Second Sunday of Advent Mass and Photos with Santa

About This Event

All Aboard the North Pole Express!

Experience holiday magic—Zag style! Celebrate the season with the Gonzaga University community during a festive day filled with Christmas cheer, family activities and unforgettable memories.

The celebration begins with a special Mass at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, followed by an afternoon of holiday fun in the in the Hemmingson Ballroom. Bring the whole family to enjoy photos with Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus, a picture with Spike, holiday crafts, sweet treats and plenty of surprises along the way. There’s something for everyone aboard the North Pole Express at Gonzaga University.

The Zag Alumni & Friends team looks forward to seeing you there. Happy Holidays & Go Zags!

Schedule Details

Please note: Mass begins at 11 a.m. in St. Aloysius Catholic Church. The Hemmingson Ballroom will open at 12:15 p.m. for holiday festivities including photos with Santa. Guests attending only the afternoon activities are asked to arrive no earlier than noon.

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m | Second Sunday of Advent Mass
St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 330 E. Boone Ave. Spokane, WA 99202

12:15–3:00 p.m. | Photos with Santa and Holiday Festivities
John J. Hemmingson Center Ballroom, 702 E. Desmet Ave. Spokane, WA 99202

• 12:45–1:15 p.m. | Storytime with Mrs. Claus – Session 1
  Gather around Mrs. Claus's Reading Corner! Get cozy and settle in for a little Christmas magic as Mrs. Claus shares classic holiday stories your little ones are sure to love.
• 1:00–2:30 p.m. | Photos with Santa & Spike
  Our favorite furry Zag is making a special holiday appearance! Spike will join Santa for a limited-time photo opportunity. Don't miss your chance to snap a picture with this rowdy little pup before he heads off on his next adventure!
• 1:30–1:45 p.m. | Gonzaga Dance Team Performance & Little Zags Dance Party
  Get ready to move and groove! Enjoy a special performance by the Gonzaga Dance Team inside the Hemmingson Ballroom, followed by a festive Reindeer Dance Party. All Little Zags fans are invited to join the fun!
• 2:00–2:30 p.m. | Storytime with Mrs. Claus – Session 2
  There's always room for one more Christmas story! If you missed the first story time, join Mrs. Claus for another cozy session filled with holiday tales and Christmas magic.

More holiday magic around every corner
There's more to explore throughout the North Pole Express celebration. Make sure to check out all our magical stations, assisted by our very own lady Setons.

• Santa’s Snapshot Station: Capture the magic with a professional photographer! Each family will receive a high-quality printed keepsake and an instant digital copy of their photos.
• Santa’s Little Artist Stations: Let creativity shine with festive crafts and hands-on activities for all ages.
• Letters to Santa Station: Share your Christmas wishes by writing a letter to the North Pole and receive a reply from Santa.
• Mrs. Claus's Reading Corner Station: Cozy up for enchanting holiday stories and special story time sessions.
• The Sparkle Station: Add a little extra shimmer and holiday sparkle to your hair and face for some festive fun with Whitney Pittsenbarger.
• Gonzaga Dance Team/Zags Dance Party: Dance, wiggle, and celebrate the season with some festive holiday fun!
• The Jingle Bell Lounge with Reindeer Refreshers Station: Enjoy delicious holiday goodies and sweet seasonal treats.
• The Zag Shop: Browse Gonzaga gear, gifts and favorites.

Additional Information

Cost: $25 per family (up to 8 people).
Gonzaga students and employees may attend at no cost; registration is required. Register via the MyGU event listing to receive this special offer.

Parking: If you receive a parking ticket while attending the event, please email alumni@gonzaga.edu for assistance.

• Mass attendees: Parking is available at College Hall.
• Holiday festivities in the Hemmingson Ballroom attendees: Street parking and the parking garage next to the Zag Shop are available.

Special Requests and Assistance: Zag Alumni & Friends welcomes all families to the North Pole Express experience. For special requests or assistance needs, please contact the event team in advance. The team will gladly help make arrangements to ensure every attendee feels comfortable and included throughout the celebration.

For questions, special requests or assistance, please email Miriah Schroeder at schroederm@gonzaga.edu.