KENTWOOD, Mich. — The Woodland Mall in Kentwood is getting ready for a visit from Santa Claus this weekend to kick off the holiday season.
In addition to Santa's return to the mall, there will be a variety of other holiday and Christmas-themed events from this weekend through Christmas Eve and it all begins with Santa's grand entrance.
Santa's Parade
Santa Claus is ready to meet all his visitors beginning on Saturday, Nov. 16. But first, the mall is celebrating his arrival with a parade.
Starting at 10:30 a.m. on the morning of his arrival, Santa's Parade will begin near the entrance of the food court and end at his big chair in the court in front of Macy's. The Academy of Dance Arts will be leading the indoor parade.
After the parade, families are invited to meet and take photos with Anna and Elsa from Disney's Frozen.
Also from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., there will be balloon artists, face painting and craft activities.
Photos with Santa
Once Santa has made his way to his holiday home at the Macy's court, he will be taking pictures and listening to what you want for Christmas.
The Woodland Mall encourages that you make a reservation to meet Santa and take a photo, but it is not required.
Santa will be available to meet seven days a week through Christmas Eve. Here is when the mall says he will be there:
Santa Hours
- Monday - Thursday: 11am to 7pm (Santa break time: 3-4pm)
- Friday & Saturday: 11am to 8pm (Santa break time: 3-4pm)
- Sunday: Noon to 6pm (Santa break time: 3-3:30pm)
Extended Hours December 13-24
- Monday - Thursday: 11am to 8pm (Santa break time: 3-4pm)
- Friday & Saturday: 11am to 8pm (Santa break time: 3-4pm)
- Sunday: 11am to 6pm (Santa break time: 3-3:30pm)
- December 20 & 21: 10am to 8pm (Santa break time: 1-2pm & 5-6pm)
- December 22nd: 10am to 6pm (Santa break time: 1-2pm)
- December 23rd: 10am to 8pm (Santa break time: 1-2pm & 5-6pm)
- December 24th: 10am-6pm (Santa break time: 1-1:45pm)
And beginning on Monday, Nov. 18, Santa will take pictures with your pet on Mondays through Dec. 16.
The mall said that 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.
Salvation Army Red Kettle Drive
The iconic red kettles and volunteer bell ringers from the Salvation Army's Red Kettle Drive will be at the mall's JCPenney entrance now through Christmas Eve.
On Saturday, Dec. 7 and Dec, 14, Star Wars characters will also make a special appearance from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. at the Red Kettle Drive.
The Salvation Army band will also be doing pop-up performances through Christmas Eve.
Byron Center Choir Performance
The Byron Center High School Choir will be performing a holiday concert on Thursday, Dec. 5 from 11 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. in the Von Maur wing of the mall.
Artists Creating Together Concert
Artists Creating Together will be at the mall on Monday, Dec. 9 to give a musical performance on ukuleles and Tubano drums from 5 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.
Artists Creating Together is a local non-profit organization that empowers individuals with disabilities to learn and grow through the arts.
Giving Machine
Beginning on Thursday, Dec. 12, the Woodland Mall is installing a vending machine that will let you purchase donation items for local charities.
The vending machine, named the Giving Machine, will have school supplies, household items, meals and clean water to purchase for donating to local charities.
The Giving Machine will be at the mall from Dec. 12 through Jan. 4.
Black Friday Deals
The Woodland Mall will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and will reopen at 8 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 29.
Many stores throughout the mall will be offering Black Friday deals and sales.
Holiday Hours
The Woodland Mall will have extended hours during the holiday season. You can check the hours at ShopWoodlandMall.com/Hours.
On Christmas Eve, the mall will be open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. The mall will be closed on Christmas Day.
The mall will be open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.