Great Lakes Mall has unveiled a full list of holiday activities allowing friends and families to celebrate the season, whether that’s sipping cocoa or parading around with Santa.
“The holidays are an important time for our community to gather, celebrate our loved ones and share gratitude,” said Scott Creel, general manager of the Mentor mall, in a news release. “We are proud to offer events and activities that bring people together to ignite the spirit of the season, while also supporting our local small businesses.”
Photos with Santa
Photos with Santa will be available through Christmas Eve. Guests can save time this holiday season and reserve their photo time slot in advance. Walk-ins are also welcome.
A full list of Santa Photo Hours and a link to reserve a spot can be found by visiting shopgreatlakesmall.com.
Sensitive Santa
For children on the autism spectrum and those with related sensory sensitivities, a Santa visit can often mean crowded spaces, long lines and a swirl of competing noise that can create an overstimulating and upsetting environment.
Sensitive Santa is hosted before the town center opens, and Santa has been specially trained and takes cues from parents and caregivers in order to meet each child’s individual needs, the release stated.
Sensitive Santa will take place from 9 to 10:30 a.m., Dec. 5, and and 9 to 10 a.m., Dec. 12. The event will include crafts, refreshments, free books courtesy of Mentor Public Library’s pop-up library, and a free ride on the All Smiles Aboard trackless train.
Space is limited and advance registration is required at www.shopgreatlakesmall.com.
Paws & Claus
Dog owners are invited to mix and mingle as they get their favorite pet’s photos taken with Santa at Paws & Claus from 6 to 8 p.m., Dec. 13 and Dec. 20. Pets will enjoy a special treat after their visit with Santa, the release stated.
The Santa set is located in the Dillard’s concourse and pets and their owners are encouraged to enter the mall between Dillard’s and Tony Sacco’s Coal Oven Pizza on the west side of the mall.
Cookies and Claus
On Dec. 11, from 1 to 2 p.m., Great Lakes Mall invites families with children to hear a story from Mrs. Claus, pass on their wish list and enjoy refreshments with her. This event will take place near the Santa set located in the Dillard’s concourse.
Shop With Your Pet
Great Lakes Mall’s popular Shop With Your Pet event is back with a special holiday edition.
Pet owners are invited to bring their four-legged furry friends from noon to 4 p.m. on Dec. 4 and enjoy a day of shopping and other activities including free doggie treat bags while supplies last, pet caricatures, selfie stations and more.
Posh Pet Boutique will host a pet fashion show at 3 p.m. on the stage in the Dillard’s concourse near Santa.
Holiday Entertainment
The mall will feature a variety of musicians and performers that include jazz ensembles, string duos and quartets, guitarists, a saxophone player, singers and more. Visit www.shopgreatlakesmall.com for a complete list of performance dates and times.
Kindness Campaign
In celebration of National Kindness Day on Nov. 13, Great Lakes Mall kicked off an interactive art display where guests are invited to “Make Kindness Stick.” Visit the art display located near the Cleveland Clinic Children’s Play Area to participate throughout the entire holiday season.
In addition to a wide variety of events taking place at Great Lakes Mall this holiday season, guests can look forward to extended shopping hours. To learn more about holiday celebrations and extended holiday hours at Great Lakes Mall follow along on social media and visit shopgreatlakesmall.com.
Great Lakes Mall reported all activities will adhere to its rigorous cleaning and disinfectant practices, and all guests are asked to conduct themselves in a safe and respectful way in accordance with all federal, state and local regulations, recommendations and mandates, while also adhering to each individual retailer’s policies, the release stated.
