Cadillac Fairview is rolling out its 2026 holiday programming across shopping centres in five provinces, with new interactive attractions, seasonal entertainment, Santa visits and promotional initiatives designed to draw shoppers into its retail properties throughout the holiday season.
The programming, beginning in November, will span properties in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec. Offerings include programmable Christmas trees, augmented reality experiences, holiday installations, community events and extended operating hours, alongside partnerships with retailers and charitable organizations.
The initiatives form part of the company’s seasonal strategy to bring visitors into its shopping centres through experiences that extend beyond traditional retail shopping.
“The most memorable moments of the season are the ones we share together, the excitement of a child meeting Santa for the first time, finding the perfect gift, or simply enjoying the festive atmosphere with family and friends,” said Andrea Nickel, Senior Director, Experience, Design & Delivery at Cadillac Fairview. “Our holiday programming reflects our commitment to creating welcoming spaces where Canadians can gather and celebrate in ways that feel meaningful to them.”
New Christmas tree displays and interactive experiences
Several CF properties will introduce major Christmas tree displays and public lighting celebrations beginning Nov. 12.
At CF Toronto Eaton Centre, the annual tree-lighting celebration will mark the 10th year of its Christmas tree on Nov. 12. The 114-foot installation, described by the company as Canada’s tallest indoor Christmas tree, will feature an immersive lighting presentation spanning multiple levels of the shopping centre’s atrium.
Presented in partnership with Capital One Canada, the programmable LED tree will host hourly light and snow shows through Jan. 3. Visitors will also be able to customize the display through a Tree Designer console on Level 3, selecting colours and animations before activating their own light show.
In Quebec, CF Carrefour Laval and CF Fairview Pointe Claire will each introduce a new 40-foot programmable LED Christmas tree. Both properties will hold lighting ceremonies on Nov. 13, followed by daily light and music presentations through Jan. 3.
CF Richmond Centre in British Columbia will also host a tree-lighting celebration on Nov. 14, featuring a 78-foot Christmas tree in its outdoor plaza. The property will offer recurring light and music shows through Jan. 3.
Other interactive installations will include an augmented reality experience at CF Carrefour Laval, where visitors can scan QR codes with their smartphones to activate digital effects featuring snowfall and northern lights.
At CF Sherway Gardens in Toronto, a retro-style telephone booth will provide visitors with a direct line to the North Pole. Running from Nov. 13 to Dec. 23, the installation will allow families to receive recorded messages from Santa, Mrs. Claus or the Head Elf, with a printed photo available as a keepsake.
Santa visits and retailer partnerships
Santa visits will return to select CF shopping centres from Nov. 13 to Dec. 23, with this year’s programming featuring a new Santa’s Mailroom setting designed around a North Pole theme.
Pre-booked five-minute sessions cost $17.50 and include five digital photographs. Visitors at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, CF Sherway Gardens and CF Fairview Mall can also purchase a physical four-by-six-inch print for an additional $10. CF Insiders members receive early ticket access beginning Nov. 2, while general public bookings open Nov. 3.
The company is also incorporating retailer partnerships into its seasonal programming. The LEGO Group will host weekend activities at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, including Build and Take Home a LEGO Holiday Ornament events for LEGO Insiders members. Special LEGO minibuilds will also take place at CF Chinook Centre, CF Fairview Mall, CF Markville Mall, CF Sherway Gardens, CF Richmond Centre and CF Polo Park.
Purdys Chocolatier will provide complimentary chocolate tastings and weekend giveaways for visitors booking Santa appointments at CF Sherway Gardens and CF Richmond Centre. The chocolatier will also offer complimentary treats following Santa visits at other participating properties.
Cadillac Fairview will introduce Sensitive Santa sessions in partnership with the Autism Alliance of Canada, providing a quieter, lower-sensory environment for children with sensory needs. Walk-up visits will be available when scheduling permits.
Additional programming includes weekend appearances by Mrs. Claus at CF Carrefour Laval, CF Market Mall, CF Polo Park and CF Sherway Gardens from Nov. 14 to Dec. 20. At CF Sherway Gardens, she will also host free holiday storytime sessions at Indigo on Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 14 to Dec. 13, with advance registration required.
Community events and charitable initiatives
Cadillac Fairview is continuing its holiday community support through several charitable partnerships and fundraising activities.
Five properties — CF Toronto Eaton Centre, CF Fairview Mall, CF Markville, CF Masonville Place and CF Polo Park — will participate in The Salvation Army’s annual Toy Mountain campaign. Donation bins will be installed at the centres beginning in mid-November to collect new, unwrapped toys for local children and families.
CF Shops at Don Mills will host the 18th annual Toronto Firefighters Toy Drive on Dec. 10. The event will include an outdoor market, live entertainment and firetrucks, along with an $8,000 corporate donation from Cadillac Fairview to Toronto Firefighters Charities.
Other community-focused activities include a modified Santa experience at CF Rideau Centre, where pre-booked sessions cost $5, with all proceeds donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa. CF Shops at Don Mills will also offer visits with Santa for guests and their pets inside a holiday-themed geodome installation on select dates in December.
In Calgary, CF Chinook Centre will host its Christmas Court Series beginning Nov. 13, featuring rotating local entertainment on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the season. Performances will include acoustic musicians, seasonal vocalists, DJs, line dancers and ballet performers.
Gift promotions and extended shopping hours
Cadillac Fairview is also introducing digital shopping and gift card initiatives ahead of the busiest part of the holiday shopping season.
Its digital Shop the Gift guide will launch Nov. 16, ahead of Black Friday, featuring gift suggestions across seven categories, including home décor, jewellery, fashion, toys, games and in-property experiences.
The company will also offer a promotional incentive for CF SHOP! card purchases beginning Nov. 19. Customers purchasing $250 in gift cards in person at Guest Services will receive a $25 promotional bonus card, up to a maximum of $200 in bonus cards per person, while supplies last.
CF shopping centres across Canada will extend operating hours during the holiday season, with schedules varying by property.
Details about holiday shopping hours, event schedules, reservations and individual shopping centre programming are available at shops.cadillacfairview.com.
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