The Grinch is kicking mall Santas to the curb this holiday season

There’s no question that, like the Grinch, 2020 has “stink, stank, stunk,” so in true 2020 style, live entertainment leader Kilburn Live is teaming up with educational entertainment leader Dr. Seuss Enterprises for a brand-new holiday experience that’s grinchier than ever.

Starting on Nov. 27, 2020, select Westfield, Brookfield, Macerich, and Turnberry properties across North America will introduce The Grinch’s Grotto, an alternative to the traditional mall Santa photo-op for those who are feeling “grinchy” this year.

“If there was ever a year where The Grinch really would take over the holiday season, it’s 2020,” said Kilburn CEO Mark Manuel. “It’s been said even the meanest soul is moved by Christmas, and at its core, this Dr. Seuss story is about finding your own way to redemption, which is what inspired us here.”

Groups of up to five guests will be able to enter the free-standing Grinch’s Grotto for a one-of-a-kind visit with The Grinch himself, including a personal photo-shoot and other special surprises – all in true Grinch-like socially-distant style, of course. The fun and imaginative take on family holiday photos will give guests of all ages a chance to say loud and proud, “You’re a mean one, 2020.”

“Through these challenging times, we still wanted to find a way to give families some joy this holiday season in a lighthearted and fun way,” Manuel said. “After all, 2020 has been a tough year, but it can’t take away our ability to smile and laugh, which are oftentimes the first steps of continued hope.”

The Grinch’s Grotto experience will place guests inside the classic tale in one of the most authentic ways possible, complete with the Grinch’s burlap sack full of presents, a stylized “Grinchmas” tree, and a backlit fireplace with hanging stockings just like in the famous Dr. Seuss book. Each group will receive a photo taken by a professional photographer and a few extra special Grinch-y surprises.

Guests will also be allowed to pick their favorite Grinch-y 2020 slogan, which will be included in their photo with the Grinch. Sample slogans include:

• “You’re a mean one, 2020”
• “2020: “Stink, Stank, Stunk”
• “2020 – How The Grinch Stole, Well, The Whole Year”

There are even some positive slogans for the optimistic Who-ville Citizens in the crowd, including “The Grinch still can’t steal Christmas!”

“Dr. Seuss famously wrote ‘Christmas Day will always be, just as long as we have we,'” said Susan Brandt, president of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. “This unique experience was created with that mindset and will give fans the opportunity to wallow a little bit in their grumpiness, but also remember how the holiday spirit can bring out the best in anyone – even a Grinch.”

“The Grinch’s Grotto” will launch on Black Friday (Nov. 27, 2020) at a limited number of flagship malls throughout North America, including in Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington D.C., Dallas, Houston, San Diego, Miami, Northern California, and the New York Tri-State area. Additional locations will be announced in the coming weeks.

Exclusive 2020 collector’s edition Grinch memorabilia items can only be found at each of the Grinch’s Grotto locations for a limited time, including specialty Grinch pins, signed Grinch headshots, exclusive apparel, and more.

Tickets for timed-entry will go on sale on Nov. 12, 2020. Tickets are limited, and pre-booking online is recommended. All guests to the Grinch’s Grotto are required to wear a mask.

Click here for a list of locations and to pre-register for tickets.