Holidays at The Grove
with Samantha Wennerstrom

I’m convinced that The Grove is a firm second place to the happiest place on earth. Especially when Santa comes to town. This is Elin’s third Christmas and the older she gets, the more fun we have making it as magical as possible while starting traditions along the way. We took her to The Grove twice this past week and both times we left feeling like this was our new tradition. Watching Elin light up with wide eyes at the decorations, trolley, enormous Christmas tree and (drumroll) giant gingerbread house is enough to make your heart explode. Did I mention they make it snow at certain times of the day?!

But it was more than the decorations I realized when I looked over these photos. Holiday shopping holds a bit of nostalgia in my mind—’Miracle on 34th Street’ if you will—and The Grove embodies that vintage feeling. There’s magic in the anticipation to tell Santa what you want, to treasure hunt for that perfect gift and (as an adult) to feel like a kid again. Strolling through The Grove with my two favorite people while hearing Christmas tunes playing on the loud speaker was the perfect holiday moment in my mind.

Here are all our favorite spots to shop, things to do and places to eat.

DO
Trolley Rides
Snow falling every evening at 7 and 8 pm
Visit Santa in his gingerbread house
Eat a cupcake by The Fountain (my tradition at The Grove)

SHOP
Paige
Apple
J.Crew
Shinola
Barneys New York
Vince
Paige
Le Labo
Illesteva
Charlotte Tillbury pop-up
American Girl
Pottery Barn Kids
Janie and Jack
You can check out the full rooster of stores here.

EAT
Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill (my go-to)
Ladureé
Sprinkles Cupcakes
Pressed Juicery
Umami Burger

-Samantha

For all things Samantha, follow @couldihavethat