The Christmas season may have unofficially started in Lake County on Saturday when Santa Claus came to town. Well, to the Deer Park Town Center anyway. Mrs. Claus arrived first by walking a celebrity midway to the large, soon-to-be-illuminated holiday tree. Santa Claus arrived via a Lake Zurich fire truck and also walked the midway runway-style, escorted by juggling elves, stilt-walkers and holiday characters. The November fireworks finale was timed for Veterans Day, honoring veterans and military personnel after the holiday tree was illuminated with the help of an oversized red switch. Santa Claus makes the grand entrance at the Santa’s Arrival and Fireworks event on Nov. 16, 2024 in Deer Park at Deer Park Town Center. (Karie Angell Luc/Lake County News Sun) This year’s Santa’s Arrival and Fireworks event promised to be, “an evening of holiday magic, with a stunning fireworks show honoring veterans, festive performances, glowing attractions and free Santa photos for families,” Deer Park Town Center marketing manager Angelika Fejklowicz said. Guests could enjoy food truck treats. Kiddies could receive a free pouch of magical reindeer food, helping in, “making it a memorable night for all,” Fejklowicz said. “This event is a beloved tradition, drawing several thousand families each year, and we’re proud to celebrate its 25th anniversary this season,” she said. “Santa’s Arrival and Fireworks has become a key part of the community’s holiday celebrations.” Choosing an illuminated toy is Cloe Sortman, 4, of Lake Zurich with grandparent Karen Scudder of Lake Zurich at the Santa’s Arrival and Fireworks event on Nov. 16, 2024 in Deer Park at Deer Park Town Center. (Karie Angell Luc/Lake County News Sun) Santa’s helper in flipping the switch to light the tree was the winner of the shopping center’s Letters to Santa contest, Peyton Podgorny, 6, from Lake in the Hills. Peyton also rode in the fire truck with Santa Claus in making his grand entrance. In the packed audience were the Sortman siblings of Lake Zurich, Cloe, 4, and Willow, 9, accompanied by their grandparent Karen Scudder. Willow said her Christmas wishlist includes an electric scooter, and Cloe would like a pink bicycle. Santa Claus in front of the tree at the Santa’s Arrival and Fireworks event on Nov. 16, 2024 in Deer Park at Deer Park Town Center. (Karie Angell Luc/Lake County News Sun) Scudder revealed another hope for the grandchildren this holiday season. “We love celebrating the birth of Christ and his birthday,” she said. “We try to teach them to give gifts to others, and it’s not all about gifts. It’s about spreading the good news.” Jonah Self, 5, of Deer Park, and brother Owen, 2, were there to see Santa with their mother Hannah. “I hope that they stay healthy,” Hannah Self said, “but I hope they have time with family.” Far right, Jennifer Barkho Ochoa of Arlington Heights watches the fireworks show with children Micaela, 7,(facing) and Mateo, 4, at the Santa’s Arrival and Fireworks event on Nov. 16, 2024 in Deer Park at Deer Park Town Center. (Karie Angell Luc/Lake County News Sun) Timothee Krijanovski, 2, of Volo, seemed enchanted with a lighted toy in the company of parents Dumitru and Daiana. Daiana Krijanovski’s wish for the holidays is, “to be with the family.” Madison Surz, 3, of Barrington, sat on the shoulders of her father while waiting for Santa’s fire truck entrance. Madison’s parents Nick and Steph were aware the fireworks finale was meant to honor veterans. “It’s nice to honor them,” Steph Surz said. Antoni Siwiec, 2, of Wheeling sits on the shoulders of his father Adrian Siwiec of Wheeling at the Santa’s Arrival and Fireworks event on Nov. 16, 2024 in Deer Park at Deer Park Town Center. (Karie Angell Luc/Lake County News Sun)