CHICAGO, Oct. 16, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Visiting friends and family this holiday season? America's Premier Shopping Places are located in everyone's favorite destinations including Chicago, New York, Boston, Las Vegas, Miami, Orlando, New Orleans, Honolulu, San Antonio, Baltimore, Portland and more! Each of America's Premier Shopping Places features a variety of holiday events and performances to make your visit truly memorable. Below is a listing of events by destination to assist in planning your holiday travel itineraries.
Visiting holiday shoppers are also eligible to receive a Premier Passport, which entitles them to special shopping and dining offers at participating retailers and restaurants. Simply visit www.AmericasShoppingPlaces.com and print our Premier Passport before traveling. Then present it at the designated location in each center with an out of state drivers license or passport to receive special offers, discounts, services and amenities to help wrap up your holiday gift-giving needs.
Harborplace & The Gallery (Baltimore, MD) -- Located in the heart of the Inner Harbor, Harborplace & The Gallery, Baltimore's historic retail and dining destination, has a multitude of festive activities planned for visitors from around the world. On Saturday, November 21, Harborplace begins the day with the Baltimore Architecture Foundation to host the holiday classic, City Blocks, an event that features Tyco's fascinating building block sculptures and family-friendly activities. Later in the day, Santa will arrive on a festively adorned tug boat greeted by performances from a brass quintet from the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and the Baltimore School for the Arts show-stopping troupe of Tap Dancing Santas. In addition, several special musical performances are planned, including TUBACHRISTMAS on Saturday, December 5, featuring hundreds of tuba eupohonium players, playing alongside barber shop quartets, choruses and carolers. Harborplace and The Gallery offers holiday shoppers national names, local shops and artisans, along with regional cuisines. For further holiday event information and schedules, log on to http://www.harborplace.com.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace (Boston, MA) -- Faneuil Hall's historic 19th century buildings and cobblestone streets will come alive throughout the season with traditional decorations, Victorian Carolers, musical ensembles and local choral groups. This holiday season begins with all-day entertainment on Saturday, November 21 with the 25th Annual Lighting Ceremony. Then, on Saturday, November 28, the Holiday Tuba Extravaganza will feature over 150 tubas playing favorite holiday tunes. Gift buying is special at Faneuil Hall with over 70 shops and their infamous "Bull Market" featuring 30 carts of unique merchandise and collectibles created by New England artisans. For a complete holiday event calendar, visit http://www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com.
Whalers Village (Lahaina, HI) -- Whalers Village welcomes holiday travelers with the spirit of Aloha during the following special events and activities in December:
* Free holiday ornament with purchase at Whalers Village during the month of December
* Free photos with Santa beach side, December 4, 5, 11, 12 from 3-5 p.m.
* Free Hula Lessons every Thursday from 3-4 pm
* Free Lei Making Class every Tuesday and Friday afternoons
* Mele Kalimimaka Show (Christmas show) every Saturday from 7-8 p.m.
* Tahitian and Polynesian Dance Shows every Monday and Wednesday, 7-8 p.m.
* Holiday Sunset Jazz every Tuesday, 7-8 p.m.
* Visit http://www.whalersvillage.com for more information
Fashion Show Las Vegas (Las Vegas, NV) -- Fashion Show's annual "Believe in the Magic" holiday production premieres at noon on Friday, November 27 and runs Fridays-Sundays until December 6 and daily from Friday, December 11-Thursday, December 24. Showtimes are: 12 p.m. (noon), 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. with the final show on December 24 commencing at 4 p.m. "Believe in the Magic" features a 35-foot Christmas tree, Fashion Show elves (dancers), artificial snow that falls from the mall ceiling, and, of course, Santa. The show is free and unfolds on the Fashion Show runway in The Great Hall (near Nordstrom). Santa remains at Fashion Show through December 24 at 6 p.m. and is available daily during center hours for photos. Santa is located in Fashion Show near the entrance to Nordstrom. A variety of photo packages and merchandise will also be available. Fashion Show is located at the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard (The Strip) and Spring Mountain Road. http://www.thefashionshow.com.
The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian (Las Vegas, NV) -- Located across from Fashion Show on The Strip, The Grand Canal Shoppes shine with awe-inspiring decor featuring the riches of old-world Venice including tapestries, sconces, chandeliers and wrought-iron embellishments over The Grand Canal. Live entertainment is presented daily with performances by The Venetian Trio, Streetmosphere talent and Living Statues. Dining at The Grand Canal Shoppes offers a gourmet taste of the holidays by signature chefs including David Burke, Wolfgang Puck, Emeril Lagasse, Mario Batali, and more. After shopping the center's 80 unique boutiques, top off the day with a serenading Gondola ride through the festive waters of The Grand Canal. http://www.thegrandcanalshoppes.com.
The Shoppes at The Palazzo (Las Vegas, NV) -- The Shoppes at The Palazzo continues the tradition of beautiful European decorative work of Panache Designs. The unique decor features a whimsical and luxurious approach to holiday with artistically dressed topiaries adorned with hand painted urns creating a piece of art in itself. The topiaries will line the hallways with warmth and compliment the beautiful craftsmanship of The Shoppes at The Palazzo. http://www.theshoppesatthepalazzo.com.
Village of Merrick Park (Miami, FL) -- Village of Merrick Park embraces the holiday spirit this season as it offers visitors the opportunity to join in its holiday happenings. To celebrate the season, Miami's luxury shopping paradise will offer a slate of modern-meets-traditional holiday celebrations including its annual Holiday Tree Lighting on Thursday, November 19, featuring a 50-foot tree and special shopping events during Thanksgiving weekend and Saturdays in December. Additionally, Village of Merrick Park's merchants offer a variety of specialty holiday items and gift selections that can satisfy even the most indulgent wish lists this year. For detailed performance and event information, visit http://www.villageofmerrickpark.com.
Bayside Marketplace (Miami, FL) -- Bayside Marketplace is located on beautiful Biscayne Bay in downtown Miami. Gift shopping is fun at Bayside Marketplace with over 150 unique shops and international dining overlooking the Bay. On New Year's Eve, Thursday, December 31, Bayside Marketplace is THE place to be, with live entertainment all day on the Marina Stage and a spectacular fireworks display at night to ring in the NEW YEAR. For more information, visit http://www.baysidemarketplace.com.
Riverwalk Marketplace (New Orleans, LA) -- Celebrate the holiday season at Riverwalk Marketplace with Chabad-Lubavitch of Louisiana for the annual Chanukah at Riverwalk celebration. Chabad-Lubavitch's Chanukah Event Features music, food and Menorah lighting on Sunday, December 13, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. This will be the 20th year Riverwalk has hosted the Chanukah Menorah lighting ceremony on Spanish Plaza. Chanukah at Riverwalk entertains visitors with traditional Israeli music, dancing, food and the lighting of the 12-foot menorah. The event is free and open to the public. Please visit http://www.riverwalkmarketplace.com for more information on this and other events.
South Street Seaport (New York, NY) -- South Street Seaport's historic pier and cobblestone streets offer a perfect location to take in the sights and sounds of a New York City holiday. The Chorus Tree Lighting Ceremony begins on Friday, November 27 at 6 p.m. The event features a countdown to the illumination of thousands of twinkling white lights affixed to the 50-plus-foot Chorus Tree, caroling by The Big Apple Chorus and a small-town parade heralding the arrival of New York City's most acclaimed Santa Claus. Of course, Seaport Marketplace also greets visitors with more than 100 retail shops, colorful carts, cafes and restaurants, to make holiday shopping truly memorable for visitors from around the world. Call 212-SEA-PORT or log on to http://www.southstreetseaport.com.
Festival Bay Mall at International Drive (Orlando, FL) -- Whether it's giving back to the community or gift giving on the agenda, Festival Bay Mall at International Drive in Orlando is the place to be this holiday season. The season kicks off on Saturday, November 21 with Santa's arrival and Gingerbread House display. On Saturday, November 28 and December 12, Radio Disney will entertain young travelers with games, prizes and activities. Attendees will also have a chance to register for the $1,000 Gift Card Grand Prize that will be drawn on December 12! (Must be present to win.) For further information and event details, visit http://www.shopfestivalbaymall.com.
The Shops at La Cantera (San Antonio, TX) -- The Shops at La Cantera will host the newest event of the New World Wine & Food Festival -- Sip, Savor & Shop on Sunday, November 8, from 2-6 p.m. The event will feature wine tasting, hors d'oeuvres, shopping discounts and gifts. Visitors will enjoy cooking demos, live entertainment and door prizes. Tickets are $25 per person for adults, $10 for children (under 21), and free for children under 5. To help San Antonio visitors with their holiday shopping, The Shops at La Cantera will host Thanks-Getting Weekend, November 27-29. Shoppers will receive "thanks" for starting their holiday shopping in the heart of Texas with a chance to win a $2,500 shopping spree. There will also be great savings offers, door busters, coffee giveaways, and free valet parking for the first 200 guests each day. The Shops at La Cantera present their third annual Holiday Mingle & Jingle event on Thursday, December 3 from 6-9 p.m. The evening will be filled with enjoyment and exclusive holiday offers from The Shops at La Cantera retailers. Advance tickets are $20 per person or $30 per person (cash only) at the door. All proceeds from tickets sold benefit local charities. For more information on these events and more, please visit http://www.theshopatlacantera.com.
Pioneer Place (Portland, OR) -- Experience the magic of the holiday season at Pioneer Place in Portland Oregon -- Visit Santa and walk in a winter wonderland of indoor snowfall nightly. And, of course, the center will be filled with holiday sounds performed by Dickens Carolers, and local performing groups throughout the season. Plus, with our outstanding collection of stores including Apple, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., True Religion, Kate Spade, and Juicy Couture, your gift list will disappear like magic too. Best of all, Pioneer Place offers tax-free shopping. Visit http://www.pioneerplace.com for Santa hours and event schedules.
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For a complete listing of America's Premier Shopping Places, and hi-res photos, visit http://www.americasshoppingplaces.com or contact Kathy Anderson at shoppingplaces@aol.com.
General Growth Properties, Inc. currently has ownership interest in, or management responsibility for, over 200 regional shopping malls in 44 states, as well as ownership in master planned community developments and commercial office buildings. The Company's portfolio totals approximately 200 million square feet of retail space and includes over 24,000 retail stores nationwide. GGP's common stock is trading in the Pink Sheets under the symbol GGWPQ. For more information, visit www.ggp.com.