Meadowbrook Mall is in full holiday mode. It resembles Santa land - and for good reason. The Jolly Ole’ Elf makes his appearance of the season at noon Saturday. Annually, Santa’s arrival is perhaps mall’s most anticipated days of the year, said Mall Marketing Director Robin Urquhart.

 

Santa Claus will arrive via the mall’s own Fun-On-Wheels Railroad. The stop at Sears Court – where Santa will meet and greet with area children throughout the holiday season – is expected at 12 noon.

 

Kids are invited to come accompany Santa for his entrance.

 

“All children are invited to join us at the Target end of the mall at 11:30,” Urquhart said. “Everyone can help us greet Santa by walking behind the train to Sears Court where he will be available for visits and photos.”

 

The first 50 children to arrive at the Target entrance at 11:30 a.m. will receive a free goody bag. Upon Santa’s arrival at Sears Court, everyone in attendance will be treated to a free puppet show, courtesy of Cartoon Headquarters.

 

Santa will be at his post noon to 8 p.m. Saturday with a break between 3 and 4 p.m. Those same hours will be in effect for Santa visits Monday through Saturday through Christmas Eve. On Sundays, he will be available 12 noon to 5 p.m. with a break time 2:30 to 3 p.m.

Another big event this holiday shopping season is the Rock the Mall party Thanksgiving night, Nov. 24. The event, Urquhart said, is the official kickoff of the season and thousands of shoppers are expected. The first 1,000 shoppers to line up at the WDTV Five Event Center will receive free swag bags filled with holiday cheer, Santa hats, discounts and surprises. Doors open at 5 p.m. with the party getting under way at 6 p.m. Between 9 and 10 p.m. Nov. 24, shoppers are encouraged to visit the Meadowbrook Mall Facebook page for the Third Annual Selfie Scavenger Hunt. Shoppers must be present at the mall to win prizes.

 

The excitement continues “Black Friday,” Nov. 25 with an 8 a.m. Balloon Drop Spectacular at WDTV Event Center. Shoppers need to arrive no later than 7:45 a.m. to take part in the balloon drop, during which thousands of dollars will be up for grabs. Inside the balloons will gift cards worth $10 to $500. Those who play must be 18 years of age with a valid photo ID. The mall will open at 6 a.m. Black Friday with many discounts and deals.

 

As has become Meadowbrook Mall tradition, a holiday gift wrap station will be open Nov. 25 through Dec. 24. The gift wrap center will be located in front of JCPenney and donations support the United Way of Harrison County and its member agencies.

Between 8:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, children with special needs are invited to come meet with Santa in a quiet, calm setting. Cornerstone Pediatric Center will be on hand to assist children as they visit Santa on their own terms.

 

The following Saturday, Dec. 10, Santa will have breakfast with area children at Garfield’s Restaurant. Advance tickets - $5 each – are required for the Santa breakfast and they can be purchased at Garfield’s. The breakfast takes place 9:30 to 11 a.m.

 

Also on Dec. 10, Harrison County Schools will present its annual music program 11 a.m. through 5 p.m. at the WDTV Event Center.