Celebrate Santa's arrival at The Woodlands Mall

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Here comes Santa Claus! The Woodlands Mall will be decorated and ready to welcome Santa when he arrives bright and early at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 10. Straight from the North Pole, he will settle down in his Holiday Castle and be ready for visitors.

As a special treat, The Woodlands Mall hosts Santa Breakfast on Saturday, November 17, from 9 to 11 a.m. There will be singing and stories and a visit from Santa, but the highlight of the morning will be a live performance of The Great Toy Drive Robbery Children’s Show. The show has a delightful cast of characters including Detective S. Clause and his rookie sidekick, Elle Phee, who are called in to solve the mystery of who stole the toys. Guests become both suspects and detectives, working with the cast to find the toys. Tickets are required and are available by e-mail at woodlandsadmin@ggp.com or by calling 281.363.3363. There is no charge to attend, but each guest is asked to bring an unwrapped toy that will be donated to Toys for Tots [and become the props for the show].

Santa will be at The Woodlands Mall daily through the holidays, leaving on Monday, December 24 at 6 p.m. His crew of elves will be ready to take commemorative photos, if wanted. Photo packages start at $23.

The Woodlands Mall presents other holiday events during November and December, including:

Saturday, November 17 – Santa attends The Lighting of the Doves. The Woodlands’ traditional event wouldn’t be the same without an appearance by Santa, who will be at the event in the evening. [And who, in typical magical Santa style, will also be at The Woodlands Mall.]

Every Monday, November 19 to December 17 – Pet Nights. Pet owners are invited to bring their four-legged friends to come by and have a photo taken with Santa. The Woodlands Mall has Pet Nights scheduled Mondays, November 19 and 26, December 3, 10 and 17 from 6 to 9 p.m. [Cats and dogs on a leash or in an appropriate carrier only, please. Animals, other than those servicing the disabled, are not allowed in the shopping centers other than during Pet Night. Pet owners are asked to enter the mall’s southeast entrance between Dillard’s and Urban Outfitters.]

Throughout the holidays – Caroling in The Courtyard and the corridors. Throughout the holiday season, carolers and singing groups will stroll through The Woodlands Mall, entertaining shoppers and visitors with the sounds of the season. For dates and times, please check the website.

Salvation Army Angel Tree – Friday, November 16 to Sunday, December 16. Shoppers can adopt an angel – either a child or a senior – from the Salvation Army Angel Tree and purchase a gift to make someone’s holiday merrier. The Angel Tree will be by Santa’s Holiday Castle near Banana Republic.

Weekends – Pet Adoption. On select weekends, Operation Pets Alive! will be at The Woodlands Mall, offering cats and dogs for adoption by qualified individuals. Dates are Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 23, 24 and 25; Saturdays and Sundays, December 1 and 2, 8 and 9, 15 and 16, 22 and 23 from 12 to 5 p.m. in The Courtyard. Adoption fees are $75 to $125. Visit http://www.petsalive.org or call 713.201.7306 for details.

Saturdays, December 1 and 15 –Jingle Bell Choir. Santa’s elves will be teaching little ones how to play holiday hand bells. The classes, compliments of The Woodlands Mall, will be from 12 to 3 p.m. Bells and other equipment provided. Interested children can register at woodlandsadmin@ggp.com or by calling 281.363.333.

Saturday, December 8 – The Elf Academy. Lessons in how to be an elf, taught by Santa’s helpers and students will be a ‘certified elf’ by the end of class. The Elf Academy, compliments of The Woodlands Mall, is from 12 to 3 p.m. Register at woodlandsadmin@ggp.com or 281.363.333.