Crowds of children gathered around a roped off area inside Central Mall staring intently and patiently at a sleeping Santa Claus snuggled in a large bed.

At precisely 11 a.m., with a cue from mall marketing manager Jody Galloway, the kids shouted in unison — “wake up Santa.”

The jolly, and groggy, old elf sat up and waved to the excited kids gathered around. A few friends of his were on hand to help him into his signature red coat, hat and black boots. Soon he was high-fiving the children and joining them in song before taking his seat for paid photos on Saturday.

Sisters Mia Moreno, 10, and Mareli Moreno, 8, stood at the gated off area with their cousin Fernando Deleon, 11, waiting for Santa. The girls’ mom, Julie Moreno, said this is the children’s first time to attend the mall event and that they’ve already made their Christmas wish list, something they probably started last year.

Raiden Patton, 5, jumped at the chance to high-five Santa and give him his wish list.

“I want kinetic sand,” Patton said. “I love Christmas, It’s my favorite holiday and I love winter too.”