Santa arrives at Woodfield two days after Halloween
Woodfield Mall welcomed Santa Thursday evening - yes, barely into November - with a parade led by the Conant High School drum line. The parade ended at the Ice Palace in the Grand Court, where Santa will greet families throughout the holidays.
Santa will be making a list and checking it twice beginning Friday, Nov. 3, as eager children whisper their holiday wishes into his ear through Christmas Eve, Sunday, Dec. 24.
As Santa's schedule varies, families planning their magical moment should visit www.shopwoodfield.com, they can save time and avoid the line with Santa by Appointment! at http://simonsanta.com.
There will be a couple of special Santa events:
• Caring Santa in partnership with Autism Speaks provides a sensory-friendly experience for special needs children from 8 to 10 a.m. Sundays, Nov. 19, and Dec. 3, before the mall opening. Guests must register in advance at www.simon.com/caringsanta.
• Pet Photo Nights with Santa will occur from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 12 and Nov. 19, after regular mall closing. The set gets an extensive cleaning following the event to remove any potential risk to allergy sufferers to children.
• Kids Holiday Celebration with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 9, features holiday arts and crafts as well as interactive activities.
Other holiday events include:
• Gift Wrap for a Cause from Black Friday weekend through Dec. 24 benefits the Little City Foundation (autism and other disabilities) and the Simon Youth Foundation (college scholarships for at-risk high school students). Hours are at www.shopwoodfield.com.
• The 22nd Annual Good Neighbor Radiothon on Friday, Dec. 8, benefits the Salvation Army's Bed & Bread Club, which tackles hunger and homelessness.
Woodfield Mall will be open 28 straight hours from 6 p.m. Thanksgiving Day Thursday, Nov. 23, to 10 p.m. on "Black Friday," Nov. 24.