The holidays are a time when everyone becomes a kid again, celebrating the magic of the season and reveling in fun, food and family traditions. One of those traditions? Snuggling up for story time—and Target just opened the book on a new holiday campaign featuring a larger-than-life adventure. The Holiday Odyssey tells a season-long story with the spotlight on many of our top holiday toys and products. Complete with captivating new TV spots, in-store displays and digital experiences, it’s filled with holiday fun that’s sure to excite the kid in all of us.

 

Picture this: Three kids join Bullseye the dog on a holiday journey to light up a giant Christmas tree. They meet up with some memorable characters—including Minions, Ninja Turtles, Barbie and more—along the way. Guests can follow along as the tale unfolds, beginning with a free digital storybook launching Nov. 4 at Target.com/adventure. It’s narrated by actor Neil Patrick Harris, and filled with moving pictures and digital interactions for families to enjoy.

 

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More of the story will be revealed as it comes to life in our stores and through advertising, including 12 new TV spots. Sneak a peek at how the journey begins:

As holiday shopping kicks off, we know our guests love a shopping experience that combines the best of physical and digital … so we’re opening the door to a wonder-filled interactive experience. On Dec. 7, we’ll unveil Target Wonderland, a first-of-its-kind retail experience in downtown Manhattan. Part magical toy store, part Pop Art exhibit,  it’s the perfect place for families to share smiles, selfie moments and delicious treats. Beginning Dec. 9, the 16,000-sq-ft fun house will be open to the public, letting families play, explore and interact with elements they’ll recognize from our Holiday Odyssey campaign. They can jump aboard the “S.S. Free Shipping” LEGO ship from our TV spots, draw on a giant Etch-a-Sketch, face off on a super-sized Xbox Kinect Snow-N-Roll, and even use a Rube Goldberg-like contraption to personalize an ornament as they move through the space. Best of all, Target Wonderland combines physical and digital shopping in exciting new ways, giving guests a peek at the future of retail, imagined by Target.

 

Can’t visit in person? You can still head to Target.com and have a package of whimsical fun sent right to your door. Beginning Dec. 6, we’ll feature Wonderpacks—activity kits with everything needed to create fun family activities … like Ugly Sweater Mug Makery (with mugs, crafting kit, hot cocoa), Moonlight Hill Hoppin’ (with inflatable sled, headlamp and glow sticks), or Mistledrone Mischief (with drone, mistletoe and Hello Mojito mint breath spray). The packs will be available at Target.com and Target Wonderland while supplies last.

 

And that’s just the beginning. Target has a lot more holiday fun on the way, including the return of our Kids’ Wish List app, free Target.com shipping and returns Nov. 1-Dec. 25, and amazing deals on this year’s must-have products. Check back to A Bullseye View throughout the season for the latest news and updates.