The holiday shopping rush is about to hit American Dream.
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| The Double Dare Human Crane will return: N.J. mega-mall will strap you to a crane for a chance to grab $5K prize on Black Friday. | Courtesy of American Dream |
Some of the Meadowlands mega-mall’s biggest crowds have come between Black Friday and the end of December and this year it is preparing for the rush with events, exclusive experiences and high-value giveaways.
The mall’s third-busiest day ever was on Black Friday 2025, a spokesman told NJ.com. The record was set Dec. 28, 2024, with Dec. 26, 2022, ranking second.
To capitalize on the crowds, American Dream is bringing back its Double Dare Human Crane on Black Friday, Nov. 27. Inspired by Nickelodeon's beloved game show, Double Dare, which just celebrated its 40th anniversary in October, the human crane debuted last Black Friday.
Guests can be strapped to a hook and elevated above plastic eggs containing different prizes.
An employee operates the joystick to move the guest to their desired spot and then lowers the guest so they can grab an egg. Once they are pulled back and unstrapped, they can open the egg to reveal their prize.
Last year’s top prize was World Cup tickets. The prizes this year include:
- $5,000 Tiffany & Co. gift card
- Private 25-person buyout of DreamWorks Water Park
- Private 25-person buyout of Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park
- New York Red Bulls home opener tickets with Audi Club access, courtesy of the New York Red Bulls
- Autographed Jack Hughes jersey, courtesy of the New Jersey Devils
- Two tickets to a 2026–27 New Jersey Devils game, courtesy of the New Jersey Devils
- Four-pack of tickets to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular
- Four tickets to the New York Jets vs. Minnesota Vikings game on Jan. 3, courtesy of the New York Jets
- Four tickets to a New York Yankees game in April 2027
- New York Mets prize package featuring two tickets to a home game, courtesy of the New York Mets
- Four tickets and four pregame field passes to the New York Giants vs. Cleveland Browns game on December 20, courtesy of the New York Giants
- Two autographed New York Giants mini helmets signed by Lawrence Taylor, courtesy of the New Jersey Hall of Fame
- $500 Canada Goose gift card
The entertainment and retail destination will offer the first 250 guests in line a chance to participate in the human crane or to spin the prize wheel inside Nickelodeon Universe.
The games start early, with the line opening at 5 a.m. and activities beginning at 6 a.m.
The Black Friday giveaway is just one event in a season of live performances, celebrity appearances, themed attractions and seasonal pop-ups at American Dream.
Key holiday events include:
- Santa’s Debut at Kreassive Holiday Dreamland (Nov. 14): Santa arrives with a parade after descending Big SNOW ski hill, marking the start of the holiday season.
- Santa Photos and Santa Paws (Nov. 14–Dec. 24): Holiday Dreamland hosts photo sessions with Santa, including special pet nights for dogs.
- Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland (Nov. 21): A festive circus performance at Dream Live Performing Arts Center.
- Holiday Dreams On Ice (Nov. 29): A skating show featuring Olympic Gold Medalist Danny O’Shea.
- Dream After Dark (Dec. 4, 11): Disco-themed skating nights at The Rink @ The Arena.
- Bow Wow and Pretty Ricky Concert (Dec. 4): Live throwback performance at Dream Live Performing Arts Center.
- Character Skates (Dec. 5, 12, 19): Skate alongside the Grinch and Mrs. Claus.
- Remember Jones Big Band Holiday (Dec. 12): Classic holiday music with a 17-piece band.
- Stroll The Holiday Promenade (Dec. 12): Evening holiday shopping with live music and hot chocolate.
- Maddox Batson Concert (Dec. 19): Performance by the rising country star.
- The Sound of Music Sing-A-Long (Dec. 21, 22): Interactive screenings at Dream Live PAC.
- The Elf Shelf – Holiday Spectacular (Dec. 23): A family-friendly North Pole adventure.
- TJ Salta Presents Unity (Dec. 28, Jan. 2): Magic and mind reading at Dream Live PAC.
- The Wizard of Oz by Vital Theatre (Dec. 27): Family theater show with puppets and beloved characters.
- Kidz Bop Live Concert (Dec. 30): High-energy, family-friendly performance.
- Noon Year’s Eve (Dec. 31): Daytime New Year’s celebration for kids at Nickelodeon Universe.
Holiday-themed attractions run throughout the season, from “Nick the Halls” at Nickelodeon Universe and Winter Waves Splashtastic Weekend at DreamWorks Waterpark, to the festive Geoffrey’s Express train, Angry Birds Holiday Party, Mirror Maze, and Winter Wonderland at The Garden.
The mall will also host holiday pop-up shops from brands like Tamagotchi and GAP, Mariano Rivera Day on Nov. 28, a Santa Run Indoor 5K on Dec. 6, and daily performances at Holiday Square in Court A.
Key attractions, including The Rink, Nickelodeon Universe, and DreamWorks Water Park will be open on Christmas Day from noon to 5 p.m.
American Dream has more than 3 million square feet of entertainment, shopping and dining, with flagship attractions and luxury retailers. For more information, visit the American Dream website.
Nick the Halls
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| Courtesy of Nickelodeon Universe/American Dream |
Get in the holiday spirit with Nick the Halls at Nickelodeon Universe! Create endless memories with your favorite Nickelodeon friends dressed in their holiday best.
Every Saturday and Sunday beginning November 21:
- Ask an Elf to help you write a letter to Santa, decorate ornaments, or make a festive craft in the Elf Workshop.
- Enjoy dancing in snow flurries during our Nick the Halls Dance Party.
- And don’t forget to join in our Nick the Halls Character Parade!
Click here to explore the park's hours and plan your visit!
- Nov 21, 26 - Jan 03, 27
- Monday - Sunday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Nickelodeon Universe
- Parking Tickets available
Ride Into Inclusion
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| Courtesy of Nickelodeon Universe/American Dream |
Delight in the excitement of the largest indoor theme park in the Western Hemisphere, complete with thrilling rides, memorable character encounters, and fun for all! American Dream is committed to providing an inclusive experience, with special accommodations such as:
- Capacity Limits
- Music-free environment
- Additional support services from our IBCCES certified and trained staff
- Nov 22
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Nickelodeon Universe
- Get Tickets
- Parking Tickets available
Holiday Parade
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| Courtesy of American Dream |
Come enjoy a festive parade featuring Santa and other beloved American Dream characters. Bring your holiday spirit and take in the celebration as the parade begins in Court A, Level 1.
This is a seasonal, family-friendly experience for visitors looking to add a little extra cheer to their day at American Dream, where you can also make a full outing of shopping, dining, and entertainment under one roof.
- Nov 27
- Friday: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Dec 19 - Dec 20
- Saturday & Sunday: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- The Dream Stage - Court A, Level 1
- Parking Tickets available
Black Friday Dream Grab
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| Courtesy of Nickelodeon Universe/American Dream |
Rise, shine, and grab your dream prize! Be one of the first 250 guests to experience the thrill of the Black Friday Dream Grab, where the prizes are big and the fun is even bigger.
Play for your chance to win a $5000 Tiffany Gift Card, park buyouts, NY Jets, Yankees, Mets or Giants tickets, gift cards, televisions, and more!
- Ride the Human Crane - become the claw and scoop up your reward
- Spin the Prize Wheel - every Spin wins something exciting
Lineup starts at 5am. The winning begins at 6am.
*Must be 18 and over to participate. Other restrictions apply.
- Nov 27
- Friday: 5:00 AM - 9:00 AM
- Nickelodeon Universe
- Parking Tickets available
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Originally published: November 11, 2026.
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