Santa Claus visits Uptown Normal for local nonprofits in Bloomington-Normal

Photo provided by the Town of Normal

NORMAL, Ill. – For Christmas, the Town of Normal is bringing Santa Claus to Uptown Normal for “Santa’s Station.” The ongoing events are located at the Mark R. Peterson Plaza, between Uptown Station and the Children’s Discovery Museum.

The celebration began December 2 and runs until Christmas Eve. Civic Arts Specialist of Normal Morgan Schulte described the weekend as a success.

She said, “Between the two days, we have around 300 people come out.”

“Santa’s Station” is a free event, cash donations are encouraged but not required. All proceeds would benefit a local nonprofit.

“The donations benefited Special Olympics and Pepperidge PTO,” she said, in refence to the first weekend. Each weekend, the nonprofit changes.

“Overall all the nonprofits that will benefit from this [Santa’s Station] are Special Olympics, Bloomington/Normal NAACP, Toys for Tots, Paws Giving Independence, Conexiones Latinas, ABC Counseling, Jaycees and the Children’s Discovery Museum Foundation,” Schulte said.

Last Saturday, music was provided by ISU’s Cleffhangers, but Schulte continued to elaborate on other organizations that are involved.

“Wild Style Design Company was out face painting. Dunkin Donuts reached out and came between 3-4 to give away free donuts,” she said.

In upcoming weekends, visitors can enjoy a Coffee Hound Hot Cocoa Bar and art activities supplied by the Children’s Discovery Museum.

Schulte describes the importance of seeing Santa Claus as “ giving children access to be able to share what they want and make decisions for themselves in a comfortable environment.” The event allows for parents to hear about gifts their children may only want to ask Santa Claus for.

Schulte hopes the event will give families a free opportunity to enjoy the holiday season together and hopefully create core memories for their lifetime.