One Big Reminder That The Holiday Season Is Here Arrives In Illinois Next Week

The holiday season's biggest celebrity, (no, I'm not talking about Mariah Carey), officially arrives in Rockford, Illinois next week, and we're all invited to his welcoming party!

Too Soon For Full-Blown Christmas?

Maybe it's because it was bitterly cold on Halloween, or maybe it's because I'm seeing Christmas lights pop up on houses all over town, but I'm really having to suppress the urge to skip Thanksgiving and head full throttle into Christmas.

I will make no apologies for the fact that I absolutely LOVE the holiday season and that I have zero problems with the holiday ads and decorations popping up everywhere you look.

The only reason I haven't turned my home into a Christmas wonderland yet is because my husband's favorite holiday is Thanksgiving, and I try to be respectful by not overlooking it.

I'm sure the fact that Santa is arriving at the CherryVale Mall in less than a week, isn't helping with my holiday impatience either.

Santa's Arrival At the CherryVale Mall

Santa Claus will officially arrive in grand style at the CherryVale Mall on Friday, November 17, 2023, and being there for it is a great way to get your entire family into the holiday spirit.

Here's everything you need to know if you want to go from shopcherryvalemall.com;

The festivities begin at 6pm, with Santa making his way to his Workshop and inviting all the little elves in line for their visit to help him count down for the special lighting of the 2023 Christmas tree. After the tree lighting, Santa is ready to hear everything on those Christmas lists!

3 Important Things to Know About Santa at the CherryVale Mall

• On Mondays between November 20 and December 18, you can bring your pets to take a picture with Santa, as long as they are leashed or in a carrier. (Make pet photo reservations, here).
• You can save money on photo packages if you make a reservation to see Santa in November.
• Anyone who visits Santa between November 17 and December 15 will have the chance to win a $2,000 shopping spree at the CherryVale Mall. (Get more details here).

Here's more holiday fun you need to check out in Illinois this year...