WHEELING — Santa will be at The Highlands on “Small Business Saturday” to meet with children and their families.

He has penciled in to his busy holiday schedule a stop from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 29 at Wharton Circle across from the Marquee Cinemas at the former Bower Decor Market location.

Children will be able to meet Santa and get a photo with him. They can also have some cookies and milk.

Santa’s helpers will be around to assist children in making Christmas crafts.

This is the first time such a holiday event has been set for The Highlands.

Stephanie Hockenberry, growth and retention manager for Ohio County, said she and county officials had been looking for ways to drive traffic to small businesses at The Highlands on “Small Business Saturday.”

“Santa is a great way to get people to come out,” she said.

The former Bower Decor location is presently vacant, and the event will primarily take place there, Hockenberry said. The event is free and children do not have to register.

“But there may be a line,” she said. “We know Santa does draw a crowd.”

Hockenberry expressed joy in putting together the event.

“I love Christmas. I love Santa,” she explained. “It just encapsulates the magic of the holidays, the community, and bringing people together to celebrate goodness and fun.

“There will be some activities for the kids at the event to get people to enjoy the community and have a little Christmas magic with Santa. Then they can get out and shop in person at the stores rather than buying online.”

The Panera Bread restaurant at The Highlands will be providing the cookies and coloring sheets for children. Other sponsors may also contribute goodies for the event, according to Hockenberry.

“And there will be Christmas music,” she said. “There has to be Christmas music. People should just come out and enjoy the Christmas season, see Santa, make a swish, and share the joy of what’s to come and all that we have to be grateful for this season.”