by Per Dan Crandall
Great Northern Mall Celebrates 50 Years with Santa Parade
Milestone anniversary celebration kicks off November 13
with Santa’s arrival, family entertainment and holiday traditions
NORTH OLMSTED, Ohio – November 12, 2026 – Great Northern Mall is celebrating a milestone holiday season as the shopping center marks its 50th Anniversary with a special community celebration, Santa’s arrival and a season filled with holiday shopping, entertainment and family traditions.
Since opening on November 3, 1976, Great Northern Mall has grown and evolved alongside Northeast Ohio, welcoming generations of shoppers, introducing new retail and entertainment experiences and serving as a gathering place for the community. This holiday season, the center celebrates five decades of memories while looking ahead to its next chapter.
The celebration takes center stage Friday, November 13, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., with Great Northern Mall’s Santa Parade & 50th Anniversary Celebration. Guests of all ages are invited to enjoy festive entertainment, holiday character appearances, music and special surprises, including the North Olmsted High School Marching Band and an appearance by North Olmsted Mayor Nicole Dailey Jones.
The Santa Parade steps off at 6 p.m., beginning in the Phoenix Theatres wing and traveling past Dillard’s and Macy’s before concluding at Santa’s Sleigh in Center Court.
Photos with Santa
Following the November 13 parade, Santa will welcome families for photos and holiday wishes at his sleigh in Center Court through December 24. Reservations are recommended but not required and can be made at GreatNorthernSanta.com.
Pet Photos with Santa sponsored by Phoenix Theatres and Culver’s will be offered November 22 and December 6 from 6:30 to 8 p.m., and December 20 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Domestic animals are welcome and must remain on a leash or in a carrier. Reservations are recommended but not required.
Sensory-Friendly Santa experiences will take place November 29 and December 13 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., offering a quieter environment with mall music turned off and limited guest traffic before regular shopping hours. Reservations are required.
“Fifty years is an incredible milestone, and Great Northern Mall’s story is really about the generations of families, businesses and community partners who have been part of its success,” said Dan Crandall, marketing and business development manager at Great Northern Mall. “From the retailers and traditions people remember growing up to the new stores, restaurants and entertainment experiences we’re welcoming today, Great Northern continues to evolve with our community. As we celebrate our history and kick off another holiday season, we’re excited about the opportunities ahead and creating even more reasons for families to visit, shop and make memories.”
For more information about Great Northern Mall’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, holiday events, Santa photo experiences, store directory and extended holiday shopping hours, visit GreatNorthernOhio.com.
Media Coverage Opportunity: Members of the media are invited to cover Great Northern Mall’s Santa Parade & 50th Anniversary Celebration on Friday, November 13, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The celebration includes the North Olmsted High School Marching Band, holiday entertainment, Mayor Nicole Dailey Jones and Santa’s arrival at 6 p.m.
Media Information
Media Contact: Dan Crandall
Email: dcrandall@greatnorthenrshopping.com
Phone: 216-559-0172
