Santa Brunch at Hartville Marketplace draws families for a festive start to the season

Hartville Marketplace & Flea Market hosted a Santa Brunch on Dec. 6, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The holiday event drew hundreds of children and their families from across northeast Ohio. It offered a relaxing opportunity to spend time with Santa Claus, enjoy a meal with family and share moments together before the busy Christmas season began.

Santa, played by Steve Merrill, has been visiting with children at Hartville Marketplace for five years. He sat in his red chair with gold trim, listened to gift requests from kids of all ages and posed for keepsake photos with both children and adults.

Santa’s red-and-gold mailbox was placed next to his chair for kids who wanted to leave letters. He was seated near the brunch tables so children could see him during their meal.

Five-year-old Nicole Shirey and seven-year-old Sophia Alatorre, friends from Hartville, attended the brunch with Laura Ibarra, whose family owns Mi Casa, an authentic Mexican restaurant in Hartville. Both girls asked Santa for an Apple Watch, and Sophia said she also wished for love for her family.

A family from Green, Amber Grayson and Judy Denunzio, attended with five-year-old Grayson and eight-year-old Adeline. Grayson requested Hot Wheels, while Adeline told Santa she would like a Barbie Camper under the tree this year.

Children telling Santa what they want for Christmas is a longtime American tradition. Historically, children left notes by the fireplace or shouted wishes up the chimney—a practice later popularized by illustrations and poems such as “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” The U.S. Postal Service continues the tradition through “Santa Mail,” allowing children to send letters directly to Santa.

Many children at the event worked up an appetite visiting with Santa and were ready to eat with family and friends. The brunch included pancakes, French toast sticks, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, sweet potato fries and more. Guests also enjoyed handmade baked goods such as muffins and cookies prepared especially for families.

Additional activities included a balloon artist making Rudolph hats and other holiday balloon designs, face painting, reindeer food and gingerbread cookie kits for children to decorate at home.

Debra Rogers, who works at Hartville Marketplace & Flea Market, checked in families and directed them toward Santa. Rogers said the Marketplace had held the event in the past and decided to bring it back this year.

Because of the meal service, the brunch was a ticketed event. Rogers said turnout was strong, with more than 195 tickets sold. It was promoted as a morning filled with joy and wonder, offering children the chance to share holiday wishes, enjoy a hearty brunch and experience the magic of the season.

The Marketplace was decorated with Christmas trees and mechanical holiday scenes, including Santa reading a book and bears decorating trees.