Santa At The Mall At Short Hills: See When And Where

SHORT HILLS, NJ – Santa's Flight Academy, the holiday attraction that merges the physical and digital to provide a personalized adventure for every child, has returned to the Mall at Short Hills through Dec. 24.

The 3,000 sq. ft. Santa’s Flight Academy experience is a personalized holiday adventure. Each visiting cadet receives a flight crew badge then, as an elite member of Santa’s flight crew, is fitted with a virtual flight suit. From there, the cadet partners with a helpful elf to inspect and power Santa’s sleigh using a series of interactive stations. The visit culminates with a snowfall dance party and, of course, time with Santa.

“Santa’s Flight Academy has become a beloved tradition in the community,” said Janet Cesario, the center’s marketing and sponsorship director. “It’s very special to create fun, adventure and lasting memories for children and adults over the holiday season.”

Set within the North Pole, each 'cadet' will receive an official flight crew badge and be instantly recognized by name upon entering Santa's Flight Academy to become an elite member of Santa's flight crew. From there, cadets are fitted with a virtual flight suit and will partner up with a helpful elf to inspect and power Santa's sleigh and navigate the best course for the big day. The experience culminates with a snowfall dance party and, of course, time with Santa who will greet his crew members personally by name.

To expedite the Santa’s Flight Academy experience, customers may create flight crew badges in advance of arrival by going to the center’s website, or by using the mobile app. Badges can also be created onsite at the Santa’s Flight Academy kiosks. Santa’s Express Lane passes may be purchased online to reserve a designated time for the visit.

Hours to see Santa:

• Thursday, Nov. 7 - Friday, Nov. 8: 3:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 9: 2:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 10: 1:45 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
• Monday, Nov. 11 - Friday, Nov. 15: 3:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 16: 2:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 17: 2:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
• Monday, Nov. 18 - Friday, Nov.22: 3:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.; Saturday, Nov.23: 2:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 24: 2:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
• Monday, Nov. 25 - Wednesday, Nov. 27: 3:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 29 - Saturday, Nov. 30: 12:30 p.m. - 1 p.m., 6:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 1: 2:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
• Monday, Dec. 2 - Friday, Dec. 6: 3:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 7: 12:30 p.m. - 1 p.m., 6:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 8: 3:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
• Monday, Dec. 9 - Friday, Dec. 13: 3:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 14 - Sunday, Dec. 15: 12:30 p.m. - 1 p.m., 6:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
• Monday, Dec. 16 - Monday, Dec. 23: 12:30 p.m. - 1 p.m., 6:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, Dec. 24: 12:45 p.m. - 1:15 p.m

Santa’s Flight Academy is free to all with a variety of optional photo packages to purchase. Each package includes a complimentary Lovepop card. For more information, visit shopshorthills.com.

Thanks for reading! Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Have a news tip you'd like to share? Or maybe you have a press release you would like to submit or a correction you'd like to request? Send an email to russ.crespolini@patch.com

Subscribe to your local Patch newsletter. You can also have them delivered to your phone screen by downloading, or by visiting the Google Play store.