Santa Takes Christmas Wishes at Northcenter Jingle Bell Breakfast

Children squealed and craned their necks when Santa walked into the room at Martyrs’ in Northcenter.

The Northcenter Chamber of Commerce’s Jingle Bell Breakfast, in its second year, was held Saturday morning, and welcomed in the holiday season with bacon, carols, and of course, a photo with Old Saint Nick.

The breakfast presold 150 tickets this year, up 90 from last year’s event.

Chamber Executive Director Garrett FitzGerald predicted about 250 people total would walk through the door before the morning ended. With the growing interest, the chamber will offer two seatings in 2013. 

The chamber started the breakfast after 10 years of hosting a Town Square Christmas tree lighting and Christkindl Market.

“It cost us a lot of money and with the winter cold, people only wanted to come out for a few hours,” FitzGerald said. “We said, ‘Let’s bring it inside,’ and the response has been huge.”

The breakfast included a free visit and photo with Santa, something parents said they appreciated having in the area.

“Parents didn’t want to have to go downtown and fight the crowds or to a suburban mall to fight the crowds,” FitzGerald said. “They can see Santa right here in the neighborhood.”

Children’s faces changed from bewilderment to joy when a parrot, pirate and crow walked into the crowd. The entertainers form Corn Productions joined Santa in spreading Christmas cheer at the breakfast. Corn Productions puts on kids and adult comedy shows at their “Cornservatory” on North Lincoln Avenue.

Martyrs', a concert venue, hosted the event and owner Ray Quinn staffed the breakfast with his own family and volunteers. Kids from the Neighborhood Boys and Girls Club also lent a helping hand.