Lufkin TX, Nov. 14, 2016 --- Rudolph came to life in a 1939 Montgomery Ward flyer, then became an industry unto himself, with songs and TV shows. For East Texans, their Rudolph is a 50 year tradition of a 45-foot high, oil pumping unit, painted red to resemble the holiday character, whose annual lighting includes the arrival of Santa Claus at 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19 at Lufkin Mall. 
All festivities, including Rudolph’s lighting, the Lufkin Community Band, a choir from Angelina College and refreshments with Santa, will take place in the mall’s front parking lot near IHOP and Loop 287. 
 Lufkin Industries has sponsored the Rudolph lighting for 50 years, while Lufkin Mall has hosted the community event for more than 20 years.
 After the official lighting, Santa will welcome children to join him for milk and cookies, courtesy of Great American Cookies, Oak Farms Dairy, Auntie Ann’s and Lufkin Mall, while supplies last. In case of rain, Santa’s arrival and refreshments will be located in front of Sears inside the shopping center.
At the conclusion of the festivities, Santa will make his way to his Winter Wonderland residence inside the shopping center. All children visiting Santa during the holiday season will receive a holiday toy.
 While visiting Santa is free, professional photography packages are available to capture Santa visitation moments that will be treasured for years to come. To make the Santa experience more enjoyable, families who pre-purchase their photo packages online athttp://celebrateyourholiday.us/lufkinmall may also reserve a specific date and time for their Santa visit.
 Santa will remain in residence at Lufkin Mall until Dec. 24. Rudolph the Red Nosed Pumping Unit will be on display throughout the season in the shopping center’s parking lot. For more information about Santa’s hours, extended holiday hours, stores and events, visitwww.lufkinmall.com or call (936) 639-1249.
 Lufkin Mall is home to four major department stores plus 51 specialty stores and the Lufkin Mall 9 Theaters. Major merchants are Stage, JCPenney, Sears and TJ Maxx.  The shopping center’s newest retailers are Auntie Ann’s, rue21 and Texan’s Barber School.
The mall, easily accessible at Loop 287 and Highway 59, serves the shopping needs of East Texans.
Lufkin Mall supports the community with multiple programs throughout the year including: Back to School iPad giveaway and the Salvation Army Angel Tree.
Lufkin Mall is managed by GK Development, Inc.