Santa Claus Is Coming To Palos: Where To See Him

PALOS, IL — Visits and pictures with Santa Claus are treasured traditions for many Palos families. In Palos, kids have several chances to see jolly old St. Nick in person.

Here are the details for Palos-area residents:

• Chicago Ridge Mall, 444 Chicago Ridge Mall (95th Street and Ridgeland Avenue). Santa has flown all the way from the North Pole to take the throne at Chicago Ridge Mall where he’ll be hearing the wishes of good boys and girls through Dec. 24. Skip the line and make an appointment to see the big man in red. Photo packages are also available. Pet portraits with Santa are also available through Monday, Dec. 16.
• Worth Township, 11601 S. Pulaski Road, Alsip: Santa will be seeing kids from 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 10 through Dec. 12, in the beautifully decorated Santa Room. Take as many photos as you want. “Silent Santa” is a one-day event taking place from 4 to 7 p.m. for those with sensory sensitivities or special needs. Reservations are required for Silent Santa, 708-371-2900. This is the best Santa in the Southland. Although visits with Santa are free, a non-perishable food item or unwrapped toy is appreciated.
• Holidays in the Heights: Santa will be mingling with kiddos at the Kris Kringle Market in the Palos Heights municipal lot, 12217 S. Harlem Ave. from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6. Then come wave at him Saturday, Dec. 7 for the Holiday Parade at 10:45 a.m., starting at 126th Street and Harlem, and ending at College Drive. The jolly old elf will be back at it from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Kris Kringle Market.
• Jolly Jamboree Holiday Market: Get some rosy cheeks at the Palos Park Recreation Center, 8901 W. 123rd St. for a holiday party, tree lighting and market, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5.
• Santa On the Green and Tree Lighting, 9446 S. Raymond Ave., Oak Lawn: Santa is coming to Oak Lawn Saturday, Dec. 7, and he’s bringing his numero uno lady, Mrs. Claus, along with a few friends. Youngsters can visit and take photos with Santa and maybe pick up a candy cane from Mrs. Claus. Frosty, Princess Elsa and Olaf, Elf the Stiltwalker and everyone’s favorite, The Grinch, will also be making guest appearances. Please note the new time of 2 to 5 p.m. on the Village Green across the street from Oak Lawn Village Hall. A tree lighting will take place at 5 p.m.
• Sprayfari Aquatic Park Grounds, 11930 S. Kostner Ave., Alsip: Watch Santa land in a helicopter Saturday, Dec. 7. Once on the ground, Santa will be visiting with children. Fat Tommy’s will be selling concessions and Mr. Safety will be making an appearance. Santa lands at noon; the celebration continues through 3 p.m.
• Crestwood Christmas Market and Pictures With Santa and the wife, Crestwood Recreation and Wellness Center, 5331 W. 135th St: Crestwood: Shop at the Christmas Market and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Featured are arts and crafts, cookie decorating, hot chocolate and cookies, and much, much more, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14.
• Sprayfari Aquatic Park Grounds, 11930 S. Kostner Ave., Alsip: Watch Santa land in a helicopter Saturday, Dec. 7. Once on the ground, Santa will be visiting with children. Fat Tommy’s will be selling concessions and Mr. Safety will be making an appearance. Santa lands at noon and the celebration continues through 3 p.m.