Woodbury Lakes kicking off holiday festivities

Woodbury Lakes Mall is spreading all sorts of holiday cheer this weekend.

The outdoor mall is holding its Eighth Annual Holiday Open House from 4-9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17 with special offers and giveaways, music and photos with Santa.

Laurie Mordorski, marketing director for Woodbury Lakes Mall, said the event will bring out families and children for the various activities and a fireworks show at the end of the night.

Something new this year is “One Frozen Lake” children’s author Deb Larson, who will be doing readings and book signings, in addition to a children’s fish game, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the main stage.

“That’s something we’re really excited about this year,” Mordorski said, adding that it will add to ice fishing experiences that children usually enjoy with grandparents in the winter. “It’s a cute book for kids.”

The events will include a live reindeer petting zoo, strolling carolers and costumed characters.

The YMCA is partnering with the mall to set up a craft station for kids and Dorothy Ann Bakery will provide plain cookies for them to decorate.

Face painting and a carnival area will add to the line-up of children’s activities.

As for the adults, they can register from 4-8 p.m. for three $500 shopping sprees. The giveaway will be announced at 8:30 p.m. on the main stage.

Throughout the day, the Okee Dokee Band will perform and set the stage for Santa, who will arrive at 7 p.m. on a Woodbury fire truck.

Guest emcee Chris Shaffer from WCCO will also be on stage as the crowd prepares for Santa to light the Christmas tree.

“From there that ignites a dazzling fireworks display that’s set to holiday music,” Mordorski said.

From 7:30-9 p.m. Santa will have a meet and greet at the tree. Santa will be a strolling Santa throughout the rest of the holiday season.

“This is the one time that Santa will be at the set posing for photos,” Mordorski said.

It hasn’t been practical in the past to have Santa sitting for hours at the outdoor mall and forcing people to stand in line in the cold weather, she said. That is why he will be visiting people as they walk in and out of the stores this holiday season.

“Our intent or vision for Santa was always to have him be a special amenity at the property,” Mordorski said.

The annual event is held a week ahead of the busiest shopping day of the year. Woodbury Lakes will open at 7 a.m. on Black Friday, however various stores may open earlier. Visit www.woodburylakes.com for individual hours.

Tags: business