‘Tis the season to be dazzled, and what better way to embrace the holiday spirit than by immersing yourself in the enchanting world of the 900 Shops’ Illuminate 900 event? Nestled in the heart of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, this festive extravaganza once again turned the shopping experience into a winter wonderland of lights, laughter and festive visuals.
Illuminate 900 is planned and presented by the 900 North Michigan Avenue Shops. This mall is one of the most popular in Chicago and its event is billed as a “Holiday Love Letter to the City of Chicago.” The magical night encompassed all six floors with décor inspired by a winter wonderland. It is also Chicago’s top holiday fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Illinois.
Each year, the experience features a 54-foot tree where children and adults alike feel the wonder of Christmas. Revelers young and old don their holiday finest to attend the party. Kids line up to decorate sugar cookies while grown-ups toast the season with champagne and cups of cheer.
The evening included larger-than-life photo opps and costumed holiday characters. Partygoers were seen snapping photos with Rockettes-like dancers and Toy Soldiers (by ZZAZZ Productions), a singing Angel with fantastical, oversized wings, The Real Elf, The Grinch and, of course, Santa!
The culmination of the storybook evening centered around the tree-lighting with Santa. Surrounded by his host committee, that included many of Chicago’s movers and shakers, Santa pulled the lever along with several children from Make-A-Wish Illinois. The event raised funds to help this nonprofit grant wishes to children facing challenging health circumstances – the true spirit of Christmas.
Participating nonprofits and entertainers included Ballet Chicago (that performed excerpts from the fabled holiday classic “The Nutcracker”); The Real Elf (who was on hand spreading cheer and taking “Elfies”); The Grinch (from Broadway in Chicago); Forward Momentum (a contemporary dance company); Beatmix drum corps; Sur La Table (provided a sugar cookie decorating activation); and Bubbles Academy (that provided a craft-making workshop). Light bites and cocktails were served on all 6 levels.
Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to the Windy City just looking to infuse a bit of festive magic into your day, the 900 Shops’ Illuminate 900 event is the perfect destination and one to add to your must-attend holiday checklist next year.
An iconic anchor of the Magnificent Mile and Gold Coast, 900 N. Michigan Shops is an architecturally stunning 465,000-square-foot, seven-level experiential retail destination in the heart of Chicago. Anchored by Bloomingdale’s, 900 North Michigan Shops features more than 70 luxe retailers, including a two-level Gucci store, Janet Mandell, MaxMara, Montblanc, Tesla, BONOBOS, and Aritzia. A 22,000-square-foot, chef-driven food hall, Aster Hall, offers guests a variety of dining options and handcrafted cocktails. And Topgolf Swing Suite offers guests simulated sports gaming experiences in an inviting lounge setting. 900 North Michigan Shops is owned by an affiliate of JMB Realty Corporation.
Creative Credits
- Written by
- Candace Jordan
