Your SouthPark holiday shopping guide: Hours, new stores and pro tips

If you’re like me, every year you put off your holiday shopping. November starts and you tell yourself you’ll get it together this year.

Fast forward to December 23 and you’re out frantically hunting for gifts, fighting for parking spots and mumbling ‘bah humbug’.

But this year is going to be different.

This year, you’re going to do your holiday shopping like a boss.

From extended holiday hours to your own personal shopper, SouthPark is making it easier than ever to conquer your holiday shopping.

via GIPHY

Before you know it, you’ll be on your couch, sipping hot cocoa and binge-watching all your favorite Christmas movies.

First, check the hours.

SouthPark mall is offering extended hours throughout the holiday season (not just Black Friday), which means you can do your shopping whenever it’s most convenient for you.

Here’s a quick rundown of their holiday hours:

Thanksgiving – 5 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Black Friday – 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
11/30 – 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
12/14 – 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.
12/16 – 12/20 – 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.
12/21 – 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
12/22 – 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
12/23 – 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Christmas Eve – 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Christmas Day – Closed
12/26 – 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
New Year’s Eve – 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
New Year’s Day – 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Regular SouthPark hours are: Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Sunday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Pay a visit to Santa.

Make sure Santa knows what’s on your holiday wishlist this year. You can find the big guy himself at Center Court. He’ll be there from now until Christmas Eve for photos.

Check here for Santa Photo Experience hours.

There’s even a pet photo night on Sunday, December 15 from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Yep, you can bring your fur babies for a picture with the big guy himself.

Want to skip the line?

Reserve a Santa FastPass ahead of time and you can avoid the whole waiting in line meltdown thing.

Go ice skating at SouthPark’s Winter Wonderland.

The open-air skating rink is located in the parking lot above Symphony Park. It’s the perfect winter-y activity when you need a break from shopping.

While you’re there, pay a visit to Santa’s Pub and the Christmas Tree Farm. Enjoy live music and appearances by Santa and other holiday characters.

Winter Wonderland will be at SouthPark from November 29 – January 20.

Scope out the store directory.

Before you hop in your car, check out SouthPark’s online directory and make your plan of attack.

Create a list of people you need to buy things for and make note of the stores you’ll want to hit.

Here’s a quick list of gift ideas:

For her:

• A shiny, new bag from Tory Burch
• Bath bombs from Lush
• A necklace and earrings set from Kendra Scott
• A cooking class from Sur La Table
• A yoga mat from Lululemon

For him:

• A Peloton bike
• A gift card for the Art of Shaving
• A sleek new shirt (designed to be worn untucked) from UNTUCKit
• Touchscreen compatible leather gloves from J. Crew

For the little ones:

• Frozen 2 everything from the Disney Store
• A Star Wars LEGO set from the LEGO Store
• An American Girl doll and a post Christmas trip to the American Girl Bistro

Check out new stores.

SouthPark is always adding to their impressive roster of stores. Next time you visit, here are some spots to check out.

(1) Warby Parker

Where it is: Near Fabletics and Origins (park by Dick’s or the food court)
What they do: Stylish eyewear starting at $95. They have dozens of frames to choose from and offer on-site comprehensive eye exams via an independent optometrist. 

(2) MORPHE

Where it is: Near Sur La Table in the Dillard’s wing
What they have: Highly pigmented makeup and incredible brushes at affordable prices. 

(3) Casper

Where it is: Near Belk, next to Tommy John
What they have: Outrageously comfortable, award-winning sleep products. You’ve probably seen their mattress unboxing videos on Instagram but you can actually try them out in person.
Pro tip: Reserve one of their beds online ahead of time for a 30-minute sleep trial, if you want to get the full experience. Book here.

(4)  UNTUCKit

Where it is: Main entrance near Maggiano’s
What they have:Revolutionary dress shirts that are designed to be worn untucked.

You can find the full store directory here.

Have someone shop for you.

Whether you need help shopping for gifts or need help finding the perfect outfit for this year’s holiday party, SouthPark has a personal shopper, Suzanne Libfraind, who can get the job done.

Your first three hours are completely complimentary and all you have to do is schedule an appointment.

You can contact Suzanne at [email protected] or 919-270-0250.

Stores like Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, J. Crew and Anthropologie also offer personal stylists who can help you find some festive holiday attire.

Check for holiday deals.

Many of the stores at SouthPark will be offering discounts and deals throughout the holiday season.

You can check here ahead of time to see what in-store events and specials are happening each day.

Stop for some fuel.

All shopping and no eating will turn you into a Grinch. Take a break, rest your legs, and a grab a bite to eat at one of SouthPark’s restaurants.

If you need a little caffeine boost:
Starbucks
Nordstrom eBar
Dilworth Coffee in Belk (pro tip: they serve wine by the glass Fri-Sun)

If you just want to grab something quick:
Chipotle
Gusto Farm to Street
Panera Bread
Five Guys
Chick-fil-A

If you want a sit-down meal:
California Pizza Kitchen
Bulla Gastrobar
Cowfish Sushi. Burger. Bar
Nordstrom Café
Maggiano’s Little Italy
McCormick & Schmick’s
Cheesecake Factory
Reid’s Fine Foods & Wine Bar

Find the full list of dining options here.

Skip the holiday parking lot battle.

Don’t want to search for a parking spot? SouthPark offers valet parking at their main entrance, by The Cheesecake Factory and Maggiano’s.

Rates can vary during the holiday season, but valet parking is typically $5 Monday – Thursday and $7 Friday – Sunday.

Happy holiday shopping, Charlotte.

—
This paid content was co-created in partnership with SouthPark.