Illuminate 900: Unwrapping holiday magic at 900 North Michigan Shops

Holiday plans are underway at the iconic 900 North Michigan Shops! Plan a visit to help light the great tree on Thursday, Nov. 16 when Illuminate 900 returns and snag a photo with Santa and Tommy, the Real Elf, beginning Nov. 18!

900 Shops will be converted into a winter wonderland as it hosts its annual tree lighting ceremony with an evening of spectacular holiday performances, seasonal activations, and sumptuous fare while holiday revelers await the arrival of Santa himself to light the majestic, 54-foot-tall tree! Illuminate 900 is Chicago’s top holiday fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Illinois. (All details here)

Chicago’s favorite Santa will welcome guests from November 18th – December 24th and Tommy, the Real Elf, will make surprise, unannounced appearances throughout the season. Santa visits will be on Level 3 of 900 North Michigan Shops while Tommy’s location is a secret.

Reservations for photo appointments with Santa can be made here. Each reservation includes:

• A keepsake digital photo captured by the professional photographers at The Event Image Co.
• A dreamy, designer-inspired Winter wonderland setting,
• A most fantastical Santa Claus digital download of photos, conveniently delivered via email,
• Three hours complimentary parking at 900 Shops Parking Complex (entrances from Rush Street northbound and Walton Street westbound); validation available onsite at the Santa set, and 
• A special toy from Santa (while supplies last).

“I wait all year to visit 900 Shops,” said Mr. Claus, enroute from the North Pole. “The reindeer especially love the holiday spirit and décor at my favorite Chicago destination. And Aster Hall always has special treats for me and Tommy, the Real Elf, whose sweet tooth is legendary.”