Start making a list, Santa's back in area malls
It's a conversation they've anticipated for a year.
Wish lists help make sure they remember everything they want.
And, of course, they've been on their best behavior all year.
Santa Claus has come to town. And children throughout the suburbs want face time with the jolly one.
For parents, it's also the time to capture the ultimate Christmas moment on film.
Santa arrived at many area malls last weekend, nearly two weeks before the traditional start of the shopping season. That gives parents plenty of time to place early orders for Christmas cards featuring Kris Kringle.
For those willing to wait, Santa also will be returning to downtown spots in Naperville and Wheaton after Thanksgiving.
Here's where you can find Santa in the DuPage County area:
Aurora
• Westfield Fox Valley, Route 59 and Aurora Avenue, Aurora: Visit from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 23, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 24. Santa's breaks are 2 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. For details, call (630) 851-7200 or visit www.westfield.com/ foxvalley.
Bloomingdale
• Stratford Square Mall, Army Trail Road between Gary Avenue and Springfield Drive, Bloomingdale: Visit Santa from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Christmas Eve. Pet photos with Santa will be offered from 7 to 9 p.m. Nov. 26. Only cats and dogs on leashes are allowed. For details, visit www.stratfordmall.com or call (630) 351-2800.
Lombard
• Yorktown Center, Butterfield Road and Highland Avenue, Lombard: Visit Santa during mall hours through Christmas Eve. Santa's breaks are from 1 to 2 p.m. and 5 to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, 2 to 3 p.m. Sundays. Pet photos with Santa will be offered from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Dec. 2 and 9. Only domestic animals on leashes will be allowed. Pets and their owners should enter at the door between Ed Debevic's and Egg Harbor. For details, visit www.yorktowncenter.com.
Naperville
• The Naperville Park District's Santa House, on the Riverwalk, Jackson Avenue at Webster Street, Naperville: Visit Santa weekends, Nov. 30 to Dec. 21. Hours are 5 to 8 p.m. Fridays and Dec. 17-20; noon to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Photos with Santa will be sold. For details, call (630) 848-5000 or visit www.napervilleparks.org.
Schaumburg
• Woodfield Shopping Center, Golf Road at Route 53, Schaumburg: Visit Santa from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 15 to Dec. 23, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 24. Santa's breaks are from noon to 12:30 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Pet photos with Santa will be offered from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Nov. 18. All pets must be on leashes or in a carrier and should enter the mall through Door 1, next to Todai Seafood Buffet. For details, visit www.shopwoodfield.com.
Wheaton
• Visit Santa in downtown Wheaton from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, Nov. 24 to Dec. 15, at Playhouse 111, 111 N. Hale St. Photos will be available. For details, visit www.downtownwheaton.com.