Here comes Santa Claus ... arriving at Woodfield Mall Thursday

Santa will arrive for the holiday season at Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg with his annual parade of the mall at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1.

The James B. Conant High School drumline will lead the parade, which will end at the Ice Palace in the Grand Court, where Santa will meet and greet families through Monday, Dec. 24.

Beginning Friday, Nov. 2, children and their families can visit the Simon Santa Photo Experience at Woodfield.

The mall will kick off its official holiday shopping season at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving - Thursday, Nov. 22 - when Woodfield will remain open for 28 straight hours until 10 p.m. on "Black Friday," Nov. 23.