By WKTV Staff
Woodland Mall is working to make the holiday season that much more special with big plans for Santa’s arrival, activities supporting local organizations and other festive events.
In addition to a number of charitable efforts, the mall is preparing for Santa’s grand arrival with a parade through the mall, followed by a pajama party, photo opportunities and dance and musical performances by local groups, among other activities.
“Our focus this year is on spreading holiday cheer through fun events with the man in red himself, as well as charitable activities, vendor shows and community performances,” Marketing Manager Kennedy Vancalbergh said. “With a few new experiences alongside the winter staples we’re known for, Woodland Mall continues to offer the best in holiday shopping and festivities for shoppers of all ages.”
Santa’s Parade and PJ Arrival Party – Nov. 17
Santa will make his grand return to Woodland Mall with an indoor parade beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17. Santa’s procession will begin near the entrance of the food court and end at his holiday home in the Macy’s court. Santa will be guided by the Academy of Dance Arts.
Following the parade, the mall will give a warm and cozy welcome to Santa with a fun-filled PJ party in the Macy’s court 6-8 p.m. All are encouraged to come dressed in pajamas for the event, which will include a meet and greet with holiday characters, an opportunity to take photos with Santa, balloon twisters, holiday crafts, face painting and a prize wheel.
Shoppers who bring in new pajamas to donate to The Salvation Army during the event will receive a coupon for a free 8-by-10 photo print with a Santa photo purchase.
Salvation Army Angel Tree – Nov. 17 through Dec. 14
Woodland Mall has partnered with The Salvation Army to give back to children in the community. Shoppers will find The Salvation Army Angel Tree in the Macy’s wing starting Nov. 17 through Dec. 14. Tree tags represent children or teenagers who might not otherwise receive gifts this holiday season. Shoppers can take a tag and return an unwrapped gift at the mall’s security office during mall hours.
Academy of Dance Arts Performances – Nov. 18
To celebrate Santa’s arrival, Woodland Mall will welcome Academy of Dance Arts Studio for several performances by various age groups. Throughout the afternoon of Saturday, Nov. 18, the dance group will perform to holiday music in the Von Maur wing.
Photos with Santa – Nov. 18 through Dec. 24
Santa will take photos with guests and listen to holiday wishes Nov. 18 through Dec. 24. Reservations are encouraged but not required for the photo opportunity. Digital photo packages are available with options to purchase prints and a family portrait.
Visitors also can visit Ursa, the enormous 12-foot polar bear decked with thousands of holiday lights, while they wait to see Santa.
Fur babies included
Beginning Nov. 20, “fur babies” will again be welcome to visit Santa for photos on Mondays through Dec. 18. Feathered and whiskered pets of all kinds are welcome as long as they are kept on a leash, in a crate/carrier or held by the owner at all times. Pet owners must also sign a release prior to visiting Santa.
Cards for Kids Spending the Holidays in Hospitals – Nov. 18 through Dec. 11
Woodland Mall has partnered with Cards for Hospitalized Kids to provide holiday cards to local children who are spending the holiday season in the hospital. From Nov. 18 through Dec. 11, there will be a table near Santa in the Macy’s court where individuals can decorate cards for the children.
Black Friday Deals – Nov. 24
Woodland Mall will be closed on Thanksgiving Day to enable retail employees to enjoy the holiday with their loved ones. The mall will reopen at 8 a.m. Friday, Nov. 24 so guests can enjoy an early start to the traditional shopping weekend. Several seasonal stores will offer discounted gift items on Black Friday. Visit ShopWoodlandMall.com for a full list of in-store deals and retailer information.
Vendor Shows – Nov. 25 and Dec. 9
Shoppers can connect with an array of small businesses and vendors during the Small Business Showcase, hosted by Britney Sylvester, on Saturday, Nov. 25, and at the Holiday Bash Craft and Vendor Show, hosted by Kelly Hume Events LLC, on Saturday, Dec. 9. Shoppers can explore a wide variety of items such as wreaths, candles, jewelry and more at the shows during shopping hours on both dates.
Women’s Resource Center Winter Clothing Drive – Dec. 1-31
Woodland Mall will hold a winter clothing drive for the Women’s Resource Center, which offers programs and services to educate and empower women for workplace success, during the entire month of December. Collection bins will be at each entrance of the mall for donations of new or gently used hats, gloves and winter socks.
Salvation Army Red Kettle Drive – Dec. 1-24
The iconic red kettles and volunteers will be stationed at the mall’s JCPenney entrance throughout the season. Characters from Star Wars will make special appearances throughout the month. Donations go toward improving the lives of families in the local community. Every gift is precious – big or small.
Artists Creating Together Concert – Dec. 4
Artists Creating Together, which empowers individuals with disabilities to learn, grow and celebrate through the arts, will give a musical performance on ukuleles and Tubano drums 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Von Maur wing.
More Surprises for Shoppers
There will be surprise visits from a variety of fun characters and drop-in performances for shoppers to enjoy on occasional weekends throughout the holiday season.
Holiday Hours
The mall will have extended hours to ensure guests can get all their holiday shopping completed. Visit ShopWoodlandMall.com/hours for details. To avoid the crowds, Woodland Mall recommends shopping Monday through Thursday when traffic is at a lighter pace.
On Christmas Eve, Woodland Mall will be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The mall will be closed on Christmas Day. The mall will be open the day after Christmas 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., on New Year’s Eve noon to 6 p.m. and on New Year’s Day 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
