2020 was a weird year for all of us, especially children of all ages. For the venues and businesses that were open during the Christmas holiday season, things were still... off.

Drive-Thru Holiday Lights Display Held In Seattle
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In some locations Santa was waving to children in a drive-thru, some were separated by glass or plastic barriers, and some were only visible via Zoom or other digital means.

This Christmas, in Northern Illinois, things will seem a little more back-to-normal.

12 Dates of Christmas: Sitting on Santa's Lap
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CherryVale Mall has confirmed Santa will make his triumphant return this Friday, November 19.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN SANTA RETURNS TO CHERRYVALE MALL

Parents can rest easy knowing there are both contact and contactless photo ops

Santa Contact Photo Opportunities – Sit with Santa or Socially Distanced Santa

'Sit with Santa' allows guests to remove their masks during the photo op.

There's more info you're going to want to make note of.

Child crying on Santa's lap
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MAKE IT EASIER ON YOURSELF

Schedule your visit ahead of time.

There are also tips for sending a text to confirm your arrivals, order digital photos, and more.

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THE IMPORTANT INFO

Santa makes his grand entrance to CherryVale Mall's center court at 5 PM on Friday, November 19, and will be there daily through Christmas Eve. The jolly 'ole soul will not be there on Thanksgiving day.

Monday - Thursday: 11am- 7pm

Friday - Saturday: 10am - 8pm

Sunday: 12pm - 6pm

 

Please note: Santa takes a break to feed the reindeer from 3pm to 4pm on Monday thru Thursday, 1pm to 2pm and 5pm to 5:45pm on Friday & Saturday, and 2:30pm to 3pm on Sunday.

CherryVale Mall's Santa Experience will also include pet photo ops as well as "Santa Cares", a sensory-friendly event for children and families with special needs. Read more here.

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