Polaris Fashion Place Launches Winter Wonderland Santa Program and Holiday Schedule

Polaris Fashion Place is launching its 2026 holiday season with a new theme for its Santa photos and a series of family events. The shopping center, located just 20 minutes from downtown Columbus, will operate on an extended schedule beginning this Black Friday. The changes aim to provide local residents with specific opportunities for shopping and community engagement.

The mall’s traditional Santa photo program now features a Winter Wonderland setting. Photo packages start at $23. Pure Imagination Chocolatier sponsors the experience and provides a free hot cocoa coupon to all children aged 12 and under who visit. These children also receive a holiday-themed squishy toy, available while supplies last.

The venue is hosting three distinct Santa events this season. On Sunday, November 22, the mall offers a Baby’s First Christmas visit from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. On Sunday, December 6, a sensory-friendly Santa visit is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. before the mall opens. A new Breakfast with Santa event will take place at California Pizza Kitchen on Saturday, December 12, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. This $25 per person experience includes a breakfast pizza and beverage, requiring advance reservations.

Entertainment events are scheduled throughout December. The Chabad Columbus group will lead a Chanukah menorah lighting on Wednesday, December 9, at 5 p.m. near the Kids Indoor Playground Area. The Central Ohio Symphony will perform holiday music from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 12, in the space between Cinnabon and Oakley. On Thursday, December 17, families can attend KidX Cookies & Claus from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. This event, sponsored by Aqua-Tots, features Santa’s elves and free cookie decorating provided by Great American Cookies.

Community giving initiatives are active from November 13 through December 5. The Giving Machine, a vending machine that sells charitable items rather than snacks, is available for visitor use. The Salvation Army Angel Tree is located near Santa in Center Court, allowing guests to select tags and donate new toys. Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Butterfly display is situated on the upper level near Elena2You to support pediatric patients.

Black Friday shopping begins on November 27 with extended hours from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. The mall will maintain extended holiday hours for the remainder of the 2026 calendar year. Shoppers can find the complete schedule of retailer hours at PolarisFashionPlace.com/Holiday.

Tamra Bower, General Manager of Polaris Fashion Place, stated that the season focuses on families creating traditions and the community spreading joy. She noted that the mall offers something for everyone through its experiences, charitable partnerships, and extended hours. The property is open seven days a week, with standard hours Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Polaris Fashion Place is a mixed-use destination with more than 170 retail, dining, and entertainment options. The site includes both open-air and enclosed spaces. The mall is a registered trademark of O’Connor Group.