TRAVELERS ENCOURAGED TO “WRAP UP THE HOLIDAYS”
WITH FESTIVE EVENTS AND SPECIAL OFFERS
AT AMERICA’S PREMIER SHOPPING PLACES

America’s Premier Shopping Places are welcoming travelers from around the world this holiday season for spirited shopping, dining and a variety of festive events.  The centers, many of which are located in leading travel destinations such as Chicago, New York, Boston, Las Vegas, Miami, Orlando, New Orleans, Honolulu, Los Angeles, Dallas, Seattle and more, are encouraging travelers to complete their gift shopping after arriving to their holiday destination rather than packing or shipping gifts in advance.  “Given the number of baggage restrictions on today’s flights such as weight, liquids, no gift wrapping, etc., as well as the length of security lines at airports during the holidays, it really makes more sense for travelers visiting friends and family to shop after arriving at their destination rather than packing or shipping gifts,” said Susan Houck, Vice President of Marketing for General Growth Properties.

Many of America’s Premier Shopping Places offer visitors assistance with locating the perfect gift, wrapping it, even delivering packages to local hotels in some destinations. In addition, the centers feature a variety of holiday events and performances to make the traveler’s visit truly memorable.  From the traditional Santa and Victorian carolers, to parades, indoor snow, state-of-the-art light shows, interactive workshops and Olympic ice skating performances, each of America’s Premier Shopping Places has created a special holiday experience for local residents and visitors alike.

Visitors traveling to any of the America’s Premier Shopping Places’ destinations can also gift themselves by printing a Premier Passport at www.AmericasShoppingPlaces.com to receive special offers, services and amenities reserved exclusively for travelers.  Visitors present the Premier Passport at a designated center location, along with an out-of-state driver’s license or passport, to save hundreds - even thousands of dollars on holiday gifts or that special party outfit for themselves.

The following is a sample of holiday events and happenings at a few of America’s Premier Shopping Places. For a complete map of America’s Premier Shopping Places, visit their website at www.AmericasShoppingPlaces.com.  Holiday events vary by center and are subject to change.

America’s Premier Shopping Places is one of the nation’s largest collection of tourism-oriented shopping centers located throughout the United States, which are owned and/or managed by General Growth Properties, Inc.  The centers are located in the heart of America’s best-loved cities as well as along America’s scenic highways and byways, attracting millions of visitors annually from around the world. For a complete listing of destinations and further information, visit www.americasshoppingplaces.com or contact Kathy Anderson, Travel & Tourism Manager at shoppingplaces@aol.com. 

• Ala Moana Center-Honolulu, HI

• Bayside Marketplace - Miami, FL

• Christiana Mall - Newark, DE

• Coastland Center - Ft. Meyers, FL

• Cumberland Mall - Atlanta, GA

• Faneuil Hall Marketplace - Boston, MA

• Fashion Show - Las Vegas, NV

• Festival Bay Mall - Orlando, FL

• Galleria Dallas - Dallas, TX

• Glendale Galleria - Los Angeles, CA

• Harborplace & The Gallery - Baltimore, MD

• Jordan Creek Town Center - Des Moines, IA

• Lynnhaven Mall - Virginia Beach, VA

• Natick Collection - Natick, MA

• North Star Mall - San Antonio, TX

• Oakbrook Center - Chicago, IL

• Park Meadows - Denver, CO

• Park Place - Tucson, AZ

• Perimeter Mall - Atlanta, GA

• Pioneer Place - Portland, OR

• Providence Place - Providence, RI

• Riverchase Galleria - Birmingham, AL

• Riverwalk Marketplace - New Orleans, LA

• South Street Seaport - New York, NY

• Shops at La Cantera - San Antonio, TX

• St. Louis Galleria - St. Louis, MO

• Stonebriar Center - Dallas, TX

• Stonestown Galleria - San Francisco, CA

• Streets at Southpoint - Raleigh-Durham, NC

• The Grand Canal Shoppes - Las Vegas, NV

• The Maine Mall - Portland, ME

• The Shops at Georgetown Park – Wash., DC

• Tucson Mall -Tucson, AZ

• Tysons Galleria - Washington DC

• Village of Merrick Park - Miami, FL

• Ward Centers - Honolulu, HI

• Water Tower Place - Chicago, IL

• Westlake Center - Seattle, WA

• Whalers Village - Maui, HI

• The Shoppes at The Palazzo - Las Vegas
  (opening Spring 2008)

South Street Seaport-New York, NY
HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES ABOUND IN NEW YORK CITY AT SOUTH STREET SEAPORT. 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. Santa arrives at Seaport beginning November 23rd to delight children of all ages with photos and special storytimes. The Big Apple Chorus, NYC’s premier a cappella group, entertains on weekends under the lights of this year’s 50-foot tall tree, hailing from a forest in Connecticut.  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 www.southstreetseaport.com.

Westlake Center-Seattle, WA
WESTLAKE CENTER GOES “GREEN” IN SEATTLE. The holiday season officially begins with the 19th Annual Westlake Center Tree Lighting Celebration on November 23rd! The program includes the lighting of a spectacular 60 foot holiday tree, downtown carousel, Macy’s star and a fireworks display that culminates into a festive, musical celebration. This year’s tree just got a little “greener” – having been selected from a sustainable managed forest and decorated completely with energy-efficient LED lights.  Westlake offers some of Seattle’s best shopping and dining venues located in the heart of the city’s cultural district near museums, the Space Needle and Pike’s Place Market for even more spirited holiday fun! Visit www.westlakecenter.com “Events & Entertainment”.

Park Place-Tucson, AZ
“SANTASTIC” EXPERIENCE DEBUTS IN TUCSON AT PARK PLACE.  Park Place is proud to unveil a new one-of-a-kind holiday experience called “Santastic”. This innovative experience takes visitors on a magical journey through interactive components designed to awaken the senses. Shoppers listen to holiday music while mesmerized by brilliant snow and light shows occurring along scent-filled trails and exhibits, entertaining visitors of all ages. Park Place offers over 120 shops as well as 20 restaurants and eateries to complete everyone’s holiday shopping lists and satisfy every appetite. Log on to www.santabelievesinme.com for photos and a video of the “Santastic” experience or www.parkplacemall.com for more information. 

Tucson Mall-Tucson, AZ
TUCSON MALL SHOWCASES SPIRIT OF GIVING IN ARIZONA.  Tucson Mall offers over 200 shops and restaurants located near Tucson’s most popular resorts and attractions.    This holiday season, travelers can both give AND receive. A variety of traditional holiday events are scheduled to entertain young and old, including children’s art workshops, pet nights, and concerts. In addition, Tucson Mall invites visitors to the Festival of Giving event on November 18th, and to help others with a tag from the “Home Giving Trees” designed to help families in need of construction and repair items benefiting Habitat for Humanity.  Visit www.tucsonmall.com for holiday event information, dates and times.

Harborplace & The Gallery-Baltimore, Maryland
YULETIDE EVENTS SPARKLE AT HARBORPLACE IN BALTIMORE.  Located in the heart of the Inner Harbor, this historic retail and dining destination has a multitude of festive activities planned for visitors from around the world.  Santa will listen to children’s wishes through December 24th. In addition, several special musical performances are planned including TUBACHRISTMAS, featuring hundreds of tuba euphonium 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 www.harborplace.com.

North Star Mall-San Antonio, Texas
TEXAS MARCHING BAND LEADS SANTA’S PARADE AT NORTH STAR MALL IN SAN ANTONIO. November 23rd, Santa arrives at North Star Mall to kick off a season of fun and festivities, escorted by a full marching band and mascot characters.  Santa will welcome visitors and kids with genuine Texas hospitality throughout the holidays, while various musical performances and entertainment fills the air with magic, laughter and song. Don’t forget to get your picture next to the world’s largest cowboy boots sparkling for the holidays as well.  For further details on Santa’s schedule and performances, visit www.northstarmall.com.

Galleria Dallas-Dallas, Texas
GALLERIA DALLAS PRESENTS A HOLIDAY ON ICE IN TEXAS. “Missile Toes”, the Galleria’s own ice skating Santa will entertain Dallas visitors beginning Thanksgiving weekend as he performs on the center’s ice rink with back flips, stunts and even fireworks from his skates.  Throughout the season, various amateur and Olympic skaters will also perform to synchronized music and state-of-the-art dancing lights showcasing the country’s tallest indoor tree, during scheduled “Toyland” presentations on ice.  Holiday tunes will fill the Galleria Dallas atrium with performances by professional entertainers, choruses and other musical groups.  Spectacular entertainment plus over 200 shops and restaurants adds up to a very happy holiday season. For dates and times, visit www.galleriadallas.com.

Festival Bay Mall at International Drive-Orlando, Florida 
“CELEBRATE ORLANDO” KICKS OFF THE HOLIDAYS AT FESTIVAL BAY MALL. Combining themed activities, live entertainment, festive holiday décor and great shopping, Celebrate Orlando is one of Florida’s most festive events.  From special holiday film screenings, to indoor parades of musicians and dancers, professional blues and jazz bands-even Gingerbread house contests, Festival Bay Mall is the place to be this season.  Of course, Santa will be in-house to visit with children as families search for that perfect gift in over 80 specialty stores, and receive special discounts with a Celebrate Orlando Holiday Fun Book.  Further information and event details are available at www.shopfestivalbaymall.com

Faneuil Hall Marketplace-Boston, Massachusetts
THE HOLIDAYS ARE WARMING UP IN BOSTON AT FANEUIL HALL MARKETPLACE.  Faneuil Hall’s historic 19^th century buildings and cobblestone streets will come alive throughout the season with traditional decorations, Victorian Carolers, musical ensembles and local choral groups.  Visitors will also be dazzled by weekend performances of Alexis’ Rockin’ Holiday Party featuring the Jukebox Holiday Dancers each weekend through December 23^rd.  Gift buying is easy at Faneuil Hall with over 70 shops and their infamous “Bull Market” featuring 30 carts of unique merchandise and collectables created by New England artisans. For a complete holiday event calendar, visit www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com.

Pioneer Place-Portland, Oregon 
LET IT SNOW….AT PIONEER PLACE IN PORTLAND. Experience a winter wonderland at Pioneer Place with nightly snowfall at 6pm. Santa’s greeting kids and pets alike throughout the holidays to be sure everyone’s wish list is fulfilled. For those who enjoy the flavor of the holidays be sure to visit the Gingerbread Wonderland created by the Western Culinary Institute, December 3-10.  And of course, the center will be filled with holiday sounds performed by Dickens Carolers, and local performing groups throughout the season. Best of all, Pioneer Place offers tax-free shopping to out of town visitors. Visit www.pioneerplace.com for Santa hours and event schedules.

Fashion Show Las Vegas-Las Vegas, Nevada 
BELIEVE IN THE MAGIC OF LAS VEGAS AT FASHION SHOW. The largest shopping and dining destination on The Strip, Fashion Show once again presents their “Believe In The Magic” holiday show, featuring a cast of dancers, cameo appearances by Las Vegas entertainers, an indoor snow storm and of course, Santa himself. The center will be adorned with larger-than-life holiday decorations inspired by the artist Erte, the foremost stage designer of the twentieth century.  Bring your cameras to capture this Vegas-style holiday extravaganza. Gift shopping at Fashion Show is a delight with 200-plus retail shops and six signature department stores including Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Macy’s Dillard’s and Bloomingdale’s Home. Visit www.thefashionshow.com for event performance times.

The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian-Las Vegas, Nevada
HOLIDAY IN OLD-WORLD VENICE AT THE GRAND CANAL SHOPPES. Located across from Fashion Show on The Strip, The Grand Canal Shoppes shines with awe-inspiring décor 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. www.thegrandcanalshoppes.com.   

Ala Moana Center-Honolulu, Hawaii
"THE CHRISTMAS GIFT OF ALOHA" ARRIVES AT ALA MOANA CENTER IN HONOLULU. It's a warm winter wonderland at Ala Moana Center's Centerstage this holiday season, as the enchanting live musical performance of "The Christmas Gift of Aloha" returns, based on the children's book by the same name. Following the performance is a festive parade, Candy Cane Train rides, and special visits with Santa in the Menehune Toy Shop surrounded by animatronic elves, Hawaiian toys, and a real waterfall.  Ala Moana Center is the world's largest outdoor shopping center with over 260 stores and 70 dining options certain to make traveler's holidays happy and warm. For performance times visit www.alamoanacenter.com.

Water Tower Place–Chicago, Illinois
"GINGERMANIA" HITS CHICAGO AT WATER TOWER PLACE. Water Tower Place will unveil a Gingerbread House masterpiece created by foodlife and Mity Nice Grill at the kick off of the 11th annual "Gingermania" Celebration November 17. The creation is filled with more than 2,500 pounds of gingerbread, glued together by 1,000 pounds of multi-colored sugar icing, and decorated with 6,000 assorted gum drops, lollipops, licorice whips, M&M's and wafers.  Every Saturday through Christmas young shoppers 12 and under are invited to decorate their own gingerbread cookies with festive toppings, while adults can bring a taste of the holiday home with foodlife's extensive selection of one-of-a-kind gingerbread houses.  Water Tower Place offers holiday visitors 100 retail and dining experiences at the top of Chicago's Magnificent Mile. For event times and details visit www.watertowerplace.com. 

Village of Merrick Park
VILLAGE OF MERRICK PARK’S FESTIVE HOLIDAY SEASON BEGINS. Located just minutes from downtown Miami, Village of Merrick Park will be especially festive this holiday season with a giant tree, costumed carolers, face painters and live musical acts performing throughout the center. This tropical outdoor luxury center offers visitors a spectacular retail and culinary mix that includes Neiman-Marcus and Nordstrom, coupled with fine dinning at the world famous Palm and the wildly popular Villagio, as well as some of the most beautiful gardens and grounds ever created.  For performance and event information visit www.villageofmerrickpark.com.

Bayside Marketplace
THE HOLIDAYS SPARKLE AT BAYSIDE MARKETPLACE. Located on beautiful Biscayne Bay in downtown Miami, Bayside Marketplace will sparkle with holiday décor this season, while beautiful brass quartets and strolling carolers entertain visitors from around the world.  Santa will also parade through the center every evening from December 16-23.  Gift shopping is fun at Bayside Marketplace with over 150 unique shops and international dining overlooking the Bay. On New Year’s Eve, Bayside Marketplace is THE place to be, with live entertainment all day on the Marina Stage and a spectacular fireworks display that night. For more information, visit www.baysidemarketplace.com.

General Growth Properties, Inc. is the second largest U.S.-based publicly traded Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT).  General Growth currently has ownership interest and management responsibility for a portfolio of 209 regional shopping malls in 44 states, as well as ownership in planned community developments and commercial office buildings.  The company portfolio totals approximately 200 million square feet of retail space and includes over 18,000 retailers nationwide. General Growth Properties, Inc. is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol GGP.  For more information, please visit the company Web site at http://www.ggp.com.