Get free cheer while running errands

Malls offer many events to entertain

dale dombrowski/viewA statue of Norman Rockwell in his famous self-portrait pose sits in the Santa House at Town Square, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Dale dombroWski/viewA sculpture depicting Norman Rockwell?s Christmas 1926 Saturday Evening Post cover is on display at Town Square, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Advertisement

If you're like most people, you've still got a smidgen, or in some cases all, of your holiday shopping to do. Chances are you'll soon be spending some time in our neighborhood's malls. Fortunately, many are offering a number of special events and free holiday entertainment for you and your family, especially the little ones, to enjoy.

At the Fashion Show mall, 3200 Las Vegas Blvd. South, in addition to the usual holiday decorations, a free show called "Believe in Magic" also is offered. The show features a 35-foot Christmas tree, the Fashion Show dancers, cameo appearances by several local celebrities, and, of course, Santa. The show is free and takes place in The Great Hall (near Nordstrom). There are four shows at noon, 2, 4 and 6 p.m. daily.

For more information, call 784-7000. Santa is on-site in front of Nordstrom during regular mall hours, and a variety of photo packages and merchandise are available.

At the Boulevard Mall, 3528 S. Maryland Parkway, Santa is bilingual, chatting with children on his knee in both English and Spanish.

"He's very popular with the parents," said mall spokesperson Susan Black, "and the kids just love him." Photo packages with Santa start at $13.95.

At the newly opened Town Square, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. South, there is an enhanced small town vibe, with holiday sculptures inspired by the ultimate practitioner of small town Americana art, Norman Rockwell, on display.

The artist, primarily known for his many covers for the now defunct Saturday Evening Post, created illustrations that oozed small town charm and nostalgia. The six sculptures are arranged around the outdoor mall, including a sculpture of a famous self portrait displayed inside Santa's house.

Town Square also has a giant Christmas tree in its centrally located Town Square Park near Santa. Easels and crayons are set up across from Santa's house, so children can create their own artistic masterpieces in the park from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through Monday. The Children's Park also will feature Storytime in the Square on from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday.

Just down the street at the Las Vegas Outlet Center, 7400 Las Vegas Blvd. South, there will be a special storytime hosted by the Enterprise Library on Wednesday at 10 a.m. Immediately following the storytime, children are invited to take a free ride on the carousel.

"That's something we do every week," Las Vegas Outlet Center spokeswoman Alexandra Goransan said of the free carousel ride. "But it's especially nice during the holidays."

For music lovers, a harpist will perform Christmas music from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday at the outlet center. The Henderson Civitan, the local branch of an international charitable organization, will offer gift wrapping. Proceeds will go toward assisting local families.

Finally, since this is the season of giving, you can find The Salvation Army's Angel Tree at the Las Vegas Outlet Center to provide clothing and toys for needy families. The tree is decorated with paper angels bearing the first name, age and gender of a needy child. Shoppers can remove one or more of the tags and purchase appropriate gifts for the children described there.