Shopping centers across the country keep raising the bar when it comes to decking the halls for the holidays to draw crowds this time of year. Here are a few that go beyond the norm.
1. Union Square in San Francisco
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The Macy's department store at San Francisco's Union Square added something different to its holiday windows this year.
Each features kittens and puppies up for adoption by the San Francisco SPCA.
As part of the exhibit, representatives from the S.F. SPCA are on hand to tell shoppers how they can give a home to one of the animals.
The store is also offering behind-the-scenes tours of the holiday windows the morning of Christmas Eve.
2. NorthPark Center in Dallas
NorthPark Center in Dallas has its own SPCA of Texas’ “Home for the Holidays” Pet Adoption Center this year. Families can get help throughout the day on choosing the right animals for their households.
There is also a "Scrooge Puppet Theatre" again this year, a tradition for the past 40 years. The Charles Dickens character is brought to life, featuring puppetry by Le Theatre de Marionette, every day through Christmas Eve.
3. The Grove in LA
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The Grove, one of LA's most frequented shopping centers, has everything from Santa's Village to the West Coast version of the Rockettes.
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Near Hollywood, The Grove also features the tallest Christmas tree outside of New York's Rockefeller Center and a star-studded lighting ceremony.
Daily showers of fake snow this time of year are a special treat for the crowds.
4. Lenox Square in Atlanta
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Atlanta's Lenox Square has new décor this year, which includes a 22-foot-tall reindeer at the mall's main entrance.
Lenox Square guests are encouraged to snap a photo using #LenoxBuckhead.
The mall's 50-year tradition of the Macy's Pink Pig train is still going strong.
It is open from now through Jan. 1.
5. Fashion Centre at Pentagon City in Arlington, VA
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Fashion Centre at Pentagon City in Arlington, VA, has a new "Santa Set" this year near the Nordstrom department store.
The set has trees, toy soldiers, gift boxes, lights and ornaments.
Children in line to see Santa can email him a note with digital modules, complete with interactive games and coloring books, while they wait.
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