Santa at the Chicagoland and Northern Illinois Malls
Malls and department stores always have some of the most publicized and memorable Santa events in the area. More families visit the malls to see Santa than at any other place. We felt it would be unfair to list the area malls in the Top 10 Santa Events in Chicago and Northern Illinois, although many if not most of them would qualify for this honor. All of the malls and stores in this section go all out to put on spectacular Santa Claus productions. We would be remiss if we didn’t point out that malls are always great places to see Santa Claus and because we felt it would be unfair to consider them for the Top 10 Santa Events in Chicago and Northern Illinois, this should in no way diminish the experience of visiting one of Santa at the mall events. To rectify this, in the future we will probably ask visitors to this site to rate the various malls and tell us the ones they believe offer the best overall Santa at the malls experience.
Barrington
Santa at the Ice House Mall in Barrington
200 Applebee Street
Barrington IL 60010
(847) 381-6661
www.icehousemall.com
Santa Days and Hours 2009:
Saturday, December 5th through Thursday, December 24th:
Santa arrives Saturday, December 5th, 10 am - Visits & photos from 11 am to 3 pm
Thursday, December 10th, 17th and Friday, December 11th, 18th - 10 am to 3 pm
Saturday, December 12th - 11 am to 3 pm
& Saturday, December 19th 10 am to 2 pm
Sunday, December 6th, 13th, 20th - Noon to 2 pm
Monday, December 21st through Thursday, December 24th - 10 am to 2 pm
Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT
Santa spends time in Barrington talking to the children and hearing their fondest wishes.
Aurora
Santa at Westfield Fox Valley
Fox Valley Center
Route 59 and Aurora Avenue
Aurora, IL 60504
(630) 851-3000
www.westfield.com/foxvalley
Santa Days and Hours: 2009 - Note: The 2009 dates and hours for Santa have not yet been set. Based on the 2008 dates we estimate Santa will be at the mall from:
Saturday, November 8th through Thursday, December 24th:
Mondays-Saturdays 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Sundays 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thursday - December 24th 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Note: Santa takes breaks Mondays through Saturday from 5 pm to 6 pm
and Sundays from 2 pm to 3 pm
Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - There is a photographer at the mall or you can take your own pictures.
It’s easy to find Santa at Westfield Fox Valley. For over seven weeks he’ll be having his picture taken and listing carefully to all the many desires of children in the Fox Valley, Aurora area. This is a great place to catch the bearded one because he will be here for such an extended stay and longer hours than in many other places.
Bloomingdale
Santa at Stratford Square Mall
Schick Road and Gary Avenue
Bloomingdale, IL 60108
(630) 630-539-1000
www.stratfordmall.com/
Santa Days and Hours: 2009 - Note: The 2009 dates and hours for Santa have not yet been finalized. Based on the 2008 dates we estimate Santa will be at the mall from:
Saturday, November 8th through Thursday December 24th:
Hours: Mondays-Saturdays 11:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sundays 10:00 p.m. - 5:00 pm
Thursday - December 24th 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 pm
Note: Santa takes breaks Mondays through Saturday
from 1 pm to 2 pm and from 5 pm to 6 pm
and Sundays from 2 pm to 3 pm
Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - There is a photographer on site or you can take your own pictures.
The fun begins on November 8th and continues right through Christmas Eve. Children's wishes are shared with Santa and they can leave their gift wishes with him. You’ll find Santa on the Upper Level in Center Court, just follow the line of excited kids. There are story times with Mrs. Claus and pet nights where children and their pets can visit and have their pictures taken with Santa.
Bolingbrook
Santa at Bass Pro Shops Bolingbrook
709 Janes Avenue
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
(630) 296-2700
www.basspro.com
Take the Boughton Road exit off of Ill 355 west to Janes Avenue, turn left on Janes to Bass Pro Shops.
Santa Days and Hours 2009 - Note: The 2009 dates and hours for Santa have not yet been set.
Note: Santa takes breaks - times to be determined
Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - There is a photographer on site or you can take your own pictures.
Bass Pro puts Santa in a snow-covered woodland winter outdoor setting, complete with deer, a rustic log cabin surrounded by pine trees and of course Christmas lights and holiday decorations. He is here to see he children through the entire November - December Holiday season.
Santa and helpers at Bass Pro Shop in Bolingbrook
Bourbonnais
Santa at Northfield Square Mall
Northfield Square Mall
Center Court
1600 North State Route 50
Bourbonnais, IL 60914
At Exit 315 off I-57 on Route 50 in Bradley, Illinois.
(815) 937-4111
www.simon.com/mall
Photos and Visits with Santa Days and Hours 2009
Daily from Friday November November 20th through December 24th;
Hours: Monday - Saturday 10 am to 8 pm
Sunday 11 am to 6 pm
Christmas Eve 10 am to 8 pm
Note: Santa takes breaks, when crowds permit - call Northfield Square—815-937-4241 for the times.
Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - There is a photographer at the mall and photo packages are available. Please note, personal cameras are not allowed.
Santa will settle into Northfield Square for his stay starting November 21st all the way up until Christmas Eve. There will be plenty of time for children to let him know exactly what they want for Christmas and to look him in the eye and tell him that they have been good. Also, there will be two special pet nights at the mall with Santa. For details click on the Santa Pet Pictures Link.
Northfield Square Mall
Kicks Off the Holiday Season
with a Fiesta to Welcome Santa
Northfield Square Mall
Center Court
Friday, November 20th, 2009 6:30 pm
Admission: $5.00 per child
Reservations required : - 815-937-4241
This will be a great night for all as Santa at the malls arrives at Northfield Mall for the Holiday Season. Every child who comes to the “Fiesta to Welcome Santa” will receive a toy, a taco and a drink as well as Santa coloring sheets and of course will be the first to whisper what they want in Santa’s ear.
Calumet City
Santa at River Oaks Center
96 River Oaks Center Drive
Torrence Avenue and 158th Street
Calumet City, IL 60409
(708) 868-5574
www.simon.com
Santa Days and Hours: 2009 - Note: The 2009 dates and hours for Santa have not yet been set.
We believe Santa will be at the mall from Friday, November 13th through Thursday Dec. 24th;
Note: Santa takes breaks - call River Oaks Center for the times.
Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - There is a photographer for Santa at the mall and photo packages are available. Please note, personal cameras are not allowed.
Southside kids will be heading to River Oaks Center to see Santa and tell him all their many wants. From Monday through Saturday children can ride on the Holiday Train.
Chicago
Santa at Ford City Mall
7601 South Cicero Avenue
Chicago, IL 60652
(773) 767-6400
www.shopfordcity.com
Santa Days and Hours: 2009 - Note: The 2009 dates and hours for Santa have not yet been set. Based on the 2008 dates we estimate Santa will be at the mall from :
Mid-November - December 24th
Santa Hours: To be advised
Note: Santa takes breaks - times to be advised.
Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - There is a photographer at the mall or you can take your own pictures.
Located on the city's south side, the Ford City Mall offers kids a chance to have pictures and chats with the old guy. Other attractions for children include a real carousel and a free club for kids up to twelve years old, known as the City Kids Club with arts and crafts and other activities.
Santa at Macy’s on State Street
111 N. State Street
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 781-1000
www.visitmacyschicago.com
Santa Days and Hours: 2009:
Santa will be at Macy's all hours the store is open.
Saturday, November 7th through Thursday December 24th
Note: Santa takes breaks - check with the store for hours
Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - There is a photographer at the Cozy Cloud Cottage or you can take your own pictures.
The Christmas season never seems to end. This year Macy’s starts Santa visits on Tuesday, November 10th and they will continue every day through Christmas Eve. You’ll find Ho Ho on the fifth floor Childrens department where he is meeting his young fans. Macy’s has a long history with Santa Claus, dating all the way back to 1870, they were the very first department store to introduce an in-store Santa. And who can forget the 1947 classic, Miracle on 34th Street, an all time favorite Holiday movie which was set in Macy’s.
Santa at 900 Shops
900 Shops
900 N. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 915-3916
www.shop900.com/santa
Santa Days and Hours: 2009:
Santa will be at Bloomingdale’s on the 3rd Floor from:
Saturday, November 22nd through Thursday Dec. 24th;
Mondays-Fridays 12:00 Noon - 6:00 pm
Saturdays 11:00 p.m. - 6:00 pm
Sundays 12:00 Noon - 5:00 pm
Note: Santa takes breaks - check with the 900 Shops for times.
Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - There is a photographer available or you can take your own pictures.
The Christmas Season is alive and well at the 900 Shops where you’ll find Santa Claus hanging out on the third floor of the mall in Bloomingdales. The old guy in the red suit is waiting to hear what children want and to take their wish lists.
Chicago Ridge
Santa at Westfield Chicago Ridge
Chicago Ridge Mall
Chicago Ridge, IL 60415
(708) 499-0840
www.westfield.com
(on 95th Street between Natoma and Ridgeland)
Santa Days and Hours: Note: The 2009 dates and hours for Santa have not yet been set. Dates and hours have not been finalized we estimate Santa will be at the mall from:
Saturday, November 7th through Thursday, December 24th:
Hours: to be advised
Note: Santa takes breaks - call Westfield Chicago Ridge for the times.
Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - There is a photographer at the mall or you can take your own pictures.
Santa will be here to listen to the kids' Christmas wishes for the better part of November and December.
Evergreen Park
Santa at Evergreen Plaza Shopping Center
9730 South Western Avenue
Evergreen Park, IL 60805
(708) 422-5454
www.theplazamall.org
(On western Avenue at 97th Street)
Santa Days and Hours: 2009 - Note: The 2009 dates and hours for Santa have not yet been set.
We believe Santa will be at the mall from mid-November through Thursday Dec. 24th;
Note: Note: Santa takes breaks - call Evergreen Plaza for the times.
Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - There is a photographer at the mall and photo packages are available.
Another place to see Santa from November right up until Christmas Eve is at the Plaza in Evergreen Park.
Gurnee
Santa at Bass Pro Shops Gurnee
6112 West Grand Avenue
Gurnee, IL 60031
(847) 856-1229
www.basspro.com
Take the Grand Avenue exit off of IL 94 and go west about 1/4 mile to Gurnee Mills Mall, turn right at Gurnee Mills Circle to Bass Pro Shops.
Santa Days and Hours 2009 - Note: The 2009 dates and hours for Santa have not yet been set.
Note: Santa takes breaks - times to be determined
Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - There is a photographer on site or you can take your own pictures.
As in other Bass Pro Shops, you’ll find Santa waiting for the kids outside of his log cabin in the beautiful nature setting with snow covered lighted Christmas trees. Here you’ll find the children anxious to see and talk to Santa.
Santa at Gurnee Mills Mall
6170 Grand Avenue
Gurnee, IL 60031
(847) 263-7500
www.gurneemillsmall.com
Santa Days and Hours 2009 - Friday, November 13th through December 24th, call the mall for times.
Note: Santa takes breaks - check with the mall for times
Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - There is a photographer on site or you can take your own pictures.
Santa ‘s ready for the Holiday Season—bring the children and get pictures, and be sure they have their Christmas wish lists for the big guy in red.
Lincolnwood
Santa at Lincolnwood Town Center
3333 W Touhy Ave
Lincolnwood, IL 60712
(847) 674-9220
www.simon.com
Lincolnwood Town Center is located t the intersection of Touhy Avenue and McCormick Boulevard in Lincolnwood, Illinois.
Santa Days and Hours 2009:
Friday, November 27th through Thursday December, 24th:
Check with the mall for Santa's hours
Note: Santa takes breaks - call Lincolnwood Town Center for the times.
Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - There is a photographer at the mall and photo packages are available or you can take your own pictures.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and Santa Claus with the real white beard is at the Lincolnwood Town Center waiting to see the kids to get in line and visit him.
Lombard
Santa at Yorktown Center
Yorktown Shopping Center
Highland Avenue and Butterfield Road
Lombard, IL 60148
(708) 868-5574
Santa Days and Hours 2009:
Friday, November 6th through Thursday, December 24th:
Santa will be at the mall all hours the mall is open:
Mondays through Saturdays: 10 am to 9 pm
Sundays: 11 am to 6 pm
Note: Santa normally takes breaks Mondays through Saturday from 1 pm to 2 pm and again from 5 to 6 pm and on Sundays from 2 pm to 3 pm
Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - There is a photographer at the mall and photo packages are available. Please note, personal cameras or photos are not allowed.
You’ll find plenty of lights, trees, glitter and of course Santa Claus who just can’t wait to hear what the children want for Christmas. Besides going through their list of wants, they will be telling him they have been good and that they won’t forget to leave him some milk and cookies when he arrives on Christmas Eve. The Yorktown Express, the mall’s train will be all decked out for the Holiday season ready to take kids for a ride. Tickets available for purchase at the Information Center—train rides are $1.00 each, or 6 rides for $5.00.
Niles
Santa at Golf Mill Shopping Center
239 Golf Mill Center
Niles, Illinois 60714
(847) 699-1070
www.golfmill.com
Santa Days and Hours 2009: - Note: The 2009 dates and hours for Santa have not yet been finalized. Based on the 2008 dates we estimate Santa will be at the center from:
Mid-November through Thursday December 24th:
Note: Santa takes breaks - call Golf Mill for the times.
Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - There is a photographer at the mall and photo packages are available or you can take your own pictures.
It’s that time of year again, and yes, you’ll find Santa Claus at the Golf Mill Shopping Center just waiting for the kids to ask him for Christmas presents.
Norridge
Santa at Harlem-Irving Plaza
4104 N Harlem Ave
Norridge, IL 60706
(708) 453-8296
www.shopthehip.com
Santa Days and Hours: 2009 - Note: The 2009 dates and hours for Santa have not yet been finalized.
We believe Santa will be at the Harlem-Irving Plaza from mid-November through Thursday December 24th:
Note: Note: Santa takes breaks - call the Harlem-Irving Plaza for the times.
Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - There is a photographer at the mall and photo packages are available.
Santa will be here to see all the little children up until Christmas.
Northbrook
Santa at Northbrook Court
Northbrook Court
Northbrook, IL 60062
fronting on Lake Cook Road
(847) 498-8161
www.northbrookcourt.com
Photos and Visits with Santa Days and Hours 2009: - Note: The 2009 dates and hours for Santa have not yet been finalized. Based on the 2008 dates we estimate Santa will be at the mall from:
Saturday, November 21th through Thursday, December 24th:
Hours: Monday - Saturday 10 am to 8 pm (before Thanksgiving)
Monday - Saturday 10 am to 9 pm (after Thanksgiving)
Sundays - 11 am - 6 pm (before Thanksgiving)
Sundays - 11 am - 6 pm (after Thanksgiving)
Thursday - December 24th 11 am - 8 pm
Note: Note: Santa takes breaks - call Northbrook Court for the times.
Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - There is a photographer at the mall and photo packages are available or if you prefer, you can take your own pictures.
Not to be outdone by other area malls Starting on Saturday, November 22nd, 2009, the Northbrook Court Santa will be at his winter garden residence in the lower level near Neiman Marcus. Children receive a free holiday activity booklet after letting the “big man” hear what they hope to receive for Christmas. Santa will be there through Christmas Eve when he has to leave on his annual worldwide Christmas jaunt. Some malls now have special nights for pet pictures and Northbrook is no exception. They will host four Pet Photo Nights with Santa, along with costumes for your dog or cat. St. Nick's Pet Pics will take place Monday, November 23rd and 30th, also on December 7th and 14th from 6pm-9pm.
Orland Park
Santa at Orland Square Mall
Orland Square Mall
288 Orland Square Dr
(at Lake View Dr)
Orland Park, IL 60462
(708) 349-1646
www.simon.com/mall
Santa Days and Hours 2009 Friday November 6th through Thursday, December 24th (Closed Thanksgiving):
Hours: Generally from about 10 am to 8 pm on most days and 11 am to 7 pm most Sundays however this can vary quite a bit - call Orland Square for the exact times.
Note: Santa takes breaks - call Orland Square for the times.
Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - There is a photographer at the mall and photo packages are available or if you prefer, you can take your own pictures.
Halloween is barely over and Santa shows up at Orland Square where he will be ready to see the little ones right up until Christmas Eve. You’ll find the happy fellow located in the lower level of the mall, outside of Macy’s where he will be listing the children’s Holiday wishes and having pictures with him.
Rockford
Santa at CherryValle Mall
CherryValleMall
7200 Harrison Avenue
Suite 5
Rockford, IL 61112
(815) 332-2440
www.ShopCherryValeMall.com
Santa Days and Hours: 2009 - Note: The 2009 hours for Santa have not yet been set.
Friday, November 6th through Thursday December 24th:
Note: Santa takes breaks - call CherryValleMall for the times.
Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - There is a photographer at the mall and photo packages are available. Please note, personal cameras are not allowed.
Santa arrives at CherryVale Mall’s Center Court, the Rockford area’s largest enclosed shopping center. From Friday, November 6th and will be there right through Christmas Eve Santa will be there. You’ll find a real white-bearded Santa ready to welcome children and to visit with them during this Holiday season.
St. Charles
Santa at Charlestowne Mall
Charlestowne Mall
3102 E Main Street
St. Charles, IL 60174
Kirk Rd. and North Avenue
630) 513-1120
www.charlestownemall.com
Santa Days and Hours 2009: - Note: The 2009 hours for Santa have not yet been finalized. Please check with the mall for times:
Friday, November 20th through Thursday, December 24th:
Note: Charlestown has so many different opening and closing hours for Santa throughout the season we suggest you check their web site or call the mall office for the exact hours on different days. Most weekdays Santa is at the mall until 8 pm and most weekends until 6 pm, although this will vary. Santa will not be at Charlestowne on Thanksgiving Day.
Thursday - December 24th 10 am - 5 pm
Note: Santa takes breaks - check with the mall for times.
Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - There is a photographer at the mall and photo packages are available. Please note, personal cameras and photos are permitted.
Charlestowne Mall kicks off the Holiday season with a celebration and Santa’s arrival Friday, November 20th, 2009 on the lower level, between center court and Von Maur.
Families are invited to an evening of holiday entertainment, with special performances usually by local St. Charles school choirs and marching bands.
Following the opening festivities Santa can be found at his seat in Center Court , usually with a throng of children waiting for a chance to have their chat with him, right through Christmas Eve. Another magnet for the kids is the two-story Italian carousel on the second level food court.
Santa and Christopher Charlestowne Mall 2003
Schaumburg
Santa at Woodfield Shopping Center
Golf Road at Route 53
Schaumburg, IL 60173
(847) 330-1537
www.shopwoodfield.com
Santa Days and Hours 2009:
Santa will be at the mall from:
Friday, November 6th through Thursday, December 24th:
Hours: Mondays-Saturdays 10 am - 9 pm
Sundays 11 am - 6 p.m.
Thursday - December 24th 10 am - 5 pm
Note: Santa takes breaks Mondays through Saturday
from Noon to 12:30 pm and from 6 p.m. to 7 pm
and Sundays from 2 pm to 3 pm
Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - There is a photographer on site or you can take your own pictures.
Every Christmas season Woodfield Shopping Center, the Chicago area's largest mall always manages to welcome Santa with world-class public festivities. After the parade, welcoming events and other ceremonies, the ‘big guy’ will be taking lists and gift ideas in the in court in the center of the mall. There you’ll find a huge holiday tree, surrounded by a model train layout and a winter wonderland. Note while there is no charge to see Santa there is a cost for some activities. Pets also will have a chance to visit with Santa during the season—call the mall for dates and times.
South Barrington
Santa at Holidays are Magic at The Arboretum of South Barrington
Higgins Road and Route 59
The Arboretum of South Barrington
100 W. Higgins Road
South Barrington, IL
(847) 426-6200
www.shopthearboretumsb.com
Santa Days and Hours 2009
Saturday, November 28th, December 5th, 12th, & 19th
Sunday, November 29th, December 6th, 13th, & 20th
Saturdays 10 am - 6 pm
Sundays Noon - 4 pm
Thursday, December 24th 10 am - 2 pm
Note: Santa takes breaks - call The Arboretum for times.
Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - There isn’t a photographer at the Santa House at the mall, so be sure to bring a camera.
You’ll find Santa at The Arboretum of South Barrington starting on weekends after Thanksgiving, and again on Christmas Eve at the Santa House located in front of DSW Shoes. Weekend events include horse drawn sleigh rides, concerts, children’s choirs and more.
Vernon Hills
Santa at Westfield Hawthorn Shopping Center
122 Hawthorn Center
Vernon Hills IL 60061
(847) 362-2600
westfield.com/hawthorn
Santa Days and Hours: 2009 - Note: The 2009 dates and hours for Santa have not yet been set. Based on the 2008 dates we estimate Santa will be at Macy’s Court:
Friday, November 14th through Thursday, December 24th
Mondays-Saturdays 10 am - 9 pm
Sundays 11 am - 6 pm
Thursday - December 24th 11 am - 4 pm
Note: Santa takes breaks Mondays through Saturday from 1 to 2 pm and 5 to 6 pm
and Sundays from 2 pm to 3 pm
Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - There is a photographer at the mall or you can take your own pictures.
Santa Claus and his helpers can be found at Macy’s Court in the Westfield Hawthorne Shopping Center from mid-November right through Christmas Eve. The younger children will receive a gift and the old elf will be spending a lot of hours at the mall.
West Dundee
Santa at Santa at Spring Hill Mall
Spring Hill Mall
Route 59 and Aurora Avenue
West Dundee, IL 60118
(630) 851-3000
www.springhillmall.com
Santa Days and Hours: 2009 - Note: The 2009 hours for Santa have not yet been set.
Saturday, , November 21th through Thursday December 24th:
Note: Santa takes breaks - call Spring Hill Mall for the times.
Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - There is a photographer at the mall or you can take your own pictures.
Spring Hill is a large Chicago area mall with major department stores and over 150 specialty shops. From November 27th through Christmas Eve Santa will be busily entertaining children at the center court, so stop by and visit with the Jolly Old Elf.
This little girl is having a very serious conversation with the old fellow.
Please note—all of the above events are subject to change without notice