12 Reasons to Do Your Christmas Shopping at Mall of America®

1. Mall of America has over 520 stores, dozens of activities and attractions and more than 400 free events every year, including live musical performances, celebrity appearances and holiday activities.

2. Minnesota is one of only four states with no tax on clothing or shoes!

3. It only costs $1.75 ($2.25 rush hour) to get to the Mall on the train from the airport (13 minutes) or downtown Minneapolis (35-39 minutes).

4. If you're here for Black Friday weekend, catch the world's only Twizzard (Twitter-powered indoor blizzard).

5. Hungry? Mall of America has over 50 restaurants, ranging from shopping-friendly grab-and-go food to outstanding sit-down meals, like the farm-to-table offerings at Firelake Grill, sushi at Crave and Masu, Italian at Tucci Benucch or go full-Minnesotan at Twin Cities Grill.

6. If you have a three hour airport layover or longer, you can easily visit the Mall on the train, shop or eat, and be back at the airport with plenty of time for your flight.

7. If your energy starts to dip, take a spin on a few thrill rides in Nickelodeon Universe, the largest indoor theme park in the country. It's better than a cup of coffee (which is also available in the park).

8. If you prefer a challenge, test your courage on Dutchman's Deck Adventure Course, the tallest Sky Trail® ropes course in the world, featuring the longest indoor zip line in North America and a four story corkscrew slide.

9. Bought more than you can carry? If you're staying at the attached Radisson Blu Hotel, the concierge will meet you anywhere in the Mall, pick up your shopping bags and drop them off in your room.

10. What? You've never touched a stingray? Well, here's your chance! SEA LIFE® Minnesota Aquarium has a new hands-on exhibit, including baby stingrays that will swim up and nuzzle your hand like a puppy. Then enter another world while walking through their 300-foot aquarium tunnel, spying on sharks, sea turtles, (much larger) stingrays, sawfish, and a variety of fresh water fish.

11. Shop, dine and then sleep! In November, a JW Marriott will joined the Radisson Blu as the second Mall-connected hotel. Additionally, there are about 50 hotels in the area, all offering free shuttles to/from the Mall and the airport.

12. Mall of America was voted as the number one Santa set in the Twin Cities by Minnesota residents in 2014 and this year will be even bigger and better! Bring the family and build special Christmas memories.

Notes:

The Bloomington Convention & Visitors Bureau markets Bloomington, Minnesota, and is home to Mall of America and near St. Paul and Minneapolis attractions and attracts domestic and international visitors. Bloomington is located ten minutes from Minneapolis and St. Paul, and 5 km from the MSP International Airport.

Bloomington, MN is also a premier destination for meetings and conventions. Bloomington has 37 hotels with free parking and shuttles to the airport and Mall of America®. We are connected to light rail and have no taxes on clothing or shoes! Mall of America features world-class shopping at more than 520 stores.

Visit bloomingtonmn.org for more information and learn about The Big Ticket™, the 3-day attractions pass.

Further information and images are available by contacting: Georgina Evans-Phillips, Cellet Marketing and Public Relations, 08456 020 574, georgina@cellet.co.uk