, Photos with Santa, returns to Polaris Fashion Place with an enchanting new theme: Winter Wonderland! Families are invited to capture special holiday memories with Santa in a festive setting, with photo packages starting at just $23.

This year’s experience is sponsored by Pure Imagination Chocolatier, which is adding an extra touch of holiday sweetness. All children ages 12 and under who visit with Santa will receive a coupon for a FREE hot cocoa at Pure Imagination Chocolatier, making their holiday visit even more magical. Kids will also receive a holiday themed squishy toy after their Santa visit, while supplies last.

In addition to traditional Santa visits, families can enjoy several special experiences throughout the season, including:

• Baby’s First Christmas – Sunday, November 22: Celebrate baby’s first holiday season with a special opportunity to visit Santa and capture a memorable milestone. This special experience will be available all day long, from 12 – 6pm.
• Sensory Santa – Sunday, December 6 | 10–11:30am: Before the mall opens, children and families are invited to enjoy a sensory-friendly visit with Santa in a more comfortable and accommodating environment.
• Breakfast with Santa – Saturday, December 12 | 9–10am: New this year – families can enjoy a special morning with Santa at California Pizza Kitchen. The $25-per-person experience includes a special breakfast pizza and beverage. Advance reservations are required by calling California Pizza Kitchen at 614-985-6304.

FESTIVE HOLIDAY EVENTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

The holiday fun continues throughout Polaris Fashion Place with special events, live performances and festive activities for guests of all ages.

• Chanukah Menorah Lighting – Wednesday, December 9 | 5pm: Join the Chabad Columbus group near the Kids Indoor Playground Area for a special menorah lighting celebration honoring and supporting the Jewish community during the holiday season.
• Central Ohio Symphony Holiday Performance – Saturday, December 12 | 5–7pm: Enjoy festival holiday tunes as the Central Ohio Symphony performs live holiday music in the space between Cinnabon and Oakley.
• KidX Cookies & Claus – Thursday, December 17 | 5–6:30pm: Families are invited to celebrate the season with Mrs. Claus and Santa’s Elves as they sing, dance and read Christmas stories to children. Great American Cookies will provide FREE cookies for a fun cookie-decorating activity. Sponsored by Aqua-Tots, this event will take place near the Kids Indoor Playground Area.

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER THROUGH COMMUNITY GIVING

The spirit of the season is about more than gifts under the tree. Polaris Fashion Place is proud to once again offer several opportunities for guests to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others throughout Central Ohio.

• The Giving Machine Returns – November 13 through December 5: A bright red vending machine with a meaningful mission, The Giving Machine allows visitors to purchase charitable items for people in need rather than snacks or drinks for themselves. Guests can select and donate items that help individuals and families facing a variety of challenges, turning everyday generosity into an extraordinary holiday gift.
• Salvation Army Angel Tree: Located near Santa in Center Court, the Salvation Army Angel Tree gives guests the opportunity to help make a child’s holiday brighter. Visitors can select a tag from the tree, shop for a new toy for the child listed and drop off their donation at the Blue Line store, where it will be collected for the Salvation Army program.
• Nationwide Children’s Butterfly: Continuing an annual holiday tradition, the Nationwide Children’s Butterfly will be on display on the upper level near Elena2You. This special holiday fundraising program, hosted by Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, brings joy and hope to pediatric patients spending the holidays in the hospital. The butterfly serves as a reminder of the importance of spreading kindness, compassion and hope during the holiday season.

BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING AND EXTENDED HOLIDAY HOURS

The holiday shopping season officially kicks off at Polaris Fashion Place on Black Friday, November 27, with extended shopping hours from 8am to 9pm. Guests can take advantage of Black Friday sales, special holiday deals throughout the mall as they begin checking off their gift lists.

To make holiday shopping even more convenient, Polaris Fashion Place will offer extended holiday hours beginning Black Friday and continuing throughout the remainder of the 2026 calendar year. Shoppers are encouraged to visit PolarisFashionPlace.com/Holiday for the complete holiday hours schedule and individual retailer hours.

“There’s something truly special about the holiday season at Polaris Fashion Place. It’s a time when families come together, traditions are created and our community has the opportunity to spread a little extra joy,” said Tamra Bower, General Manager of Polaris Fashion Place. “From our magical Winter Wonderland Santa experience and festive family events to our charitable partnerships and extended shopping hours, we’re excited to offer something for everyone this holiday season. We look forward to welcoming our guests and helping make their holidays a little brighter and more memorable.”

With festive experiences, special shopping opportunities and meaningful ways to give back, Polaris Fashion Place invites the community to make the most of the season and celebrate everything that makes the holidays magical.

For more information about holiday events, Photos with Santa, shopping hours and everything happening this season at Polaris Fashion Place, visit PolarisFashionPlace.com/Holiday.

About Polaris Fashion Place

Polaris Fashion Place® is Central Ohio’s premier shopping destination offering market-exclusive brands to locals and tourists alike. A mixed-use lifestyle destination that has both open air and enclosed spaces, the property is home to more than 170 national and local retail, dining and entertainment options. Retailers appreciate the dynamic mix of things to do with things to buy that keeps guests engaged and returning often. Just 20 minutes from downtown Columbus, Polaris Fashion Place® is open seven days a week; Monday to Saturday 11AM – 8PM and Sunday 12PM – 6PM, with extended hours during holiday.  For more information, please visit PolarisFashionPlace.com and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram @PolarisFashionPlace. Polaris Fashion Place® is a registered trademark of O’Connor Group.