Santa greets tots at Gurnee Mills
Santa Claus smiled and waved to small children Monday as he sat in his Christmas Nook at Gurnee Mills.
Santa arrived Friday and is available so children can chat with him and give him their Christmas lists through Dec. 24.
Future events include Caring Santa on Dec. 6 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. for children with special needs who can visit with Santa.
"Caring Santa is a special time where kids with special needs can come in have a little bit more personal time with Santa," said Randy Ebertowski, general manager of Gurnee Mills.
Pet Photo Night is Dec. 13 from 7 to 9 p.m., when guests can bring their pets to pose with Santa at the Christmas Nook - Grange Hall.
"Dogs and cats only please. No elephants or crocodiles or things like that," Ebertowski laughed.
Also on Dec. 6, the mall will feature Menorah Lighting on the Telemundo Stage at 5 p.m. to celebrate the Jewish holidays.
The mall offers a charity gift wrapping area at guest services near Entrance E that is operated by various local organizations to help them raise money for their group, from Dec. 1 to Dec. 24. The groups operate on tips.
For information about future holiday events and hours, visit Gurnee Mills website at http://www.simon.com/mall/gurnee-mills