On Saturday, Santa Claus continued his tradition of arriving at Golf Mill Shopping Center via firetruck, just in time for the Christmas season.

To celebrate the joyful arrival, kids and their families gathered to see him coming on the impressive red sleigh, non-reindeerly though it may be, and wave to the crowd. 

Earlier: Santa set to arrive

Once he disembarked and greeted the crowd, they paraded through the mall, led by doggie reindeer from Wright Way Animal Rescue in Niles. Children who showed up with their families got to march in the parade and show off the elf hats they received, along with goody bags and treats. 

The event culminated with Santa pressing a button to light up 11 decorated trees in an area just north of JCPenney in the mall.

From now through Dec. 14, people can "vote" for their favorite tree by bringing non-perishable food for the Maine Township Food Pantry to the mall's customer service office. Each food item counts as one vote.

The organizations which decorated trees this year are: 

• Niles Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Parents & Teachers Association of Ignacy J. Paderewski Polish School
• Gordon Food Service Market Place
• Niles Fire Department
• Niles Police Department
• Maine Township
• Edward Jones
• Saint Matthew's Lutheran Church
• Niles Public Library
• Saint John Lutheran Church
• Ross Dress for Less

Get Niles and Morton Grove news, Park Ridge news or Des Plaines news in a daily email from Patch. It's like getting a free newspaper. Learn more.