HAWTHORN INVITES THE COMMUNITY TO WELCOME SANTA

Hawthorn, a super-regional shopping center in Vernon Hills, a suburb just north of Chicago (www.visithawthorn.com), will hold a very special Santa’s arrival celebration on Friday, November 15th, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.  During this fun-filled event, a parade that begins at the southwest entrance of the center (near Macy’s) will be held in Santa’s honor during which classic holiday characters will escort Santa to his interactive “A Christmas Story” home, inspired by the fan-favorite Warner Bros. film “A Christmas Story,” located on the lower level in Macy’s Court. The celebration will continue with a live DJ spinning festive holiday tunes, face painting and balloon twisting, cookie decorating, warm beverages and delicious treats, and a chance for children to write and mail letters to Santa via the center’s special Santa-only mailbox in Macy’s Court. There will also be a “Mommy’s Little Piggy” whipped cream eating contest, similar to that featured in the “A Christmas Story” film; each contest participant will receive a Barbara’s Bookstore gift card, and one grand prize winner will get a Hawthorn Kids Pack that contains a free photos with Santa, dinner at Maggiano’s, and four tickets to see “A Christmas Story, The Musical” at Theatre 121. The first 100 registered attendees will also receive a holiday swag bag (up to two per family). Santa’s Arrival is a paid event; tickets cost $5 per child, and advance registration is required to attend. Parents accompanying one or more children do not need a ticket; children under 2 years of age attend free. Treats and beverages, cookies, and other event-related supplies will be available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Event proceeds will support  Make-A-Wish, an organization dedicated to providing life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. To pre-register and obtain a ticket for each child, click here or visit https://bit.ly/3Q8WTWN.