Date Set For Santa's Arrival At Hawthorn Mall

VERNON HILLS, IL —Hawthorn Mall is planning to welcome Santa Claus amid much fanfare on Nov. 18.

Festivities to mark Santa's arrival will run from 6 to 8 p.m. at the mall, 122 Hawthorn Center in Vernon Hills. The celebration will begin at the southeast entrance of the mall, near Magliano's, where Santa and a costumed elf will share a story with the crowd, according to a news release.

Saint Nick will then make his way though the mall to his interactive "A Christmas Story" home, which will be located on the lower level of the mall near Macy's. Children stopping out to the event are encouraged to wear their favorite Christmas pajamas.

Every child attending will receive "A Christmas Story" swag bag, which will include a gift card to Barbara's Bookstore, Christmas socks, an ornament and a Christmas cookie. The event will also feature live reindeer, a holiday story time, a DJ playing festive holiday music, a spin-to-win prize wheel for children and a photo booth where keepsake ornaments can be made.

This is a paid event and tickets cost $5 per child. Advance registration is required to attend, and those interested in signing up to stop out can to do here. Parents who are accompanying one or more child do not need a ticket.

Santa will be on hand to take photos and to hear the Christmas wishes of little boys and girls daily from Nov. 19 through Dec. 24 at Hawthorn Mall. Children may visit with Santa to share their wish lists or place a letter in Santa’s mailbox.

Reservations are encouraged for this wishing to get a photo with Santa and can be done so here.