With Christmas just around the corner, last-minute shoppers flooded Yorktown Center in Lombard on Monday, eager to cross off those final items from their gift lists. The bustling mall was decked out in holiday cheer, complete with festive decorations and the soft sound of Christmas carols playing on a piano. But for many, the highlight wasn’t just the shopping—it was the chance to visit Santa.
“It’s really nostalgic,” said Connor Deamgelis, who brought his wife and infant daughter to relive his own childhood memories. “It’s been fantastic showing her the same traditions we enjoyed as kids.”
However, the line to see Santa was long, with families waiting up to an hour to snap that perfect holiday photo. And for some, the Grinch made an appearance, adding a touch of mischief to the festive atmosphere.
With only two days left until Christmas, many shoppers are still scrambling to finish their gift buying. According to the National Retail Federation, half of consumers had already completed their holiday shopping by early December, but only 10% were entirely done. As Christmas approaches, more people are turning to both in-store and online shopping to wrap up their purchases. This year, an estimated 69.5 million people are expected to shop across both channels, up from 58.3 million in 2023.
Yorktown Center’s Von Maur saw a surge in shoppers, especially on Monday, as more people made their way to stores after the weekend rush. “People really came out Friday through Sunday, and today we’re still seeing a lot of foot traffic,” said Matthew Bruniga, the regional director of Von Maur.
Jennifer Moneyhun, a local shopper, explained that she had to make a last-minute trip because some of her online orders didn’t arrive in time. “I waited too long to order,” she admitted, but she was happy to find what she needed at the mall.
For anyone still stumped on gift ideas, Von Maur offered some suggestions—pretty dresses, hair accessories, and warm winter gear with a stylish twist, perfect for the Chicago cold.
For those who put off shopping until Christmas Eve, there’s still hope. Von Maur will be open for last-minute shoppers on Tuesday, ensuring that even the most procrastinating gift-givers can find something special before the holiday.
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