The holiday season is fast approaching and the Southern Park Mall will soon get a visit from a jolly old friend.

Santa Claus will be making his arrival at the Southern Park Mall Center Court on Friday, November 15 and will stay until Christmas Eve to take pictures with children and collect all of their Christmas wishes.

No appointment is necessary to see Santa, but those who register in advance will receive two free gifts including a personalized message from Santa and 10 free holiday cards from Shutterfly. You can make a reservation by clicking here.

Photo package prices range from $39.99 to $49.99. You can also pay $19.99 at reservation and decide on which package you want on the day of your visit.

Visiting Santa isn't just for humans though. Santa will also be taking photos with pets on select dates including November 18, November 25, December 2 and December 9. Pet photos will be taken between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Santa will be welcomed with a parade on Saturday, November 16 at 11 a.m. The parade will begin in the DeBartolo Commons Concourse and continue throughout the mall.

Boardman Township officials, the Boardman High School Marching Band, Boardman High School Cheerleaders and other local cheerleaders and mascots will all be part of the parade. Admission to the parade is absolutely free.