Heralding the start of the holiday shopping season, Santa Claus arrives at Woodfield Mall on Thursday night in Schaumburg. See more at dailyherald.com/video.
Patrick Kunzer/pkunzer@dailyherald.com
Santa declared the holiday shopping season open with his arrival Thursday evening at Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, accompanied by the drum line from nearby Conant High School in Hoffman Estates.
Santa greeted visitors with a parade around the sprawling shopping center before settling in for the season at his Ice Palace in the central Grand Court.
He'll remain there through Christmas Eve, meeting and having photos taken with children eager to tell him their holiday wishes.
Among the opportunities for visitors in the coming weeks are pet photo nights with Santa on Nov. 11 and 18, a sensory-friendly “Caring Santa” experience for children on the autism spectrum on Dec. 2 and 9, and a breakfast with Santa on Dec. 15.
Details on these events can be found at shopwoodfield.com and simon.com/caringsanta.
Santa greets onlookers Thursday night at Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg.
Patrick Kunzer/pkunzer@dailyherald.com
Santa's arrival thrills Woodfield shoppers on Thursday night in Schaumburg.
Patrick Kunzer/pkunzer@dailyherald.com
C.D. Peacock employees Erin Schmelzel, left, and Alexandria Smith dance and cheer as Santa passes their store Thursday night at Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg.
Patrick Kunzer/pkunzer@dailyherald.com
Santa arrives at Woodfield Mall as the Conant High School drum line precedes him in Schaumburg on Thursday night.
Patrick Kunzer/pkunzer@dailyherald.com
The Conant High School drum line escorts Santa on Thursday night at Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg.
Patrick Kunzer/pkunzer@dailyherald.com
Kicking off the holiday shopping season, Santa arrives at Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg on Thursday night.
Patrick Kunzer/pkunzer@dailyherald.com
Santa pauses for pictures on Thursday night at the Sears store in Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg.
Patrick Kunzer/pkunzer@dailyherald.com