Christmas has arrived at The Avenue Forsyth.

The outdoor mall on Peachtree Parkway in south Forsyth officially welcomed the holiday season Saturday with several family-friendly activities.

Many more will continue throughout the season.

“We want to create an environment where shoppers feel welcome,” said Megan Jurkovic, senior marketing manager.

Saturday, patrons were treated to storytimes with Mrs. Santa Claus, as well as free face painting, balloon art, giveaways and arts and crafts.

Santa Claus arrived in the afternoon to light the mall’s Christmas tree.

In addition, holiday carriage rides and strolling carolers began their seasonal run.

Both will continue through the holiday season on weekends, as will photo opportunities with Santa.

Jurkovic said the local Avenue site has been providing similar holiday happenings since its opening.

“Those are always a big draw,” she said, noting Saturday events were especially successful.

“We had several hundred people for the tree lighting.”

The mall will also offer a Black Friday giveaway.

“We’ll have a free gift for anyone spending more than $100,” she said of the giveaway, which will run from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Jurkovic said anyone bringing receipts Friday totaling at least $100 from Avenue vendors to a table outside Marlow’s Tavern will receive a fleece blanket, while supplies last.

Complimentary photos with Santa and horse-drawn carriage rides will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. every Saturday through Dec. 17.

A number of retailers in the mall will also offer extended hours and offers throughout the holiday season.

“This time of year is the biggest for making sales throughout the year, so we want to offer a lot to our customers so they can enjoy the season while doing their shopping,” Jurkovic said.