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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, should in no way diminish the experience of visiting a Santa at one of 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.

 

Photo © Mitchell Studios Wauconda, IL

 

Aurora

 

Santa at Fox Valley Mall

Fox Valley Center                                                                                                                                                                     Macy's Court
Route 59 and Aurora Avenue
Aurora, IL 60504
(630) 851-3000
www.shopfoxvalleymall.com/directory/

Santa Days and Hours: 2019 

Saturday, November 9th through Tuesday, December 24th

 

For Santa hours at Westfield Fox Valley call the mall.

Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - There is a photographer- note: you are not allowed to take your own pictures.

It’s easy to find Santa at Westfield Fox Valley. During the holiday season he’ll be having his picture taken and listing carefully to all the many desires of children in the Fox Valley, Aurora area. You'll find Santa' home on the lower level by Macy's.

 

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 2019

Santa arrives Saturday, December 7th 11 am - 2pm

 

Graphic courtesy Ice House Mall

 

Santa will be at the mall Saturdays and Sundays through December 22nd. Check with the mall for other days Santa will be there.

 

Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT

Santa spends plenty of time in Barrington talking to the kids and finding out if they have been naughty or nice. Drop your letters in Santa's mailbox. There is not a professional photographer at the mall so parents are allowed to bring their own cameras and video cameras and to create their own memories at no charge.

 

Bloomingdale

 

Santa at Stratford Square Mall

Lower Level, Center Court

Schick Road and Gary Avenue

Bloomingdale, IL 60108

(630) 630-539-1000

www.stratfordmall.com/

 

Santa will be at the mall from mid-November through Tuesday, December 24th, 2010

 

Santa Days and Hours  2019: Call the mall at (630) 630-539-1000 for the exact hours and days Santa will be at the mall during the holiday season.

Note: Santa takes breaks - check with Stratford for times

 

Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - There is a photographer on site - note: you are not allowed to take your own pictures.

  

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 2019

 

Santa will be at Bass Pro from Saturday, November 16th through Tuesday, December 24th

Check with Bass Pro for the times Santa will be there.

 

Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - There is a photographer on site and Bass Pro offers a free photo with Santa with a Bass Pass - you can also 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. Mondays through Thursdays usually have shorter lines to see Santa. There are free games and activities all day and free crafts during designated hours.

 

Graphic courtesy 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) 937-4241

www.simon.com/mall

 

Photos and Visits with Santa Days and Hours 2019

 

Daily from mid-November through Tuesday, December 24th

 

Mall Hours: Monday - Saturday 11am to 9pm

Sunday 11am to 6pm

Christmas Eve 10am to 5pm

 

Note: while we believe Santa will be there in November & December - call Northfield Square—815-937-4241 to be sure of dates and 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 in mid-November 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.

 

Photo courtesy Northfield Square Mall

 

 

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 2019

Santa will be at the mall from mid-November 

through Tuesday, December 24th

During the holiday season, Santa will be at River Oaks Center most of the hours the mall is open.

Call River Oaks Center for the exact times and days you will find Santa at the mall.

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. 

Photo courtesy River Oaks Center

 

Chicago

 

Santa at Ford City Mall

7601 South Cicero Avenue
Chicago, IL 60652
(773) 767-6400
www.shopfordcity.com

Santa Days and Hours: 2019

Mid-November through Tuesday, December 24th

Santa Hours: Santa will be there during most of the hours the mall is open in the Food Court - check with the mall for times.

Note: while we believe the informations listed is correct - call Ford City at (773) 767-6400 to be sure.

Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - There is a photographer at the mall - note: you are not allowed to 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.

 

SantaLand at Macy’s on State Street

111 N. State Street
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 781-1000
http://www1.macys.com/shop/store/eventsearch?zipCode=&city=Chicago&state=IL

Santa Days and Hours: 2019

Saturday, November 9th through Tuesday, December 24th

Click on this link to find the exact days and times Santa will be at Macy's on State Street.

Note: while we believe the days listed are correct - call Macy's on State Street at ((312) 781-1000 to be sure.

Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - There is a photographer at Macy’s SantaLand® or you can take your own pictures.

The Christmas season never seems to end. This year Macy’s starts Santa visits on Saturday, November 9th 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. Children have been going to Macy’s SantaLand® at the State Street store since 1948.

 

Photo courtesy Macy's

 

Santa at 900 North Michigan Shops

900 Shops
900 N. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 915-3916
www.shop900.com/events/592/

Santa Days and Hours: 2019 

Santa can be found in his home on the 3rd level 7-days a week from:

Saturday, November 23rd through Tuesday, Dec. 24th


Mondays-Saturdays 12 Noon - 6 pm
Sundays 12 Noon - 5 pm

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 level of the mall in a holiday setting, with a beautifully decorated 40 foot tree. The old guy in the red suit is waiting to hear what children want and to take their wish lists. Santa has a special gift for each child which they are sure to treasure. Different photo packages are available for purchase.

 

Photo courtesy 900 North Michigan Shops

 

Santa at Water Tower Place

Water Tower Place                                                                                                                                                                                  835 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 440-3166                                                                                                                                                                                    www.shopwatertower.com

Santa Days and Hours 2019 

Santa can be found on the Santa set on the 7th floor from:

Friday, November 15th through Tuesday, Dec. 24th

Check Water Tower Place's website for the times Santa will be there.

Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - There is a photographer available. Personal cameras are not allowed on the Santa set.

Santa has come down from the North Pole and will be at Water Tower Place all the way through December 24th. He will be there waiting to learn what girls and boys would like for Christmas.

 

Photo courtesy Water Tower Place

 

Chicago Ridge

 

Santa at Chicago Ridge Mall

Chicago Ridge Mall                                                                                                                                                                          Carson's Court
Chicago Ridge, IL 60415
(708) 499-0840                                                                                                                                                                                      www.shoppingchicagoridgemall.com
(on 95th Street between Natoma and Ridgeland)

Santa will be in Carson's Court at the mall from:

Saturday, November 9th through Tuesday, December 24th 2019

For Santa's Hours call the mall at (708) 499-0840.

Note: Santa takes breaks - call Chicago Ridge for the times.

Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - There is a photographer at the mall - note: you are not allowed to take your own pictures.

Santa will be here to listen to the kids' Christmas wishes for the better part of November and December.

 

Photo courtesy Chicago Ridge Mall

 

Deer Park

 

Santa’s Arrival & Fireworks Extravaganza at Deer Park

Deer Park Town Center
20530 North Rand Road
Deer Park, IL 60010
(847) 726-7755
www.shopdeerparktowncenter.com

Santa will be there Friday, November 15th 2019 
 
Santa will be at Deer Park Center: 6pm to 8:30pm

Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - There is no photographer at this event so be sure to bring a camera.

Santa will be available for visits with children until 8:30pm an each child will receive a free antler headbands and reindeer food while supplies last. Santa will arrive on a fire truck, he will turn on the holiday lights and then there will be the finale a fireworks extravaganza.

 

Photo courtesy Deer Park Town Center 

 

Geneva


Santa at Geneva Commons

Santa’s Station Geneva Commons
602 Commons Drive Geneva, IL 60134
(630) 262-0044

www.shopgenevacommons.com

Santa Days and Hours 2019


Friday, November 29th and every Sunday, December 1st - 22nd 2019

Visit Santa for photos Friday November 29th and December Sundays 2pm - 5pm

Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT


Santa will be available to visit with children every Sunday beginning November 270th through December 18th at his Holiday Station next to the mall office. There is no Santa photo concession at the mall, so be sure to bring your cameras to get your free pictures with the old fellow.  

 

Gurnee

 

Santa at Gurnee Mills Mall

Gurnee Mills Mall                                                                                                              6170 Grand Avenue
Gurnee, IL 60031
(847) 263-7500
http://www.simon.com/mall/gurnee-mills/news-trends-and-events

Santa Days and Hours 2019

Friday, November 15th opening day - through Tuesday, December 24th

Santa will be at the mall many days through Tuesday, December 24th - Check with the mall for the exact days and times Santa will be at Gurnee Mills.

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.

 

Photo courtesy Gurnee Mills

 

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 2019

Santa will be at Bass Pro from Saturday, November 16th through Tuesday, December 24th

Check with Bass Pro for the days and times Santa will be there.

Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - There is a photographer on site and Bass Pro offers a free photo with Santa - you can also 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. Mondays through Thursdays usually have shorter lines to see Santa. There are free games and activities all day and free crafts during designated hours. 

 

Joliet

 

Santa at Louis Joliet Mall

Louis Joliet Mall                                                                                                                          Santa is located in Macy’s Court                                                                                       3340 Mall Loop Drive
Joliet, IL 60431
(815) 439-1000
www.shoppinglouisjolietmall.com/shop/louisjoliet.nsf/Custom/Believe+More

Santa Days and Hours 2019

Saturday, November 9th through Tuesday, December 24th                      

Check with Louis Joliet Mall (847) 263-7500 for the times Santa will be there.

Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - There is a photographer on site and photo packages are available. Personal cameras are not permitted.

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 the red suit.

 

Lincolnwood

 

Santa at Lincolnwood Town Center

3333 W Touhy Ave
Lincolnwood, IL 60712
(847) 674-1219
www.simon.com
Lincolnwood Town Center is located t the intersection of Touhy Avenue and McCormick Boulevard in Lincolnwood, Illinois.

Santa Days and Hours 2019

Friday, November 15th through Tuesday, December, 24th

Santa will be at Lincolnwood Town Center most of the hours the mall is open, he does take breaks - check with the mall for the exact times Santa will be there.

Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - There is a photographer at the mall and photo packages are available - Personal photos are not permitted without the purchase of a photo package.

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 get in line and visit him.

Santa arrives at Center Court Friday, November 15th at 4pm for the holiday season.

 

Lombard

 

Santa at Yorktown Center

Yorktown Shopping Center                                                                                            Lower Level - Center Court
Highland Avenue and Butterfield Road
Lombard, IL 60148
(630) 629-7330

www.yorktowncenter.com

Santa Days and Hours 2019

Thursday, November 14th through Tuesday, December 24th

Santa will be at the mall most hours the mall is open:

Call the mall for the exact hours Santa will be there.

Note: Santa normally takes breaks so there are times he will not be available.

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.

This season Santa arrives on Saturday, November 14th. 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.

 

Santa at Yorktown Center in Lombard

 

Niles

 

Santa at Golf Mill Shopping Center

Santa's Village - 239 Golf Mill Center
Niles, Illinois  60714
(847) 699-1070
www.golfmill.com

Santa Days and Hours 2019
Saturday, November 16th, through Tuesday, December 24th

For Santa's hours check with the mall.

Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - There is a photographer at the mall and photo packages are available - personal photos can be taken if you purchase a photo package.

It’s that time of year again, and yes, you’ll find Santa Claus at the Golf Mill Shopping Center where he is just waiting for the kids to ask him for Christmas presents.

 

Santa photo courtesy Golf Mill Shopping Center

 

Norridge

 

Santa at Harlem-Irving Plaza

Harlem-Irving                                                                                        Plaza                                                                                                                                       4104 N Harlem Ave
Norridge, IL 60706
(708) 453-8296
www.shopthehip.com

Santa Days and Hours: 2019

Santa will be at the Harlem-Irving Plaza from Saturday, November 16th through Tuesday, December 24th

Check with the mall for the days and hours Santa will be there.

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 Eve.

 

Photo courtesy Harlen-Irving Plaza

 

Northbrook

 

Santa is Coming to Northbrook Court

Northbrook Court
Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 498-8161
www.northbrookcourt.com

Santa Days and Hours 2019

Friday, November 8th through Tuesday, December 24th

Santa will be at Northbrook Court most of the hours the mall is open, he does take breaks - for additional information when you can find Santa at the mall click on this link.

Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - There is a photographer at the mall and photo packages are available - please refrain from using any personal camera within the confines of the Santa set.

Northbrook Court's Santa will return to spread holiday cheer starting November 8th, 2019. Children and their families can visit 'Ole St. Nick in his beautiful holiday location at the Neiman Marcus Court  until December 24, 2019.

 

Photo courtesy Northbrook Court

 

Oakbrook

 

Photos with Santa at The Lawn at Oakbrook Center

Oakbrook Center
Oak Brook, IL 60523
(630) 573-0700
http://www.celebrateyourholiday.com

Santa Days 2019

Friday, November 8th through Tuesday, December 24th

Make a date with Santa

Book Now  Click on Book Now for Santa Hours and complete information

Reservations and photo purchases are not necessary to visit Santa.

Visit Oakbrook Center this holiday season for a special experience!  

 

Photo courtesy Oakbrook Center

 

Orland Park

 

Santa at Orland Square Mall

Orland Square Mall
288 Orland Square Drive
(at Lake View Drive)
Orland Park, IL 60462
(708) 349-1646
www.simon.com/mall

Santa Days and Hours 2019

Friday November 8th through Tuesday, December 24th

Santa Hours: Check with Orland Square Mall for photo hours.

Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - There is a photographer at the mall and photo packages are available - personal photos are not permitted .

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 upper level of the mall, in Carson's Court where he will be listing to the children’s Holiday wishes and having pictures with them. The old guy in red arrives for the season in early November.

 

Rockford

 

Santa at CherryValle Mall

CherryValleMall
7200 Harrison Avenue
Suite 5
Rockford, IL 61112
(815) 332-2440
www.ShopCherryValeMall.com

Santa Days and Hours: 2019

Friday, November 8th through Tuesday, December 24th

Monday through Saturday Santa hours 10am - 9pm

Sundays 11am to 6pm

Christmas Eve - 8am to 5pm

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 in early, November and will be there through Christmas Eve. You’ll find a real white-bearded Santa ready to welcome children and to visit with them during this Holiday season.

 

Photo courtesy CherryVale Mall 

 

 

Schaumburg

 

Santa at Woodfield Shopping Center

Woodfield Shopping Center                                                                                                                                                                    Golf Road between Route 53 & Route 72
Schaumburg, IL 60173
(847) 330-1537
www.shopwoodfield.com

Santa Days and Hours 2019

Thursday, November 7th through Tuesday, November 24th

Santa is at the mall most of the hours Woodfield is open. Check with the mall for a full list of hours Santa will be there.                                        

Thanksgiving Day - Thursday, November 23rd- closed                                                 

Note: Santa takes breaks usually from 12 noon until 12: 30 pm although this is subject to change.

Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - A photographer is on site - note: you are not allowed to 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 and for Santa photos.

 

Photo Courtesy Woodfield Shopping Center

 

Vernon Hills

 

Santa at Westfield Hawthorn Shopping Center                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Westfield Hawthorn Shopping  Center                                                                                                                                                      122 Hawthorn Center
Vernon Hills IL 60061
(847) 362-2600
westfield.com/hawthorn

Santa Days and Hours: 2019

 

Friday, November 10th through Sunday, December 24th

Check with Westfield Hawthorn to verify  the times Santa will be there.

Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - There is a photographer at the mall - note: you are not allowed to take your own pictures.

IT'S SANTA TIME!

Who’s been naughty or nice? Come meet St. Nick and make the holidays special with Santa photos. Want to see Santa faster? Here's how:

1. Pre-order your photo package online
2. Make your Fast Pass reservation
3. On the day of your visit, go to the Fast Pass line!
Reserve your Santa Fast Pass now.

November 15 - December 24

LOCATION
Macy's Court

 

 

West Dundee

 

Santa at Santa at Spring Hill Mall

Spring Hill Mall
Route 59 and Aurora Avenue
West Dundee, IL 60118
(847) 428-2200
www.springhillmall.com

Santa Days and Hours: 2019

Saturday, November 16th through Tuesday, December 24th

Santa will be at Spring Hill most of the hours the mall is open. Check with the mall for the exact days and times you will find Santa there.

 

You'll find Santa closest to Entrance 3

Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - There is a photographer at the mall - you are not allowed to take your own camera on the Santa set.

Spring Hill is a large Chicago area mall with major department stores and over 150 specialty shops. From November 16th through Christmas Eve Santa will be busily entertaining children at the mall, 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 events listed on this page are subject to change without notice