Colonie Center is ready to welcome Santa Claus next Saturday, Nov. 23.

There’ll be a tree lighting ceremony that morning to officially mark the beginning of the holiday season.
Santa will then fly in from the North Pole, so families can visit him at a makeshift Santa’s Workshop.

If you miss the kick-off ceremony, don’t worry, Santa will be there through Christmas Eve, to take photos with kids and loved ones on Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

There will also be special dates for pets, and people looking for a sensory-friendly experience.

Santa will have shortened hours on Christmas Eve to ensure he has plenty of time to prepare for his long journey, delivering presents to children all over the world.

MORE: Santa at Colonie Center