The holiday standard “12 Days of Christmas” was copyrighted in 1909, becoming the official version of the song whose origins date back almost five hundred years.

Perhaps in the years to come, “The 12 Days of Shopping” at The Westfield Garden State Plaza will become as much of a holiday staple. The Paramus-based mega-mall will kick off the unique program, which is modeled after the song, on November 27, providing exclusive offers, charitable opportunities, free gifts, entertainment and other seasonal events through December 21.

The platform for “The 12 Days of Shopping” originated in Westfield’s national corporate offices but it was up to the individual malls to tailor the programs to their local communities. The Garden State Plaza’s package is diverse, including a unique opportunity in conjunction with myBergen.com.

“This program offers something for everyone,” Westfield Garden State Plaza Marketing Director Lisa Herrmann said. “We’re highlighting and featuring sales from some great retailers. We wanted to reward shoppers for being Westfield shoppers. We wanted them to know they can get great deals here, that are exclusively available at The Garden State Plaza and not at other malls. It’s a custom holiday package for Garden State Plaza shoppers.

“We’re the downtown of Bergen County and we want to have a positive impact on all shoppers and provide them with comforts along the way. We want to give back to shoppers and share with them. There will be something for the shopper, something for someone who loves to eat and something for the kids.”

Here’s a closer look at “The 12 Days of Shopping” and what each day will feature at the Westfield Garden State Plaza.

DAY 1, November 27 [1 Shopping Spree]: Shoppers can register to win a $5,000 shopping spree at the concierge center, which is located on the upper level near the carousel. The first 500 shoppers to enter the mall will receive a free receipt organizer courtesy of Real Simple Magazine.

DAY 2, November 28 [2 Ways to Connect]: Sign up for Westfield Connect and be entered to win 2 Ways to Connect with friends and family. Stop by the food court between noon and 5 p.m. and be entered to win a laptop and a Smartphone.

DAY 3, December 3 [3 Tasty Treats]: Enjoy three tasty treats from Flirt Sushi, The Grand Lux Café and Napa Valley Grille as prepare “special trios” for lunch and dinner. There will also be samplings from many of the other eateries in the mall between 2-4 p.m.


DAY 4, December 4 [4 Smiles With Santa]: The Lord & Taylor court is the place to be when Santa sets up his workshop. Receive 50 percent off any Santa photo purchase though some restrictions apply. There will also be a Lego mini-model build from 10 a.m. until noon.

DAY 5, December 5 [5 Golden Deals]: The Five Fab Finds offers will be available at the following retailers at their Garden State Plaza location only – Solstice Sunglass Boutique [30 percent off a single item], Lane Bryant [25 percent off purchase with exclusions], The Children’s Place [30 percent off one item], New York and Company [30 percent off purchase] and H & M [25 percent off item of your choice].

DAY 6, December 7 [Six Ways to Give]: NY Giants Justin Tuck, Terrell Thomas, Michael Boley and Ramses Barden will host a toy drive benefiting the Bergen County Boys & Girls Club between 6 and 8 p.m. at the Neiman Marcus Court. Donate a toy valued at $6 or more and receive an autograph. The first 100 shoppers will also receive a free holiday ornament.

DAY 7, December 9 [7 Sounds of The Season]: Local high school choirs will compete in the choral challenge. Vote for the best choir on www.MyBergen.com. The winning choir will receive a $500 cash prize.

DAY 8, December 11 [8 Ways to Go Green]: There will be a chance to win a new smart-for-two vehicle. Pick up the Eight Ways to Go Green brochure at the concierge level. Also, old cell phones can be donated at Best Buy Mobil to benefit the Boys and Girls Club.

DAY 9, December 12 [9 Elves A Wrapping]: The gift-wrapping station in the Lord & Taylor court will wrap two gifts purchased at the mall for free.

DAY 10, December 18 [10 Fashion Moments]: Stop by the concierge and register for a chance to win a fashion trip for two to New York or L.A. where a celebrity stylist will help pick out a new wardrobe for you.

DAY 11, December 19 [11 Shiny Gems]: Register for a chance to win a $5,000-jewelry shopping spree or a pair of diamond earrings. Also look for special discounts and sales at many of the mall’s jewelers.

DAY 12, December 21 [12 Wishes Granted]: Register for a chance to be one of 12 children from across the country who will have their Christmas wish list granted by Santa. Drop off your list at the concierge station.

Throughout the holiday season, shoppers who spend more than $250 on their MasterCard will receive a special tote and be entered to win a $5,000 gift card. Purchase a $50 Westfield Garden State Plaza gift card and Shutterfly will provide a coupon to turn a photo into a 16X20 poster. Real Simple Magazine will provide the first 500 shoppers on Black Friday with a free gift at the concierge level.

The mall is also providing a coat and package check for shoppers at “The Closet”, which is located on the lower level at entrance 8 near Lord & Taylor.