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The Christmas season just isn’t complete without that obligatory mall visit for pictures with Santa. I make it sounds like a chore, but it really isn’t. In fact we all look forward to dressing up (all of us) and having our picture taken. The only part we don’t enjoy as much are the long lines. The kids happened to be in a mall with their cousins a few weeks ago so we decided to have them all get together with Santa. We were only 5th in line and we waited about an hour which was insane!
Yesterday we had a much different experience. We visited the Deptford Mall which for the 3rd year in a row has partnered with HGTV to present “Santa HQ.” Seeing Santa is now a much more family-friendly experience, starting with the fact that you can reserve a time for your visit without having to wait in a long line!
Upon arriving at our appointment time, the kids had an opportunity to type their names into the computer and the got “scanned” by the Naughty or Nice O’Meter. Both were relieved to find that they made the nice list!
After that we took a family photo and then took selfies in the next room in order to have our very own “ELFIE” made. The next section was just for the kiddos. They entered the North Pole Observatory where they used special tablets to view Santa’s magical world in “Elf-Ray Vision”. The kids found hidden toys while they waited for their turn to see Santa. This concept of a fun interactive Santa line is genius as it helps pass the time for those children who are not good at sitting still – and honestly, what kid is?
The Santa Photo package is available for $34.99 (11/3 – 12/8); $39.99 (12/9 – 12/24) including 11 photos and a digital download. For more holiday fun, a family portrait is available for $9.99. As an added bonus, guests can start to make reservations with the man of the hour by visiting www.santa-hq.com. Shoppers also are invited to bring in an unwrapped toy and participate in Help Through Holiday Giving. Deptford Mall hopes to gather 1000 toys to be donated to The Salvation Army. The Annual toy drive is sponsored by Inspira Health Network.
Nothing compares to that moment when you first catch a glimpse of Santa. I loved seeing this look on my daughter’s face as if to say, “It’s him! It’s really him!” The kids were talking about this experience all day which really made my day and speaks to the people who are responsibly for creating this amazing experience at the Deptford Mall.
This place would be perfect for my kids! They will surely love it, I want to go.
I wish I lived close enough to take my kids to see this Santa display! It’s definitely not this neat here.