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Here comes Santa Claus
Santa now visiting Dawson County
santa 1
Santa Claus is now greeting boys and girls in Dawson County at the North Georgia Premium Outlets. - photo by Jessica Taylor

With the aid of Rudolf and his reindeer friends, Santa Claus recently made his way to Dawson County to visit with local children before Christmas.

Kris Kringle himself arrived in Dawsonville on Nov. 15 and is staying until Christmas Eve to make sure he has plenty of time to meet the boys and girls of north Georgia.

“I’ve been really busy making lots of toys and watching my elves,” Claus said. “They’re really making the toys this year. Got a lot of toys being made for the boys and girls in Dawson County.”

Santa is currently greeting kids and kids at heart inside the food pavilion at the North Georgia Premium Outlets, and this year’s display is much different than what the community has come to expect in recent years.

“It’s full of larger than life festive ornaments and presents as well as an oversized green chair for Santa,” said Taylor Bennett, director of marketing and business development. “We have various sizes of trees that are decorated in twinkling lights and colorful ornaments and décor that’s sure to get shoppers in the spirit of the season.”

The old display featured a fireplace with Santa’s chair in front of it, located on the far end of the food pavilion. Due to the height of the new 25-ft. Christmas tree, the display was relocated to the center of the food pavilion near the Guest Services desk.

Sitting in his large green chair, Santa said he thinks the new display is “super,” and he’s ready to hear children’s holiday wishes.

“They’re fantastic. That’s why I like coming to Dawsonville because of the boys and girls around here,” Claus said of the local children.

Bennett said that the new display has been very well received and helping to get people into the holiday spirit.

“We just like to offer a variety of events and happenings at the center. We always have something fun going on so it’s just another offering for local families to experience,” Bennett said.

There will also be special times to meet Santa for those with developmental disabilities. Caring Santa will be a private event from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 8 for children with special needs and their families to meet Santa Claus. Later that evening from 7 to 9 p.m., pet parents can bring their four-legged family member to take pictures with Santa. Reservations can be made at www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/north-georgia.

As for Santa, he has a message for the boys and girls of Dawson County to remember before Christmas: “Always do what Mommy and Dad says and be good, and help them always.”