Hillcrest Mall’s 2026 holiday lineup brings Breakfast with Santa to Richmond Hill
Remember when a trip to the mall to see Santa was the main event of the season? Hillcrest Mall in Richmond Hill is leaning into that nostalgia this year with a packed holiday calendar.
The big addition is Breakfast with Santa, a sit-down morning with the man in red that also raises money for a local hospital foundation. Santa visits, free library workshops, pet nights and local performances round out the season.
Here is what is on, when it happens and what to book ahead.
Hillcrest Mall holiday 2026 quick details
- Santa arrives: Saturday, November 14
- Breakfast with Santa: Sundays, November 15, 22 and 29, $120 per table of four
- Holiday Workshop Week: Monday, November 16 to Friday, November 20, free drop-in
- Pet nights with Santa: Thursdays, November 26, December 3 and December 10, 5 to 8 p.m.
- Holiday Fun Fridays: December 4 and 11, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Location: Hillcrest Mall, 9350 Yonge St., Richmond Hill
Breakfast with Santa at Ramona’s Kitchen
Hillcrest is borrowing an idea from amusement park character breakfasts and old department store traditions. The mall says it is one of the only events of its kind at a GTA shopping centre.
Breakfast takes place at Ramona’s Kitchen inside the mall on three Sundays: November 15, 22 and 29. Santa stops by each table for a personal visit and story time. Kids also get a goodie bag.
After the meal, families head to a reserved Santa photo session in Centre Court. Tickets cost $120 per table of four, and the photo package is included.
Net proceeds go to Mackenzie Health Foundation, which supports hospital care in the community. Booking happens on the Hillcrest website, and spots are limited to those three mornings.
Santa visits start November 14
Santa officially arrives at Hillcrest on Saturday, November 14. From then on, families can visit him in Centre Court to share wish lists and take photos.
Hillcrest recommends reserving a visit and photo package ahead of time. Availability will expand as the season goes on, so check the mall’s website for open time slots.
Free Holiday Workshop Week with the library
From November 16 to 20, Richmond Hill Public Library takes over for a week of free, drop-in programming. The lineup includes festive crafts, hands-on activities and seasonal workshops for kids, adults and families.
Think paper snowflakes and holiday stories, the kind of thing you probably did in grade school. Since it is drop-in, you do not need to register in advance.
Pet nights with Santa
Hillcrest’s “Pets with Paws” nights are back for furry family members. On Thursday, November 26, and on December 3 and 10, pet owners can bring their animals for a photo with Santa from 5 to 8 p.m.
As the name hints, these nights are meant for pets with paws. Leave the goldfish at home.
Holiday Fun Fridays and local performances
On Fridays, December 4 and 11, Boogles Playhouse fills Centre Court from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. before Santa starts his visits for the day. Expect holiday music, dancing, crafts and activities aimed at young kids and their parents.
Throughout the season, local children and youth groups will also perform music and dance. That includes the York Region Youth Orchestra and JCB Dance School.
Hillcrest Mall holiday hours
Starting November 28, Hillcrest stays open longer for holiday shopping:
- Monday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Black Friday (November 27): 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Christmas Eve (December 24): 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Christmas Day (December 25): Closed
- Boxing Day (December 26): 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
New regular hours take effect on January 4, 2027. The mall will then open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Plan your holiday visit to Hillcrest
Breakfast with Santa and Santa photo packages both need to be booked in advance, and breakfast only runs on three Sundays in November. The workshops and performances are free to drop in on. You can book and check the latest schedule on the Hillcrest Mall website.
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