SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – The Empire Mall is is a popular spot for Christmas shoppers every year. But it’s also a spot for kids to experience a little Christmas magic with Santa Claus.
A visit to Santa Claus is a tradition for many families during the holiday season.
“First time meeting Santa so we had to get her a little festive outfit, go all out, it’s great,” mom Audra Wolverton said.
This Santa has been a part of the Christmas magic at the Empire Mall for more than two decades.
“I’m going to tell you a story,” Santa Claus said. “Back 27 years ago, the mall manager, I got a call from the mall manager and says ‘Santa, you know, the spirit in Sioux Falls is down a little bit this Christmas. Do you think you could maybe come and cheer the kids and their parents up in Sioux Falls.'”
And cheer them up he did.
“I think the spirit of Christmas is better now than it was 27 years ago,” Santa Claus said. “People seem more friendly, more joyous. I think their hearts have opened more the last few years.”
Through his years at the Empire Mall, Santa says there’s been a lot of varying gift requests from the kids.
“You know, I think probably the thing that’s stayed the longest is probably Barbie dolls for girls. You know, just about everyone wants a Barbie doll,” Santa Claus said. “And like boys, you know, probably Buzz Lightyear and Woody is probably some of the oldest toys that have been around the longest.”
But to Santa, there’s something even more special to him than the changing toy trends —
“I remember coming here, kind of same set up. I’d come with my brothers, we’d get pictures with Santa every year, every Christmas,” Wolverton said.
27 years of bringing Christmas joy to kids — some now grown up with their own families and continuing the tradition.
“You can’t even imagine how much I’ve enjoyed it,” Santa Claus said. “The little kids have grown up and their children have come to see me.”
Soon Santa will be taking the wish lists and memories from the Empire Mall back to the North Pole with him, but before he does, he has this Christmas wish for all:
“Love everybody. Take your time to enjoy life,” Santa Claus said. “Don’t be in such a big hurry. You know, Christmas only comes once a year. Enjoy it when it’s here.”
Santa says his other Christmas wish for this year is more snow because the reindeer love playing in it.
You can visit Santa at the Empire Mall every day through Christmas Eve.
