Santa Claus sitting awhile in Oak Harbor

Posing for photos until Dec. 23 at Harborview Mall

By Patricia Guthrie • December 8, 2017 10:30 am
Arjay Andal looks a little perplexed as Santa Claus asks a few questions during Saturday’s “Meet Santa” event for families following the annual Oak Harbor tree lighting ceremony. Santa has more meet and greets through Dec. 23. Photos by Patricia Guthrie/Whidbey News-Times
Arjay Andal looks a little perplexed as Santa Claus asks a few questions during Saturday’s “Meet Santa” event for families following the annual Oak Harbor tree lighting ceremony. Santa has more meet and greets through Dec. 23. Photos by Patricia Guthrie/Whidbey News-Times

Santa Claus is taking an extended holiday in Oak Harbor before getting busy Christmas Eve.

At Harborside Village Mall, he’ll be sitting with kids, listening to their “I wanna” lists, posing for family photos and enjoying the merriment of the season.

Claus, aka Kris Kringle, first appeared Dec. 2 during Oak Harbor’s annual tree lighting festivity. A fire truck delivered him, then apparently left him behind on a wet, stormy night. North Whidbey Islanders took in the North Pole resident, requesting only he leave his “rain” deer behind.

Santa’s schedule at Harborside Village Mall. Free, fun, festive.

• Saturday, Dec. 9, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.

• Sunday, Dec. 10, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

• Thursday, Dec. 14, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

• Friday, Dec. 15, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

• Saturday, Dec. 16, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

• Sunday, Dec. 17, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

• Thursday, Dec. 21, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

• Friday, Dec. 22, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

• Saturday, Dec. 23, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The whole Andal family of Oak Harbor poses for a 2017 Christmas photo with Santa Claus. Dad Darvey holds Arjay, 4, while mom, Maileen, holds four-week-old Greyson, who’s bundled in a reindeer outfit. An elf took photos with family phones and cameras.

The whole Andal family of Oak Harbor poses for a 2017 Christmas photo with Santa Claus. Dad Darvey holds Arjay, 4, while mom, Maileen, holds four-week-old Greyson, who’s bundled in a reindeer outfit. An elf took photos with family phones and cameras.