Santa and his sleigh on the way from Finland

Visitors take a picture of a Santa installation at Hyundai Department Store branch in Samseong-dong, southern Seoul. [HYUNDAI DEPARTMENT STORE]

With the Christmas season approaching, retailers are hoping to entice customers with various events to celebrate one of the most profitable holidays of the year.

While Lotte Department Store said it will bring “an official Santa” from Finland, the bearded gift giver already has a station at Hyundai Department Store in Samseong-dong, Gangnam District, in southern Seoul.

Lotte Department Store’s Christmas event will run from Dec. 6 until Christmas Day. Santa, who’s flying in from Rovaniemi, which is known to be his hometown, will personally hand out presents to children and take photos.

A variety of Christmas events will take place throughout all of Lotte Department Store’s branches nationwide. These events include writing postcards and capturing photos at photo zones decorated with Christmas ornaments, according to Lotte.

From Dec. 15 through Dec. 25, Santa will be invited to 12 branches, including the main Lotte Department Store in central Seoul and another branch in Jamsil, southern Seoul. He’ll hand out presents to 500 children that are on his nice list and that visit the stores. The first 100 people will also be able to take photos with the Finnish Santa. Making Christmas cake and candles are also part of the event.

Music parades featuring Santa and children will take place during the same period at five of Lotte Department Store’s branches, including the branches in Incheon Terminal. Children who wish to join the event can sign up on the website of Lotte’s cultural center starting Nov. 29.

“We decided to invite the real Santa Claus to give Lotte Department Store visitors unforgettable memories,” said a spokesperson for the department store in a statement. “We’ll continue to invest efforts to showcase diverse and unique events in the future.”

Hyundai Department Store has already revealed a Santa installation at its branch in Samseong-dong.

The installation, which is 15 meters (49 feet) in length, was installed in the third week of November. It features Santa Claus carrying a bag full of presents while holding a Christmas letter. The department store will also put out the installation in front of its main branch in Apgujeong-dong in southern Seoul. Other branches have been decorated with Christmas themes.

Discount chain franchise Homeplus focused on offering deals on Christmas supplies.

Ahead of Christmas, Homeplus is offering Christmas party supplies and presents at discounted prices until Dec. 4.

The retailer is offering 600 types of well-received toys like those from Sylvanian Families at discounted prices. Drones, LED scooters as well as party food like cheese and pizzas are just a few of the products that could interest adults.

“This Christmas event could help consumers save time and money by offering both popular toys and supplies for hosting Christmas parties at home,” said a spokesperson for Homeplus in a statement.

BY JIN MIN-JI [jin.minji@joongang.co.kr]