Few holiday traditions excite me more than mall shopping with my mom. We get peppermint mochas, bundle up in our crazy Christmas sweaters and spend the day together buying gifts for those we love. We eat holiday snacks, laugh at funny holiday shirts, admire the holiday decorations, and try – usually unsuccessfully – to buy each other’s presents without the other seeing. It’s what the season is truly all about, spending time with our loved ones. I have decades of these memories that I will cherish long after she is gone. Another season is almost upon us and I urge you to grab your family, put on those ugly Christmas sweaters and head to the Capital Mall to create your own priceless memories you will cherish long after the last candy cane is eaten. Starting November 18, 2023, Santa will be at Capital Mall so you can get a fun Santa photo capturing your family memory forever.
Santa Photos at Capital Mall
You won’t want to miss Santa’s arrival at the Capital Mall on November 18, 2023! The mall is having a Christmas party with some very special friends to welcome Santa in style and kick off the holiday season! Meet Anna, Elsa, Barbie, Ken and more as they wait for the big man himself. There will be plenty of kid-friendly activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as well.
At 11 a.m., photos with Santa will start and continue all the way to 7 p.m. If you are ordering Christmas cards with your Santa photos on them, this is the time to get them, it’s not too early!
Santa will be at the mall for photos until Christmas Eve – he tends to be busy that day – and while reservations are not required, they are encouraged. You can reserve your photo time on the Capital Mall website.
Black Friday at the Capital Mall
You do not want to miss Black Friday at the Capital Mall! Mall hours that day will be from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Store hours may vary, so check with individual retailers for their holiday operating hours. Then, grab your egg nog latte from Northwest Grind and be prepared for a day full of amazing deals! JC Penney and Macy’s have tree trimmings to deck your halls and gifts for everyone on your list.
If you have tweens or teens on your list, you need to visit Hot Topic, Box Lunch, PLAYLIVE Nation and Windsor. Whether you pick something out – their employees are super helpful if you need a bit of help – or get a gift card, it’s sure to be a hit!
Looking for unique gifts and stocking stuffers? My go-to place is World Market. They have incredible candy that you can’t get anywhere else – my husband loves the Belgian chocolate Santas and the Kinder Happy Hippos, I love all the chocolate-covered marzipan treats (many are gluten and dairy-free!) They also have fun decorations including ornaments that are perfect for your own tree, or to give as gifts.
Of course, if you are really stumped, you can always give a gift card to any of the stores in the Capital Mall. The gift of guilt-free shopping is always fun!
Shop Small Business Saturday at the Capital Mall
Don’t forget to return to the mall on Saturday, November 25, 2023 for Small Business Saturday. There are plenty of local stores at Capital Mall for you to support while finishing your holiday shopping. Check out Cascadian Co, Design Customs and Pro Image Sports for unique clothing items. For fun trinkets that fit into stockings or that make great for Hannukah gifts, check out Tokyo Anime and the Koneko Kafe. Have a green thumb on your list? A custom-made terrarium by you from Peaks and Valleys Plants is the perfect gift!
Shopping for two days in a row may sound like a lot, but doing it with family or friends turns it into a fun-filled outing. Besides, you need two days to try all the delicious food from Smash-n Burger, MiSo and more. Not to mention dessert at 777ish Cookies and festive coffees or energy drinks at Northwest Grind.
To keep up on all the holiday shopping deals at the Capital Mall, follow the Capital Mall Facebook, Instagram and sign up for the newsletter! Be sure to check in on Instagram every Wednesday for their Win It Wednesday giveaways – you just might get a little treat for yourself too!
This holiday season, create your own memories at the Capital Mall. And have a peppermint mocha with extra marshmallows. You won’t regret a thing.
