In recent years, the experience of visiting Santa at the mall has transformed significantly. Gone are the days when children could simply sit on Santa’s lap and share their holiday wishes without any cost. Nowadays, Santa has become a commercialized figure, with malls eager to monetize his presence. However, many parents are not on board with this trend.
This week, a mall in New Jersey faced considerable backlash after attempting to impose a fee for families to see Santa Claus. According to reports from the Philadelphia Chronicle, previous visits to Santa were complimentary, allowing families to enjoy the holiday tradition without the pressure of purchasing photos or add-ons. This year, however, the mall introduced a policy reminiscent of Ebenezer Scrooge’s tightfisted ways, placing Santa in a windowless setting where only those who paid for an expensive photo package—ranging from $35 to $50—could enter.
To rationalize the price, the mall claimed it was one of a select few locations in the country offering the Dreamworks Adventure to Santa experience, which includes a 15-20 minute pre-visit featuring interactive elements such as virtual gingerbread house design, singing elves, and a simulated sleigh ride. Nonetheless, families wishing to simply see Santa without participating in the full experience found themselves out of luck. This policy was particularly perplexing, given that the mall had provided the same attraction the previous year without requiring any pre-purchase.
Upon noticing the change, many parents took to social media to voice their frustrations on the mall’s Facebook page. They advocated for separate Santa visits for those who couldn’t afford the fee or who preferred a more traditional experience. One parent expressed disappointment, stating, “It costs a $35 minimum for your child to see Santa? That’s just sad! It’s a shame to take away the joy from children whose parents can’t afford it. Everyone should boycott this event.”
The outcry from the community was significant enough that the mall reconsidered its decision. A spokesperson for the mall later stated, “We received feedback from our shoppers. Some were unhappy with our decision to implement a fee, saying ‘This is not what the holidays are about.’ We listened to their concerns.”
The holiday season is a time filled with wonder and joy, but it can also place a financial strain on many families. The opportunity for children to visit a friendly mall Santa has always been a cherished tradition that should remain accessible. While interactive experiences can be enjoyable, they shouldn’t be mandatory for children to partake in the spirit of the holidays. Santa represents generosity and goodwill, and there shouldn’t be a price tag attached that excludes some children from this joyful experience.
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In summary, the recent backlash against the Cherry Hill Mall’s decision to charge for Santa visits highlights the importance of maintaining accessible holiday traditions for all families. The community’s response serves as a reminder that the spirit of the season should be inclusive, allowing every child to experience the joy of meeting Santa without financial barriers.