If you shopped online during the past few holiday seasons, then you surely felt something missing. You never rubbed the sleeves of sweaters between your fingertips and gauged whether they would keep your loved ones warm. You never watched the limitless variety of children’s reactions to visiting Santa. You never were bewitched by the smell of cinnamon sugar pretzels wafting down a hallway. You never gently elbowed your husband while walking past the jewelry store.
The magic of the holidays is alive at Eden Prairie Center.
“I love the hustle and bustle of the center during the holidays,” said Nancy Litwin, senior general manager for Eden Prairie Center. “The cheerful potted poinsettias. The festive music playing over the speakers. The way the crisp air makes the lights of the signs outside shine just a little bit brighter.
“Of course there is also the big man in red, who will return to SCHEELS Court on November 17th for his annual appearance at Eden Prairie Center. Don’t miss the party Santa’s elves are throwing on December 3rd with a DJ, dancing, games, prizes and more. Live holiday performances by local community and school choral and band groups will echo throughout the center. The Choo Choo Express Train will transform into the Holiday Express complete with garlands and lights. And with a suggested donation to a local non-profit, you can take the stress out of wrapping all those gifts you purchased.”
Eden Prairie Center couldn’t be more suitably named. The team at Eden Prairie Center has spent years cultivating an experience that is authentic to its home city – not just by welcoming the stores which locals most like to shop in, including giants like SCHEELS, Target and Von Maur, but also local favorites.
Eden Prairie Center’s sheer variety of stores ensures shoppers will find the perfect gifts for everyone on their shopping lists. Go to see Doug Cummelin Photography, where you can buy stunning prints of Minnesotan landscapes and wildlife. Crystal Zones just joined this summer, and they give a new meaning to the phrase ‘hidden gem.’ Their beautiful agates and amethysts would look brilliant on any mantelpiece, and they provide the healing energy anyone could use during the dark months ahead. Umi’s Boutique is a Somali-owned business with gorgeous apparel, and the aptly named Kitchens has something to please all of your culinarian friends and family members.
If it can be worn, you will find it at Eden Prairie Center. LOFT and Chico’s offer fine women’s clothing for work and for play. DSW and Journeys provide all the shoes you could need to bring any outfit to perfection. And between American Eagle Outfitters, Eddie Bauer, Old Navy and Buckle, you will find just the right clothing gifts for everyone – not to mention a few things you dearly deserve yourself.
Eden Prairie Center’s variety of fun activities and entertainment makes it a perfect destination to entertain young children on weekdays. Whether you are looking for an active morning of sports with Hi-Five Sports Zone, free play at the Children’s Soft Play Area, or an exciting animal ride at Safari Adventures, you will find affordable year-round entertainment for kids of all ages. EPC Kids program has recently partnered with Twin Cities Road Crew to host a big event on the second Wednesday of each month, like a Teddy Bear Clinic in November and the Frozen Holiday Experience with Anna and Elsa in December.
Need a family activity over holiday break? Check out the latest blockbuster at AMC Theatres. Thrill-seekers (and especially teenage thrill-seekers) will love Tactical Urban Combat’s battle blaster arena, and Sandbox VR provides a futuristic full-body interactive virtual reality adventure that you can enjoy alongside your friends.
“Our food court is always available to help keep our guests on their feet, but we’re proud to offer fine dining destinations as well,” said Nancy. “Crave serves steaks, sushi, wine and cocktails that will chase away even the coldest winter chills, and Wildfire offers Minnesotans a taste of Chicago’s best steaks, chops and seafood without having to spend six hours in the car. Their chopped salad is one of my favorites!”
Delete your online shopping cart. This holiday season, it’s all at the mall. Visit Eden Prairie Center at 8251 Flying Cloud Drive, or go to edenprairiecenter.com to learn more about shopping, entertainment, dining and upcoming special events in the heart of our community