Santa has arrived in the city

Bismarck, North Dakota – The traditional start of the Christmas shopping season is Black Friday, but for customers at the Kirkwood Mall on Friday, a very special guest made an appearance.

Officially, Santa has arrived in town.

Friday morning in Bismarck saw the 53rd annual Santa parade complete with a fan fair.

The man in red always followed in the back of a pickup after the Bismarck High Scholl band performed.

“When the mall first opened years and years and years ago, over 50 years ago, they had the Bismarck Marching Band bring in Santa. And we’ve kept that tradition alive every year,” said Jennifer Wilson, the general manager at the Kirkwood Mall.

Daily photo opportunities with Santa will be available at the mall’s North Court starting at 11 a.m. on Monday through Saturday and noon on Sundays.

While they are not necessary, reservations are strongly advised.

Every Monday now, your animal companions are welcome to visit and get photos taken with Santa.